Re-post from DA.
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This would probably be my first blog entry in DA and an update to my existing ones (Gosh, its not really because I don't have anything to write. I have a lot of stories in my mind that I would like to write but I don't have time at all. huhu.)
Anyway, it's Secretary's Day today. So to all my fellow secretaries out there - this is our day. Hihi.
For a brief background, this is what I got through the internet (wikipedia): :
Administrative Professionals Day (Also known as Secretary's Day) is an unofficial secular holiday observed in the United States on the Wednesday of the last full week of April to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative support professionals.
National Secretaries Week was created in 1952 through the efforts of Harry F. Klemfuss, a New York publicist.[1] Working in conjunction with the National Secretaries Association, later known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), Klemfuss wanted to encourage more people to consider careers in the secretarial/administrative support field.[1]
The official period of celebration was first proclaimed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer as "National Secretaries Week," which was held June 1–7 in 1952, with Wednesday, June 4, 1952 designated National Secretaries Day. The first Secretaries' Day was sponsored by the National Secretaries Association with the support corporate groups.
In 1955, the observance date of National Secretaries Week was moved to the last full week of April. The name was changed to Professional Secretaries Week in 1981, and became Administrative Professionals Week in 2000 to encompass the expanding responsibilities and wide-ranging job titles of administrative support staff.
Truthfully, I had no idea until a co-worker called me over the phone and greeted me. Oblivious that I am I just said huh? lol. I have forgotten that I researched about this like 2 weeks ago and Ms. Miyan reminded me about it. haha.
When my boss arrived, he greeted me. He brought his nephew with him to help me with filing all those documents that's been clogging up my desk drawers. Argh. I really wanted to do them but unfortunately with all the ruckus going around those 37 malls, I really don't have time to do it. I work for the biggest mall here in the Philippines and I work under the Sr. Asst. VP for Operations. And yes, we handle all 37 branches. :O_o:
Anyway, I have been with the company for one year and four months. It's one of the blessings I got from God last year. And so far so good. The job isn't easy mind you. But I like and enjoy it. So maybe that's why I'm still here.
At first, I just needed a job. But I never take jobs just because. I don't like company-hopping. I always go for long term. You can say I don't give up easily on things because I always try to see the positive sides of it.
As I've said the job isn't easy. Being a secretary isn't easy. If people think we just sit all day, stare at the computer or file our nails as what movies and t.v portray them - they're dead wrong. It's tedious, frustrating and stressful at a certain point. But it all really depends on how you look at things. Some people won't understand us until they step into our shoes.
For me, being a secretary will majorly test your patience. Especially in my case, where we deal with 37 branches nationwide, talking to at minimum of 37 people a day, suppliers not included, staffs not included, with only me and my boss handling our department. Oh boy, I tell you it ain't easy.
For a brief background, we handle the customer service for the company. We develop, plan, design and implement new ideas, concepts that can be beneficial to the company. We cater to requests of branches for graphics, layouts, consultations, etc. We coordinate, follow-up and communicate information to all as needed. Sound easy? Well, I hope so. LOL.
Sometimes, I think eight hours is not really enough to get things done in a day. Just making calls takes time. Writing emails takes time. If I'm going to time all the things I do for a day, I bet it will take more than eight hours to finish a couple of tasks.
But I like the job - not just because of the financial stability it provides me but because I like what I'm doing. It has given me freedom to do things that I wanted to do like graphics design and photography. I get to meet people and learn interesting stuff from others too.It has also supported my other hobbies outside of the job. So overall, I am happy with where I am now.
However, not all the time it's fun and happy. I've had my fair share of disagreements with my boss and with people around me. I've had my buckets of tears because sometimes you just can't hold it anymore (The PC monitor is my witness. But I've also cried in front of my boss already. wah! My boss is male btw. And he's American). I've been stressed and frustrated with people you're trying to get info and you can't seem to get hold of them. Sometimes, it takes forever to call one person because his line was always busy or because the trunkline to head office is messed up. Sometimes there are mis-communication and you get blamed for the mishap that has happened. Sometimes you know you're right but because they're the higher ups you really can't do anything but shrug your shoulders and say oh well when in the end they revert to your suggestion. Sometimes you just ask yourself
"why am I here or why am I putting up with this?" Yup, I've already been all through that and I know there is more to come. But at the end of the day, I am thankful enough I have a job, I have a nice boss and I have nice co-workers. I am thankful enough for the experience, the learning and the everyday stress it gives me (haha. It's better than nothing. It actually challenges you more :) ). Remember, one doesn't succeed without falling down on his knees. Failure is all part of it. No Pain, No Gain they say.
Anyway, my boss treated us to lunch at Italliani's along with Ms. Lourdes, the branch secretary and Ms. Malou, the executive secretary of my boss' boss. Her boss is also there so it's a bit awkward you're dining with your boss and his boss. haha.
I heard from the other branches that they were also treated to lunch and some were given bouquet of flowers as token of appreciation for all the dedication and commitment they have given as secretaries. My boss gave me chocolates and a fair amount of cash - which he said was better than flowers. Lol. Then he sent a heart-warming message over the text:
"Thank you for all your hard work, dedication, staying late. Without you I could not make it happen. Thanks again. - Sir Mark"
This day had been nice and quiet. And most probably the reason that inspired me to write something up now. To all the secretaries out there - Happy Secretary's Day! Let's enjoy it today for tomorrow is another stressful day. hahaha!
I am sharing a few photos I took at the office. I borrowed Lourdes' boquet. hahaha. :)
