PA and Secretary Community - Deskdemon.com

Is it just me or is anyone else completely bored?  I seem to be right back where I started 3 months ago.

I know it's only day 2 of being back to work in 2009 but I'm beginning to feel that everywhere else will be the same given the current climate.

I'm really beyond the stage of going begging for work as I think that raises the issue of me not being busy.  However it makes me wonder what I should or shouldn't say at any meetings that may take place prior to going permanent.

Maybe HR have no real concept that this role is over-paid and lacking in any serious mind-challenging work.  It's scary to think I am getting paid more than my last job for working less hours and carrying out less work.

Is this really the environment we are in or do I just always end up in the wrong jobs?

Not just you Gee - if I wasn't starting my new job late January (start date now two weeks later in Jan than originally planned) I could have written your posting.

At my interview for my current role I was promised all sorts of work, projects etc etc but in relaity it never happened.  Just found myself doing work I was not trained for therefore just going through the motions of doing as I was asked with no understanding or having no work at all.  I felt all my skills slipping away from me with mind numbing work to do each day.

There is only so many times you can re-organise a very small filing system....

I know by now you would have sussed out if there were any challenging work available to do or to offer to start new things but it sounds as if there is not anything there for you to keep yourself busy up to your level of ability.

Obvious thing is to look for another job but I know you had difficulties in finding something from your previous postings.  I suppose in this difficult climate with everybody cutting back we should be grateful that we are employed and earning a wage each month but I know that will be little comfort to you when you feel like you do.

If you do bring this situation to HR's attention, this may give them ammunition to re-think your role and are you really needed - not you personally of course but the position you are in.  They may need to make cutbacks and if you tell them you have no work etc this may be just what they need.  

Sounds as if you are just in the wrong job.  Imagine you know this and will be looking elsewhere for a better one.

Keep your eyes peeled, you may just stumble upon something.
Hope your day/week gets better.

Well, yes, but not because I don't have enough work to do...it's just that the work I have is mind-numbingly, soul-suckingly boring and tedious.  And there's too much of it for one person, but not enough for two, so I'm feeling overwhelmed to boot.  

As our staff has grown, I've lost the creative input and decision-making influence I used to have.  My job has de-volved into data management.  I used to be more out and about in the organization, serving as my boss' representative since there was just the two of us, and doing more writing and designing, but now I'm chained to my desk with mountains of data entry and creating report after report after report....  I mean, I'm a "systems" person up to a point -- but this is getting to a point where it's just a drag.  

Oh, and that promotion and raise I was promised six months ago after yet another fabulous glowing review?  Hasn't happened.  It's supposedly still "in the works" but I've about given up on it.  

At this point, I'm here solely for the medical benefits.

Cathy, I am in two minds what to do.  Money is a plus but at the end of the day if we are not happy what does money bring you?

I shall begin looking again this week.  One agency has already called me today for an update.  I guess most of them will be updating their database for 2009.

Did, it seems these days we are not hired for the skills we can bring to a job but merely for the fact that "someone" is needed and we are able to fulfil the role.

I've just completed a task set by my boss before lunch, so I would say that's probably my work done for the day.

Cathy if I forget, good luck with the new job.  I'm sure you can't wait.

Back at work this Monday after the Christmas holidays and - even though the college term hasn't started yet - tasks are already stacking up!  The only time I can say I'm bored is during the long summer vacation which is the best time to catch up on stuff but eventually even that "make work" work runs out.

One of the reasons I left my last job was because I didn't have enough to do - like you it seems, Gee (and I'm so sorry to hear that) - and when I got this one and complained to a friend that I didn't have a moment to myself because I was so busy, she laughed at me and reminded me of more boring times!  Careful what you wish for, she said...

It's very easy, Gee, to think that you keep ending up in the wrong job but I found that it took a long time to find the right job after I'd left a job I'd loved after 10 years - I think it took four placements over about 5 years before I found the right one (this one) which I absolutely love.  So, take heart, try not to be down although I know how hard it is not to feel that way.  

All good wishes to everyone for 2009 - let's hope it's not as bad as the media keep painting.

Gem, it gets to the point where its almost embarrassing.  Here I am in amongst some very skilled and talented people who do a great job and yet personally I don't think secretaries are required in this environment on a full-time basis.

As I said above, it makes me wonder if HR departments actually know what volume of work the secretaries are actually tasked with.  No offence, but children could do this job.

Whilst I am grateful, nothing can eradicate the boredom!  

I'm just curious as to what it is I am looking for and why I am not content.  Is the role of the PA deemed as a simple one, eg. it's not rocket science?  Is it the case that I am searching for a role that does not exist?

Gee,

There are PAs and there are PAs.  Just a look at the fellowship awards scheme and the monthly winners indicates a very broad set of competencies and experiences.  There's a world of difference between a PA working in a school for a general school office to the PA who works with a well-known businessman, such as Mr Trump.  And there's everyone in between.  

You need to decide where you want to be in that spectrum and aim there.  Even in a downturn in business, people still want good staff.  I have found my significant jobs in economic downturns.  

I seem to remember that you are some languages and MOS certification.  I don't have the latter, but I do have the former and some advanced academic qualifications as well.  I'm ambitious and want to get to the top.  I've never made a secret of that, just worked exceptionally hard and assessed and taken advantage of every opportunity presented to me.  You may not want to beaver away and get a degree or an MBA, but academic things can be a passport to those top jobs.  

Maybe you need to take some time to find out what you really really want to do, and aim for that.  

I hear you Rain but when faced with redundancy I never seem to be anywhere long enough, well not in the last few years anyway.

The problem is NI is very different from mainland UK and I ought to know as I lived in England for a few years.  NI bases a lot of emphasis on qualifications whereas I found in England, if you have the experience, you're in!

The companies that I have been successful enough to have gained employment in, seem welcoming as regards the qualifications I do have, but there is no such thing as professional development for admins, it's not seen as necessary.  When it comes to things like pay rises we are just given an average % with nothing to back up how that figure came about and therefore have to accept it.

I do believe having worked for some companies got me in the door to others but employers are narrow-minded in their thinking.  I have been turned down for positions because someone else had more experience or came from a similar background so I don't believe you can get your foot into every door - 9 times out of 10 it comes down to personality.

I have to say it's very sad when I have to report how sorry colleagues were to see me leave or move on to other jobs knowing my skill set has helped them out in the past.  Personally I think certain individuals are intimidated by the skills we hold rather than encouraging us to share these skills or assist others that we work with.

I have hit brick walls before with finding jobs that challenge me mentally and have yet to find one.  Some have had challenging aspects but not all have been busy.  If employers want good staff and for example hire me, why don't they do enough to keep me or re-assign me if I am more suited to another department?

What I want to do is work in event management but without qualifications in that field (and I have tried), I would have to take a huge cut in salary and go in as a junior admin.  I know my strengths as I do my weaknesses but unless they are noticed or the opportunity presents itself, the job hunting becomes rather difficult.

I fully believe I have been hired at times for the wrong reasons.  Yes I have the skills, but task me with something to put those skills to good use.

At this stage in my life, I reflect on that famous question asked at interviews...where do you see yourself in 5 year's time?  If only I was in a job long enough, I could answer it!

Not bored here.  Still feeling my way through my new role and learning new things.

Gee, don't they have classes/courses/training for event management that you could take that would qualify you for the positions you are interested in?  Do you have to work your way up within the industry?  Seems like you have all the organizational and procurement experience you would need, just lacking the formality of industry training?  In my area there are certificate programs specifically for event management.

About 6 months ago I told my boss that I wasn't being challenged enough in the new role, he told me to search out any committees or projects I want to get involved in and go for it.  He even said I could spend time in other departments (like an internship) and still charge to his payroll, as long as I got my work done for him that he needs.  Since then I've worked with several departments and on different projects, it's fun because it's something new all the time.  Plus, the extra exposure and networking benefits the job I do for him.

Laura, there probably are courses but they would be full-time at college eg. hotel/event management or equivalent.  I couldn't afford to leave paid employment to take up further education for the next 2 years.

Most jobs I have seen advertised within event management are junior admin roles which more than likely offer progression and development but the starting salaries are very much below what I have been used to.  If I was starting off my career it wouldn't matter so much.

It's just a shame I found my niche quite late on and that industries don't recognise potential when they see it.  Mind you if I was on an interview panel I would probably offer the job to someone who had x years doing the job rather than someone like me who wanted to move into that field but was not qualified....wouldn't we all?

Gee . .. what about . . .

finding an event management company whose events you aspire to organise, and ask them if you can do some stuff for them at events on weekends and evenings?  You could volunteer to do it either entirely unpaid, or for expenses if you need to get somewhere (if they can't take you).

That way you earn some valuable experience, they get to know you and you will find out about any openings they may have .. . .  Somebody may even opt to mentor you?

Jackie, Peer Moderator
www.iqps.org

Jackie, I have signed up to assist local charities at weekend/evening events but nothing has arisen yet in my area.

I guess the event companies are another option.

misslynn, what a great boss! I love seeing executives encourage their employees to stretch themselves and grow within the company and good for you for taking advantage of it!

Gee, in the US, colleges offer accelerated learning programs designed for adults that work - they are usually one night a week, for 3-5 hours and most people can then complete their degree within 2-4 years (depending on the type of degree they are pursuing) while still working full time.

Does Northern Ireland not offer anything equivalent?

Marie, it would depend on the courses offered and obviously the entrance criteria.  But I will check it out.

I wish I had a better careers advisor when I was at school!

Thanks.

yes, I am often bored.  I could probably complete my tasks in one 8 hr work day and I work 40 hrs a week.  I feel guilty sometimes because I'm often on the Internet.  If I didn't have access to the Internet I would go crazy just sitting here.  This profession is probably not for me but I have been with the same company for 11 years so I have made my way up the pay scale and receive ample vacation so I find it hard to leave.  I tried finding a new job 2 years ago but had no luck, so here I am.   The work that I do have such as filing and meeting minutes are really mindless so even when I do have work I am still bored.  I wish I could give you advise but I just think it is the job that is boring.

Unfortunately, I completely understand boredom. I myself have been considering transitioning out of the administrative field. At one point I supported the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and I was still bored. The core elements of the administrative positions (travel, expense reports, filing, etc.) are no longer of interest to me and when you are bored, the day drags incredibly long. I need more of a mental challenge than my last few jobs have given me.

In fact, I feel so strongly about this that I am considering hiring a career coach this year to walk me through some exercises to try to identify what new career would be most suitable for me. There are many areas that I enjoy.

I really like the idea of becoming a motivational speaker with a focus on career development and enhancing your value to the company. While this economy is certainly not the best time to launch such a business, I think I could combine it with some other consulting work to make a successful business.

I would also like to return to school to pursue my bachelor's degree, but I haven't decided what it would be in. It's amazing how indecision can paralyze us, even for years, isn't it?? This has been on my to do list for far too many years.

Good luck to you!!!

Marie, I can relate to the not making a decision part to the point of parlyzing what you will or won't do. I've been meaning to go back to college since I left in 1991 with an Associates Degree.  I'm not exactly sure if I'll ever go back for a Bachelors Degree at some point now or not.  I may decide at some point down the line, that it will be a necessity to move up in my field, however, at the moment, I am content with what I have.  If that is at all possible, being content.  I know what's expected of me, and I'm allowed to try new things that I probably would never get an opportunity to do elsewhere.  I'm stil learning new things and while I do have alot of down time on my hands, I'm never really bored for very long.



Diamondlady
Peer Moderator

Marie, it's quite funny we are on this topic today but I feel I am a good writer.  I could never speak in public but I am told you can if you learn to overcome certain fears.

The core elements of the administrative positions (travel, expense reports, filing, etc.) are no longer of interest to me and when you are bored, the day drags incredibly long. I need more of a mental challenge than my last few jobs have given me.

I couldn't agree more with you on on the above statement and basically that's all my current role entails.

No boredom here.  I work for a mover and shaker, high energy top level sales executive for a Global company.  Trust me, I never have a dull moment.  Wouldn't have it any other way.  I love what I do and enjoy the people I work with.  I am blessed.

I feel paralyzed as well.  I need to get a master's degree to compete in my organization, but I don't know what in...  

And to be brutally honest, I just don't know if I'm up to going back to school at this point.  I come home completely frazzled and exhausted as it is.  I don't know if I could handle the additional stress of coursework.  Heck, I don't know if I'd survive preparing for and taking the entrance exams (GMAT or GRE)...