Hey peeps, Well. I'm having a horrible horrible day. I just want to go curl up somewhere and actually ... cry (???). Know one thing. I am not a wussy little sobbing creature. I don't cry. I really don't. I survived 9 months of pregnancy, 16 hours of labour and 3am feedings without shedding a single tear. I don't cry over movies, or anything like that. But right now. Fuck. Why? Well. As many of you know I am a phone jockey. I work hard. I am highly skilled. I am ... so much better than this position. No matter how much I push to advance, I am given a stoplight at every intersection. You know the drill: All other positions are specialized, I am not as trained as the others ... bullshit bullshit. So. My stupidvisor is pregnant. She's due to leave inside of 6 weeks time. She is Snr. EA ... I am Receptionist/EA So I have been asking the President - to whom both of us are assistants -- if I may take over in her absence. I emailed him a reminder this morning. I got my response. No. No. Apparently I am too fucking important at the front to ever consider moving anywhere else in the company. "We don't want to disrupt the front desk" WTF?!?!?!?!?! Give me a fucking break. I am a god damn receptionist not a fucking tactical adviser to the God Damn Prime Minister of Canada. What's worse? Oh he didn't even say it to my face. Nope. He emailed it to me ... No chance for me to argue or debate the decision. Nope. Just "You're a receptionist and that's all you'll ever be to this company." Eight years. Eight God Damn years I've been working here. And this is what it comes to. Really. I want to cry. I do. I've worked so hard ... SJ

SJ its OK to cry if you want to. Unfortunately this is the sign of our times; companies treating people like a "necessary annoyance". I've been in places where I wanted to advance--tried to learn more, work overtime without pay, come in on weekends but in the end they treated me like crap. Some people don't want you to get ahead because they're afraid of you taking their job. This is my advice, but you need to talk to others you trust about this, is to look for another place to work. You're just spinning your wheels where you are and they won't let you advance. It sounds to me you are too damm good for the likes of them. I hope things get better for you, SJ.

Cloud sits down beside SJ. "Chocolate?" she asks as she offers a plate full to SJ.

Thanks guys. I know I'm more than stalled here, and this stupid excuse they use about me being "the face of the company" and how "vitally important your position is" is just becoming tiresome and insulting. If I am so important, pay me accordingly. As it stands I am paid $10'000 BELOW the current industry standard for my position. And then he has the gall to tell me that this desk "is a work in progress" ... Like, what??????!!!!!!! What the hell is that supposed to mean?????? Yeah, I'll take some of that chocolate now. Thankeee

We're here to help, SJ. I know from personal experience everyone has been a great help to me with my troubles. Let us know how we can help or if you just want someone to listen we can do that too.

SJ, I realize we don't know each other at all IRL and not even so much on the boards here, but I do know you as a creative, intelligent, talented woman through all of your writing. I am so sorry that the short-sighted management of your company fails to recognize that or to understand that the value you bring to one position could bring so much more to another. I don't know your personal circumstances, but I have been in a similar situation and my heart really goes out to you. I know that you are sad and frustrated, and everyone deserves a good cry now and again, but I think you are resilient and will find a way to turn the sadness and anger you feel now into motivation and determination. It is an opportunity to re-examine the things that are important to you and to redirect your energy and focus into new priorities. If getting promoted to a new position is no longer a focus, just think of the things that you can now direct your attention to. Whether it is finding a new job, getting more training, focusing on family, concentrating on your writing (I admit being partial to that idea) . . .whatever it is, you can approach it with the same drive, determination, dedication and talent that has made you so successful they can't seem to function without you. You may not see it now, but I think this short-sighted company president has opened a door for you and I know marvelous things are waiting for you when you are ready to go find them. I hope you feel happy again soon and that someone you love is there to offer solace, a cup of tea and maybe a bird missile aimed at the president's office.

Id love a job, let alone a sucessful carreer like you. (Receptionist would be fine for me, thank you) Why not offer to try the position for a week, show them how well you can do it.

I feel for you, SJ. Eight years at the same company certainly shows dedication and loyalty on your part, but if the company is not reciprocating, then it certainly can't hurt to update your resume and do some job-hunting on the side -it's so easy to do it all online these days.

Tengu. Yes I am thankful that I have a job. I cannot complain that I have a job. It is just that, though. A Job. I *want* a career. Receptionist is not a bad job, of course not. But you need to understand something: I am a fully certified Sports Trainer and Therapist. I hold a graphic Design certificate and have experience up the wazoo. But ... I am also an immigrant. Contrary to popular belief it is not only the "minorities" that get stung by that. I am white, I'm Australian, yet I am not allowed to do the job(s) that I am qualified to do and have spent money on certifying myself for. I have an IQ of 147 yet because of position am viewed by most as being so stupid that it's surprising I even made it out of high school, let alone finished with a 98 average in a medical field. I am frustrated because I am used to working my way through and achieving results. I am frustrated because I am seeing people who are legitimate fucktards being promoted ahead of me. I am stupidvised by a little twit who has a lower maturity level than my 3-year old. I am bossed around by someone sitting beside me who considers mail-merging and using Thunderbird address books to be absolutely confusing and not worth the bother. And ... and ... You know what? I need to calm down, really. I now have heartburn because I am so upset over this. Guys, I appreciate your ears and suggestions, I really do. You've given me things to think about and a path to pave. It is time to move on. It is obvious I can't do it here. I spent some time on Monster and it appears that everything is handled through agencies ... I've never really gone that route. Hmmm... Wish me luck. Perhaps this is just the push Karma is giving me to make me go out and play on the outside. :Smile: You know you guys all make me feel so special, eh. I can come here and walk out thinking I'm the greatest person in the world. Thanks. I needed it. SJ

Good luck in your search for something new, SJ. No one should remain in a place where they are unappreciated.

Good luck in your search SJ. Cloud passes the plate of chocolates back to SJ, "More? Please take as much as you need." I am trying to get rid of all this extra Halloween candy, before I fatten myself up.

Awww, SJ, I agree with everyone here...I think this may be a sign that you are destined for bigger and better things. Take this opportunity to think about what you would really love to do...what are your interests? What occupation would make you happy? I love my job, but I always keep in the back of my mind that I have other interests/ideas for what I want to do with my life...and maybe one day I'll go for it. So I say, take the plunge and see where it leads you.

So sorry to hear of your professional troubles, SJ! I think we all have been there and understand what you're going through. Best of luck to you and your job search. There is a job/company out there that will appreciate you and your hard work and dedication!

Well I used three RL ears today. #1 was a colleague who I trust and who I trust to be honest with me -- no holds barred she tells as it is. Her opinion is that I am on a higher gear than anyone else in the company, but ... But I am stuck. She listened to my concerns and says my only course of action is to look for something else. #2 One of my ex-executives. He is a darling who I was basically his wife at the office before he left. I still do work for him and he is up and running his own business and wants me to eventually join him. I've helped him build it, so in time it will work ... But businesses take 12 months before they make money so that is a long ways off. He hates el-presidente and wants me to "work-to-rule" from here on in. He told me to stop with the 150% job that I do, and drop back to 100% ... He says that eventually someone will notice (i.e. CEO) #3 Hubby. Oh hubby. He is concerned about the current job market and outlook and wants me to try to stick it out. He's right. He also told me to get my ass back to school and do some night courses. Tough thing. I'll be at the owner/CEO's home on Sat to help out with some stuff ... I want to yell and ask him why ... But I can't. I will look ... take my time ... see what's available ... Moreover, I will have a beer, enjoy a couple of days off and analyze where I go from here. I know in the grand scheme of things it really isn't all that bad ... I'm just hurt I suppose. And yes ... I will take more chocolate ... Thanks again, guys. I appreciate it

Hey, it's ok to hurt and cry sometimes This may be the push you need to look for something better... especially since you're looking for a career, not a job. Hope things get better for you!

OK..hun.. Really sorry to hear what you are going through again. Sighhh.. your company just never learn, right? Honestly, that dumb company that you are working in does not deserve your loyalty and service. However, I do side with your loving husband at the moment regarding current job market. With the holidays coming and the current economic situation, it is definitely not a good timing to sack the company and look for a new job at the moment. So, yeah.. I'd vote for staying put too. However, if you ask me, I really think you should keep your eyes open for any opportunity that happens your way. You are just too smart and talented to be stuck in that hell-hole you are in. Email me, kay? Yuki

SJ, I'm sorry to hear about your trouble. I hope things will work out for you. Look at the bright sight. This frustration pushed you to change your situation. I keep my fingers crossed :smile:

SJ, there are times when you shouldn't cry and then there are times when you should cry and it sounds like it's one of those times, so please, have more chocolate and here's some nice and soft tissures for you. You have a large amount of friends here, who will listen to your problems and make sure you are okay and if you want to cry, then help yourself because at times it helps and always remember, you have friends all over the world who will help you with as many chocolates and tissues that you need.

Update: Because I know you all care..... So. You know how I am not allowed to take over for her when she's on 12 month leave? Well guess what. I got called in to a meeting with she and Prez and had a new set of responsibilities handed to me. I am doing it all, guys. All of it. All from this desk. And no, I am not getting any extra income for this. I am told it will make me "happy" to have the extra work. Clairvoyance reigns around here it appears. And for the record. No I am not happy. And honestly, she should be worried. Hell if we seamlessly do this for 12 months, then explain why we even need her back?? She should have pushed for a replacement .... I would have! So I bring up a concern or two ... Well, who is my relief then? When are you going fix all of these problems? Answer: Why didn't you email it to me? What? I say what? I "told" you about it, why do I need to type everything, too -- further to that, why didn't you simply say "pop it in an email". Her response: I just thought you were complaining. Yeah, that's kinda the thing .... I questioned my lack of support. Again with the emails. So then I get that whole patronizing "You just be your bubbly perky blah blah self down there. Oh and by the way ... be more consistent with your work." huh? What? Hold up right there. More consistent? I pressed her to explain just what I didn't have finished, what projects were untouched. Like tell me what it is I haven't finished, and finished quickly. She shuffled her papers "well that isn't really why we're here" Well ya know what, you brought it up! You tell me, dammit. I do EVERYTHING I am supposed to do EVERYTHING. She then tells me that someone had given me some projects that I didn't get finished and that she'd seen some on my desk. I call that accusation bullshit and told her just that. I asked for specific projects ... She couldn't provide me with any. To the woman who isn't actually supposed to give me projects but does - I want to string up by her hair and use Flash's chainsaw on her!! What a lying bitch!!!!!! I have finished EVERYTHING in an eighth of the time it takes HER to do it .... God. I am so pissed off!!!!!! So yeah. I mow have the job of two people to do and have to do with with a busy switchboard and be "happy" about it. Job hunt is officially in full-swing. Absolutely in full swing. SJ

SJ- I feel your pain.... Sounds like you are asking the correct questions, and I hope something better comes your way PDQ - because it seeems asking for references out of your current environment is going to be a large problem.... Luck! Hugs....

Sounds rough, I offer my condolences. I've had to deal with less-than-honest superiors too. Best luck to your job hunting.

Hope you find something better soon!

Good luck SJ! I hope something comes your way quickly

Oh Sweetheart!!! My heart really goes out to you - not only as somebody else who has been in that position, but also as a recruitment consultant. Ok - to deal with some things in order. If you are doing her job whilst she is on maternity leave, you deserve to be paid the same as her. The argument you will use is that you are not "offically" doing it - i.e. not sitting at her desk. However, do some research and find out what is being paid for the role. I am an EA over here and going rate for that is $49K per annum - so you may want to translate that into Canadian $$, or just go straight with it. Then, provide the proof that you are being paid $10K less than the industry standard. To avoid giving you a payrise, they will use the "global economic downturn" as an excuse. Contact a few recruitment agencies. I've been doing some searching, and have found a few for you. David Aplin Recruitment Hays Canada If you want to try the sports angle, with your quals, then try Sports Recruitment International Unfortunately, we know that Sports is the last bastian of male domination in employment - you will find the same barriers in Canada that you did in Australia, plus the "you haven't had experience in sports played in Canada" hurdle. But give them a try anyway. You could also try the Public Service - you can look for both admin and sporting roles. Canada Public Service I also found another big job board - Workpolis.com that you might want to try as well as Monster. Make sure your resume is up to date - feel free to send it over to me, sweetie, if you want me to look through it. Whatever you do, don't quit until you have another job. A good recruiter will assit you and understand you are working, and will schedule interviews during your lunch hour or after work hours. When you do sign up with a recruiter, allow a couple of hours to do so. Maybe schedule a couple (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) and then take the day off (you are feeling ill, aren't you?) to do it. No use signing up with hundreds one or two should be enough. Be aware, though, that they will not contact you about jobs. You will still have to do the searching and contact them. It's not fair, and it's not the way it should work, but most recruiters have not discovered the power of their database and keep ignoring it. Silly people. I tended to always fill my roles from database searches!! Most importantly, remember we're here to support and love you. Don't let the bastards get you down!!

Sorry to hear of the continuing problems, SJ. Best of luck on you search and while at your current job!

Wow, Maddy! What an informative post!!! Thank you for all that information. I did sign up with an agency: Drake, but there are the most unhelpful mob on the planet. I originally applied for an EA position and did a myriad of testing that, indeed, took almost two hours (including interview). My typing speed was 70wpm with a 100% accuracy (do you believe the accuracy bit??? with my online typos??) I scored 98 on the MS Office exam, which put me in advanced. I scored 97 on the Admin Assistant exam. I have almost 8 years with my current company. I apparently interview very well ... They absolutely apparently wanted me for a specific position -- and I never heard back. Since, I have applied for other positions through the agency and although they state that if you are unsuccessful they'll email you and tell you why, I have never heard a thing from them! Another interview bombed simply because I wasn't the race they were expecting. I shit you not. I have a Vietnamese surname, but am whiter than snow. When I showed up, the first thing they said was "you aren't oriental" ... Sighhhhhh What am I doing wrong? I have to be failing somewhere to be stuck like this. But... On a positive note. I have decided that these next 12 months I am going to do everything given to me to the absolute best of my ability and will be the epitome of a true and vibrant EA/Phone Jockey. If the little Princess thinks that I will bomb, I'll prove her wrong. The dangerous game she is playing is that with me doing all of her work, and doing it with absolute success, means that she has set herself up for making her position obselete. So this may actually work to my advantage. 12 months is a perfect time-frame for me to prove I can do it, and that she is totally unneeded. I will discuss pay when she is out of the picture next month ... I must time it right. Wish me luck. SJ

You've certainly blitzed the testing - which would put you top of any list I compiled for good candidates. As for the accuracy - it was the speed that astonished me when I did my last testing in January this year. Came up as 95WPM with 100% accuracy - couldn't believe that - but I did a couple of others and got the same! I know that in the US and Canada they are very zealous to ensure that their company has the "right amount" of minority and ethnic groups - to the point of not putting the best person for the job if they feel that they have too many of that ethnicity. In my opinion, that is also a form of discrimination. You should have made a complaint about the agency that told you you weren't the right ethnicity. Drake is pretty bad - their reputation in Australia isn't too good either. Unfortunately, all agenices will tell you they will follow up, but rarely ever do. That's the culture of recruitment - it is slowly changing, but that change is slow and until recruitement goes from a "sales" culture to a "service" one, the bad things like never getting back to chanddates and not mining their database will continue. All I can suggest is that you keep trying to find something new, and, as your next "anniversary" for starting at that company comes up, get your case together for a payrise and put it in writing to them. If you haven't had one for a few years, then part of it should be an increase to cover the cost of living. See if you can find what the Canadian CPI was at the time of your last payrise and then what it is when you do your recommendation. Always keep a track of what you have achieved - eg streamlining systems, doing additional duties, etc. This will bolster your case, and also make sure that it's listed in your resume (under your duties, put a sub heading of "Achievements" and list them there. And don't forget to keep coming back to us for huggles!!!

SJ your testing speeds and your knowledge are certainly impressive. That with your experience makes you a qualified candidate. You may also want to consider job fairs where you can meet people from different companies all at once. Just dress for an interview and bring lots of copies of your resume. I'm hitting the job hunt too so I also wish you good luck for the future and hope that better times are ahead. We all think you're great SJ! P.S. I like your new avatar!