Message #3540

[theresak]

Hi -



I usually lurk - but I just had to post because you sound like you are really hurting.  I remember another poster on another (now defunct) site that had some similarities to yours as far as feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated - her post "Sinking fast in the land of grits and okra" some of you may remember.    



I would separate what you like and don't like about this job and soon.  It sounds as if your boss is  interviewing for someone to take some of the load off you and you want to make sure they take the *right* part of the load.  It sounds like you have some options.    You can probably see a pattern emerging in regards to similarities and differences in the positions regarding what you like and don't like.  Maybe with an additional person you won't feel so overwhelmed and like you are doing things wrong.



 Perhaps you took the Admin job thinking it was "easy" and "steady" never realizing that many strong admins make it look effortless - but it is not.  Today education is more accesible and many people have degrees if not advanced degrees.  Our receptionsist/admin has a Masters degree and someone applying for her job had a PhD.  I live in a  college town,  but I think this is more and more common.  Personally, I have decided that there are no demeaning jobs - just demeaning tasks.  If you are asked to do tasks that are inappropriate to your position - I would suggest getting an intern/temp/hired service to take care of them.  If they are tasks that you feel fall with in your job description but you feel demeaned by the way they are explained or delegated (for example copying one sheet of paper or answering the phones with no breaks or back-ups) I would try to be helpful but explain (and teach) that it is easier to work together to solve these problems.



Also - there is a big difference between looking *hot* and looking and acting professionally.  I think that anyone with approriate grooming habits and a serviceable wardrobe can look great and impress visitors without regard to weight or natural looks.  There may be some exceptions, but other than maybe sales, arts or entertainment - your weight should not be an issue.   It sounds like he was comfortable with you interacting with the clients maybe she seemed unkept or did not use standard english.  



It is unfortunate that you seem to have not maintained a strong relationship with your former boss as it would be nice if you could just transition back into that department.  There may still  be other opportunities in this job (especially if you get help like it looks like you may).



I am sure you will get lots of great advise from the crew here.    I hope you are already feeling better after venting.



Cheers



PS - I must appoligize - spell check does not seem to be working for me.