Message #38411

[peana]

I've been both and have never really noticed any 'us and them' problems.  With a few exceptions (none of which I'd put down to 'U & T') most admin staff I have worked with have been very supportive of one another.

To summarise, on finishing my degree (Environmental Science) I took various temp positions, one for a company in the water treatment field (right up my street).  With that company I worked my way up from receptionist to assistant project manager.  I was then transferred to the main office in Switzerland where I worked in Sales and Marketing for 4 years.  I enjoyed my job but I was massively stressed out.  I finally took the decision to change direction entirely.

I'd never been a PA before, but have always worked closely in a support role to senior management, and had to organise myself pretty tightly.  Talking to various friends and agencies I decided it was a role for which I was ideally suited.  I've no formal secretarial qualifications, but with all the temping I'd done my skills were pretty good.

My current boss is very happy with my performance and I've got the best work-life balance I can remember (even as a school kid I pushed myself too hard and had a rubbish social life).  I love my job, and do my best to support and encourage those around me.  When we get to review time each year bossie always wonders if I'm being stretched enough, is there another role I'd like to aim for, etc. but I can honestly say I've no intention of changing.  I love the variety of the role - even the mundane stuff is okay in small doses!

People often fail to realise the significance of the role of an admin / secretary / PA / whatever you call it - it is true that our worth is often only realised after the experience of a 'bad temp' (apologies to all good temps out there).  I hate to gloat, but whenever I'm doubting my decision (usually when I'm helping bossie send out the salary review letters!) I just need to compare my stress levels to those I work for and remember what all those late nights, client meals, unsociable travelling, etc. did for my health and wellbeing!

My dream jobs are to either be an astronaut or muppeteer, but now I'm in my thirties I'll be content with what I've got!  Power to all office workers, and may DD long support us and encourage us to think about our careers in this manner!