Speaking for myself as a twenty-something, I have to agree that being an Admin is just a stepping stone for something higher in the food chain. For me, I am just not willing to be the *errand girl*, *coffee server* or feel as if I must follow my boss around making sure his shoes are tied and his jacket is lint-free.



At my most recent temp job, the executive secretary used to have to drive 2 hours (one way) across the state to a jobsite just to bring her boss his messages and mail. (No, he wouldn't accept them via fax to the site.. he wanted the hand-written sheets and every bit of mail, junk included, despite the fact he would be in the office later that afternoon). When he said jump, she would have said "How high would you like me to jump, Sir?" I can't work like that, and I wonder if maybe bosses like that one are a reason for the loss of great admins.



I also tend to wonder if maybe my age (or generation) has something to do with how I feel. I'm young, and I feel somewhat invincible at times. There will always be a job out there for me at this point in my life, and I am abundantly aware of it. I can only assume many others my age feel the same way.



I once went to an interview where the man told me I was too young to be asking for $10/hr for an office manager position. He said his previous manager was making that after 10yrs of service, and that I should (basically) go back to the welfare line where I belonged. I wondered if this man realized $10/hr in this day and age is peanuts.. and my skills are worth at least that, probably more. Perhaps it is why the manager left, too. (  )