Tired of Administrative Assistant jobs!

Karen in Denver, Colorado said: I think you all need to stop crabbing!

I was an Admin III/Office manager,over 50 and have been out of work since 9/07 - company down sizing - I think you all know what I'm talking about. So, if you have a job be glad that you're getting a pay check! I have worked since I was in my teens, was darn good at what I did, got a raise every year and was glad I had a job. Then the mortgage crisis hit and now I'm having a hard time finding a job of any kind.

If you're good at what you do and do the best you can do everyday, I believe your reward will come. Have you talked to your manager or supervisor and let them know what your career interests and goals are? In all of the years that I have worked I have found that most managers will help you achieve your goals, but you have to tell them what you're thinking! Remember the folks at the top are goal oriented they like it when you talk goals and numbers.

The folks at the top where I worked was only goal-oriented for their little "pets". I talked my head off trying to get them to see my potentials and what I could do for the company but they put their feet on my neck every time I tried. I took every management and supervisory class they offered. As a matter of fact, they even denied me one of the supervisory classes. I even went back to college and maintained a 3.92 GPA, but I think that made some of them scared that maybe I would take their position when I graduated. In some companies being goal-oriented works, but not in all. And it especially doesn't work when there isn't any fair treatment. Sorry, not ragging but I lost my job in January 2010, because they just didn't want me around anymore. Sometimes your great potential causes you to lose your job, especially in this economy where everyone is back-stabbing everyone else to stay afloat.

Hi Wilma,
I am sorry that you lost your job, doesn't looking for a job suck!
I have since found a job as the office manager for a non-profit and boy oh boy it's a different world that's for sure. I totally get what your are saying about "favorites" and the "back stabbing". No matter where you work that will happen we just need to watch our backs way more than we used to. The stinkin' economy certainly doesn't help. It's a hard way to learn that the "dog eat dog" world really exists. Although I currently have a job (under paid and under employed) at least I'm glad I have one but I never stop looking. My suggestion to you (even though you sound like you are and intelligent person and know what you're doing)is just hang in there and don't settle. Figure out what you want to do and follow the dream. One never knows it could be right around the corner. Hang in there!

And can you believe there is a site where people are complaining that they cannot fill administrative assistant jobs because the applicants are all stupid.

www.gaebler.com/Hiring-an-Administrative-Assistant.htm

People should just spam this site with venom.

Janet in Cleveland, Ohio said: Maryanne--why do you have to be so condescending...telling her to get her anger under control. Sounds like you have had to deal w/ that same issue, I'll bet. She is just venting her frustration on this forum. I'm SURE she doesn't go to work and drop the "f bomb". You are one of those people we've all worked with who holds herself above everyone else, as if you've never had a bad day!! I can't stand people like you. Why can't you just give this woman a break and let her vent? I feel the same way sometimes. I have to get coffee...and it's 2008. He can't get his own coffee as he walks past the coffee machine? But, again, you had to cut her down w/ your rude, superior remards instead of just either letting it go or empathizing w/ this woman.

Don't even bother commenting on my blog. I'm not interested in your haughty, uptight opinion. Perhaps YOU should look at why you're so cold...and we'll look at why we're so angy. K?

Couldn't agree more. We don't need anger management, you need to stop pissing us off. I am serious. Employers sit there and argue with you about why they think you are wrong. And even after you get proven right they still don't admit it. It wouldn't be so bad if we didn't live in a country full of morons like yourself who probably vote for the tea party (because you are stupid and can't see how it is against your interests. You think A) they are going to restore some sort of victorian morality to the world, or B) fix it so you can become a millionaire yourself.) This is where this country is headed. All ass-licking hypocrits get ahead while the rest of us get kicked out of our jobs to be replaced by people we are a lot smarter than.

Hello everyone. I must say I'm an executive assistant/personal assistant to the CEO and owner of a company. I am also the office manager of 50 staff. With my many tasks I've been looking for an admin assistant for about a year now! I worked with temp agencies and the candidates could not follow directions (after keeping many on board for a few months; to give them a chance to become acclimated to the office style). It was as if they were temping to just get a paycheck. I spoke to the other executive assistants to the other companies in my building and they had the same experience. Believe me I am as shocked as the next person. Just remember because of the recession, a lot of people of "posing" as "experienced" admin assistants. As the Executive Assistant to the CEO and truly his right hand person, I will not settle. I don't mind teaching/training someone who wants to learn the job.

Anybody know anyone know the culture, etc. at MJE, or Manhattan Jewish Experience in New York City. Any information would assist.

L. Erica Mims in Ithaca, New York said: Good Luck! It's a great idea to start your own business. What is very helpful, is to read a very good book, before you start, Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office. If you go to Amazon.com and type in the title, you'll be able to find the cost, etc. Also there might be a lot of government grants that could help you. Don't forget to use all the experience that you've accumulated in the various jobs that you have held.

You'll probably find that all that hard work all those years, will come in very handy as you work very hard for yourself. Another great book is Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow, again Amazon.com would be the best place to find this book.

Take care, and good luck.

Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office is a GREAT book!! And perfect for this situation

WOW..you hit this right on the head. I am in the same boat as you spent 40k a year for a "good private school" to be stuck in a position that is below me and I am financially imprisoned by it. I will fight for the lifestyle and career I want but as of late it seems like this I am stuck and I HATE IT!!! I'm college educated and yearn to be higher educated but how to do that when I can not afford to take out a loan and I have no skill to make me stand out from graduate school competition because I'm just an administrative assistant.

It's nice to know that I am not the only person who feels trapped in the administrative assistant world. I also have an Honours BA degree. For the last 4 years, I have bounced around from one administrative assistant contract position to another at the university I currently work at. Now, my resume is very heavily administrative-based, and I feel like I have cornered myself. I thought this would be a stepping-stone for me, but it seems that employers only see me as an administrative assistant now.

I would like to let everyone here know that this problem is not exclusive to women. I did not even apply to my current job as a receptionist/administrative assistant - I applied to an Intellectual Property Administrator position in the same department. I received a call from the hiring manager that I would not be invited to an interview, and instead she offered me the receptionist position, which is covering a sick leave until the end of the year. I find the job extremely demeaning - some of my many menial tasks involve watering plants and making coffee for executives. My supervisor is by far the worst micro-manager I have come across in the 10 years I have been employed and she treats/speaks to me like I am inferior to her. I know I have to make a drastic career change because being an administrative assistant is not for me at all. Some people enjoy it and I am happy for them, but quite frankly, I find it mind-numbing to the point where I literally feel like a zombie by the end of the day. I'm beginning to feel hopeless...

I just realized and need to keep repeating to myself that I deserve much more than administrative work. Not that I'm displeased with my workplace or colleagues, it is actually all-in-all a great place to work. However, as an example of my continuing frustration, I just got back from a week and half long vacation, and knew that as soon as I got back to the office, hardly anyone would be asking about my vacation, and just asking for things that needed to be done. Sure enough, only two people out of a staff of 8 asked how my time was, and then they only had 2 seconds to listen. Then the requests started pouring in.

Mostly, I am very tired of being continually asked to do things. Everyone has a now deadline, and I am in a position that is hard for me to say "not now". I need to keep repeating to myself that I value my skills and knowledge, I am a worthwhile person and deserve to express my talents, and get paid for it! I am interested in a lot of things, mostly art related, and I long to work in a creative, compassionate environment. Change begins from within.

Does anyone else relate?

Sus in New York, New York said: Anybody know anyone know the culture, etc. at MJE, or Manhattan Jewish Experience in New York City. Any information would assist.

I heard that this is an organization like a cult, trying to convert young jewish men and woman into modern orothodox and don't bother if you are woman, they do not know what the word respect means-- it is a cheap hostile work enviornment -----all money from the donors goes to the rabbis salary, their expenses and for the producing of these events to convert people which are low quality. But you need a job, the door is revolving there.

Bottom line you can do so much better, it is a dump.

I didn't read the entire thread, so I'm not sure if someone has said this before, but you can break out of admin work, but you've got to be strategic. I did it and you can do it too. Here's what you do.

1. If you are working someplace where you've been a secretary and you are hoping to move up there, know that it is highly unlikely. Once people see you as an admin, it is very difficult for them to see you as anything else. But ... if you can move into a position there that has a different title - even if it has the same admin duties, then take it for a while. The key is to get your organizational skills under a new job title on your resume.

2. If you can't change your title or duties at your current job - or if you are out of a job - make sure your next job has a different title. If you can, don't worry too much about the salary - or even the duties. What you want is the title so that you can get out of admin work for good. Sometimes there are "slash" jobs - like administrative assistant / marketing specialist. Those are great positions because you'll get the title.

3. Scrub that resume to get rid of anything that even seems remotely like an admin assistant (no filing, typing, etc.) If you have to put it on there, emphasize all of the other skills and deemphasize admin stuff. Instead, focus on your organizational and management skills.

And, if you don't want to be treated like an admin - and you go to another job where they try to treat you like one, just don't do that type of work. Don't help people with the copier, make the coffee, don't handle keys of any kind or put yourself in any light where you can be seen as a secretary.

Bit by bit, you'll get out - and that degree will pay off. If you can do some volunteering where you'll get some leadership experience, do that and treat it as a job. That's another quick way to get out.

Don't despair - the hardest part of the battle (degree) is done.

I would really like to thank everyone who has commented on this forum. I have been really bogged down for a year plus about being and admin after obtaining my Masters and very close to a proj mgmt certification...And still no leads. I have been here as an Executive Assistant from Admin (not much change in duties just titles) for 5 years and what everyone has said is so true... I am in a box in my current position. My boss definition of job development is finding other areas to do administrative work. I've tried redefining, reemphazing, and reaching out only for it to be short term. The jobs I have applied to angers me when they see my title and not the deliverables when I interview with them. I know I have to be entry level, but even applying for that seems too much. But, reading many of these posts is encouraging to stick to what potential I have not what I see in front of me. Geri, I look forward to reading the books you named. Thanks a bunch.

Advisor's and Planners usually require both a college degree and certification to be taken seriously. I browse this site lidcombe.financial-planners-sydney.com.au and found some new idea

Analysts need neither and can still prove their worth, they just have to work a little harder at it.

Both require State and Federal Licensing.

L in Columbia, SC in Columbia, South Carolina said: Is anyone else finding that once you've worked in administrative and clerical positions, that's all employers see you as - no matter what your other potentials may be (i.e., project management, clinical background, event planning, seminar speaking and presentations, trainer, etc.)? A college professor told me that this happens when you don't have a degree, and that bigger and better doors will open when I obtain my degree. How do you break out of the administrative and clerical positions trap when you want higher promotions or career opportunities? I'm not knocking administrative professionals because I am one, but understand that I am trying to branch out and expand beyond typing letters and answering phones. I've actually had a former manager say "Oh, she's just a secretary" to a management candidate that inquired about my position during introductions!

Thanks,
L

Watch the movie Working Girl with Melanie Griffith first for inspiration. Keep in foucs high business ethics and strong integerity so that you don't compromise who you are while building a foundation of trust and loyalty. Then create something that you are passionate about and put it out there. Be creative and use all the highly advanced technological tools that are now available to everyone. Even if you create something in hardcopy and have it printed to dissiminate. Sell yourself and be a walking positive affirmation as if you were the presenting agency representing yourself. Then personally market to different companies. Try marketing yourself wherever you are (i.e. Starbucks, grocery lines, public transportation, etc.) Best Wishes!

Jonathan in Caledonia, Ontario said: It's nice to know that I am not the only person who feels trapped in the administrative assistant world. I also have an Honours BA degree. For the last 4 years, I have bounced around from one administrative assistant contract position to another at the university I currently work at. Now, my resume is very heavily administrative-based, and I feel like I have cornered myself. I thought this would be a stepping-stone for me, but it seems that employers only see me as an administrative assistant now.

I would like to let everyone here know that this problem is not exclusive to women. I did not even apply to my current job as a receptionist/administrative assistant - I applied to an Intellectual Property Administrator position in the same department. I received a call from the hiring manager that I would not be invited to an interview, and instead she offered me the receptionist position, which is covering a sick leave until the end of the year. I find the job extremely demeaning - some of my many menial tasks involve watering plants and making coffee for executives. My supervisor is by far the worst micro-manager I have come across in the 10 years I have been employed and she treats/speaks to me like I am inferior to her. I know I have to make a drastic career change because being an administrative assistant is not for me at all. Some people enjoy it and I am happy for them, but quite frankly, I find it mind-numbing to the point where I literally feel like a zombie by the end of the day. I'm beginning to feel hopeless...

On the other end of this spectrum ladies, I am college educated without a degree. After a long leave of absence to raise kids, I am attempting to re-enter as an entry-level Assistant willing to take general office/clerical work. After registering with several staffing agencies here in California, I am finding a closed door. They are only hiring college graduates with BA for these jobs

Wilma said: The folks at the top where I worked was only goal-oriented for their little "pets". I talked my head off trying to get them to see my potentials and what I could do for the company but they put their feet on my neck every time I tried. I took every management and supervisory class they offered. As a matter of fact, they even denied me one of the supervisory classes. I even went back to college and maintained a 3.92 GPA, but I think that made some of them scared that maybe I would take their position when I graduated. In some companies being goal-oriented works, but not in all. And it especially doesn't work when there isn't any fair treatment. Sorry, not ragging but I lost my job in January 2010, because they just didn't want me around anymore. Sometimes your great potential causes you to lose your job, especially in this economy where everyone is back-stabbing everyone else to stay afloat.

I hear what you are saying and it is resinating deeply. These are desperate times and people in places to move potential along are abusing the power they have. Plain and simple, it should be about your ability. Perhaps due to this economy, co-workers/executives are sending networking to a whole new level. Stay focused, keep trying, don't give in or give up. Warmly, and Best Wishes!

Melissa M in Berkeley, California said: I just realized and need to keep repeating to myself that I deserve much more than administrative work. Not that I'm displeased with my workplace or colleagues, it is actually all-in-all a great place to work. However, as an example of my continuing frustration, I just got back from a week and half long vacation, and knew that as soon as I got back to the office, hardly anyone would be asking about my vacation, and just asking for things that needed to be done. Sure enough, only two people out of a staff of 8 asked how my time was, and then they only had 2 seconds to listen. Then the requests started pouring in.

Mostly, I am very tired of being continually asked to do things. Everyone has a now deadline, and I am in a position that is hard for me to say "not now". I need to keep repeating to myself that I value my skills and knowledge, I am a worthwhile person and deserve to express my talents, and get paid for it! I am interested in a lot of things, mostly art related, and I long to work in a creative, compassionate environment. Change begins from within.

Does anyone else relate?

I can, and this is why I allowed myself to go on permenant leave of absence (in hindsite - HUGE mistake) when my first child was born. As an AA, or employee of any of the clerical fields, there is a deep sense of no or little respect or sincere appreciation for the daily tasks demanded. Sad. This needs to change. Especially when an AA can most likely do the job of the CEO or executive that she works for.

George in Narre Warren, Australia said: I bet half of you girls majored in the humanities.
What did you expect ?

George, I know a woman who has a degree in Engineering, and she works in a call center now. There's no guarantees in this horrid economy. There's nothing wrong with a humanities degree. I think part of the problem are people who seem to think only bean counters are worth hiring. Sure they can crunch numbers, but can they THINK? Can they appreciate anything but spreadsheets? There's more to college than getting a job or being affluent or a yuppie.