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Julia
02-27-2003, 03:21 PM
My path during young adulthood has taken me from studying anthropology in college to where I am now, in a secretarial position.

In 1997, I entered a reputed university to study anthropology in a second language. My mother tongue is French. My program was similar to an interdisciplinary program in that I could take courses in many subject matters beside anthropology. I learned English, scattered myself in studies, didn’t know exactly where I was going with that, became depressed. During my second year of studies, I became pregnant and stopped my full-time studies. I returned part-time and there is yet one last course I need to take in order to get my arts degree. Studying in college certainly opened my mind to many issues and interests but I’m sure I could have had similar results by traveling, working in another city, starting a business, etc. My CGPA is very low. That means, it is not possible to go on to graduate studies and, frankly, I’m not sure I need that in my life, however drawn I am to studying.

It has been a year now that I am working full-time. I went from call center work (which I passionately hated) to a secretarial position. There is paper shuffling and phone answering to do but, surprisingly, an interesting project related to internal training came my way and I am working on that right now.

However, I know for sure I don’t want to make secretarial work my career. I have projects on my own, related to writing and, eventually, public speaking but this might take long to achieve. I feel compelled to try out many different activities and courses to change job completely two or three years from now. Something not necessarily related to writing and public speaking but that might branch out in that direction. I thought about massage therapy, other alternative health training, even about becoming a beautician. All I know for sure is that I am to be a writer and a speaker someday. Most of my personal projects are related to that objective.

I’m also totally obsessed with being my own boss at some point in my life, not too long from now, I hope. I desperately want to travel but I feel tied to my city because of my child and my boyfriend. I always tell myself that I will travel when I can set my own hours and holidays.

I am thirsty for more freedom, creativity and harmony in my life. I often wonder how stupid I could have been for taking so many wrong decisions which led me to a full-time job of secretary. But I hope for better, excellent things for me.
:neutral:

M4A1
02-27-2003, 03:41 PM
Good luck. And have you talk to your boyfriend about this? Maybe you can work something out with him. Stay focused on being your own boss and don't worry too much about how you are working as a secretary. You'll become what you think.

Julia
02-28-2003, 10:32 AM
Work out something with my boyfriend...Yes, I know what you mean. It simply is not workable right now or ever because he has just started working part-time and wants to register in a graduate program of management. Besides, I'm not sure I will still be with him in a few months.

M4A1
02-28-2003, 10:43 AM
Wait a sec, you are breaking up with him? What about the baby? Isn't he the father of your child? Is he not helping to take care of your child?

Julia
02-28-2003, 10:54 AM
No he's not. I met him after I broke up with the father of my child.

I might break up with him although he's asking for a time out. He says I should go to the doctor, ask for antidepressants to make a better decision when I feel normal. I am still unsure. Our relationship has had upheavals and we argue often. I never really have been single. Last time I was single, I was 14 years old.

My child's father is still in the picture, he's taking good care of her when he has her with him and I know I can manage well on my own, even if I have a child.

MAg99
04-02-2003, 10:41 PM
Julia, have you thought about writing and submitting articles to Web sites? For instance, I know BellaOnline.com, a huge site for women, accepts contributed articles on a range of topics. I believe they compensate you as well. This might be one way to quench your desire for creativity and writing.

Also, have you thought about joining your local Toastmasters club? This would be a great forum for you to practice your public speaking skills, and I'm sure you'll find some great networking opportunities as well. Just some things to consider....

Good luck! And please don't be so down on yourself for doing administrative work! As I like to say, things happen for a reason. Perhaps this just gives you more time to get a better sense of what you'd like to accomplish and it will make you more determined.

Molly2977
04-04-2003, 07:25 PM
Hi Julia. I can totally relate to you. I have a master's in counseling, and found my passion, only to graduate and not find a job. I, too, am doing admin/secretarial work, and although it's not bad, i would much rather do something else.

As far as grad schools go, I didn't have the best GPA either, but I had a really good interview. It sounds like you are a good writer (which comes in handy in grad school), and a confident speaker, so I would assume that you would do excellent in an interview setting. I would suggest just showing some interest in programs in your area. I'm considering going on (partly because I'm bored to death in my job) and have been talking to people at the local University. I think if they know you, if your GRE scores and GPA aren't the highest, they'll have more consideration.

I wish you the best of luck with everything.