>>>>And if you're one of those converted people who went into the profession as a stepping stone and found oneself a career management support person, did you simply get "trapped" in the role, or did you come to find that it presented enough challenge and room for advancement to keep you happy? >>>>>
I used my skills as a stepping stone to a supervisory position in my last job, but after dealing with management issues for two years, I was frustrated and unhappy.
I quit and found a corporate secretarial support position--one in which I feel challenged and motivated and involved in the big picture on a daily basis.
The only regret I have, in terms of "settling" for this position, is that at times I feel like the bachelors' degree I attained on a part-time basis over a period of several years has not contributed to my current career status. I will see other sales coordinators (admins) going to college to work their way into the engineering positions and feel as if I've wasted my degree by continuing to work at this level.
Movinonup 
