| | What Happens When First Impressions Are Outgrown?My last post was about, among other things, new beginnings. A new degree from a professional school should be a rather clear indication that a person has dedicated valuable time and money to something in the hopes of seeing a return on the investment. I don't think many people would be surprised to hear that my intention in getting a masters degree was not just to keep myself occupied; few things that I choose to dedicate my time to are simply to kill time. The way I'm feeling at work, I wonder if anyone cares that I have dreams.
I took a job out of college in a position I don't readily identify with (two and a half years later). There is nothing wrong with being an administrative assistant, but my goals and ambitions are not consistent with this career track. I see myself as a leader; I consider myself a visionary; I aspire to inspire.
Don't get me wrong, administrative aides are invaluable resources and among the least appreciated in most offices. They answer phones, create an environment that is comfortable to others through friendly platitudes and sincere acts of support, ensure the smooth operation of equipment, supply and restock supplies we wouldn't value unless they were absent (i.e.: coffee, pens, paper, cups, plates, water, the list could go on indefinitely), perform the routine acts that allow others to dedicate time and energy to other priorities, and they are always ready to help a cause when called upon. In short, without the administrative core, most offices (mine definitely included) would hopelessly shrug its shoulders and ask 'Where's the coffee?! I can't start my day unless Margaret Mary or Barbara is here to brew me a cup of joe...'. (I've witnessed these days on occasion, and it's rather sad to see so many capable individuals quizzically wonder what to do make the coffee brew...)
The fact that I started in an administrative position, I'm starting to seriously fear my fate in the office. I've heard it countless times: jobs in higher education are not designed for upward mobility. Get yourself a job at a school and you've secured your fate in a well-defined niche (either administrative staff, lower professional, middle professional or senior professional, among others obviously excluded for simplicity). For two and a half years, I have ignored convention. I've been narrow-minded. I think I'm finally at a fork in the road...continue down the administrative path or take the higher road...for clarity, that's a metaphor for professional development not a dig at administrative professionals as evidenced by the last paragraph.
I've enjoyed more than my share of promotions and congratulatory accomplishments by my count in my office (there are people just as deserving, perhaps just lacking in ambition, although that is not a dig either). A lot of people are similarly convinced that I'll continue to advance in the office. My suddenly less-optimistic view is that I've reached a limit (the first time I've considered calculus functions and limits valuable since freshman year of college...). The fact is that I'm suddenly forging my own path. There's not a well-trodden path from administrative assistant to assistant director - that only happens in corporate America. The way I'm looking to be rewarded for my work is an American dream, but sadly not a reality in education.
I'm starting to rant, but I'm somewhat disappointed: I was optimistic. I thought it was possible for someone to overcome adversity, even if I am a straight, white young male (see the last post for more guilt on that front). I think I'm finally realizing that sometimes you have to cut your losses and hope that the work you've done has left an indelible (if not temporarily impressive) mark on a place so that you don't have to start over completely.
First impressions may be important, but I think last impressions aren't given enough of a chance...
Feeling: overly appreciated and unfulfilled
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| | Posted 9/27/2007 9:35 PM - 53 Views - 0 eProps - 1 Comment
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