A few years ago I was discussing with another secretary how things were so slow at work and pretty soon, there probably won't even be a need for secretaries. When I first started working at my job, they had electric memory typewriters for all the secretaries. Our document services department was always busy because anything over three pages could be logged in for them to do.
Then we got computers, but only the secretaries had them so although Document Services wasn't as busy, the secretaries became busier because then we could easily revise long documents ourselves. The rule was only log in 10 pages or more to Document Services. We survived a few upgrades and switched from DOS to windows which was a big change.
Within the last five years though, even the attorneys were provided with computers. The older attorneys still relied heavily on their secretaries, but we could see that the younger ones just coming in were very self-sufficient and we wondered just how long before the firm realized it didn't need all of us secretaries.
Well, the day has come that the firm realized this and let about 11 secretaries go last Thursday. It was very sad and surprised everyone. I saw some friends lose their jobs and was thankful I still had mine! The firm assured us the it is solid, but just realized it didn't need all those secretaries but now that will be the only cuts made for the foreseeable future. I hope that is true.
I knew times were tough but this really hit close to home! I pray for those laid off that they will be able to find employment somewhere very soon. I'm only a month away from turning 55, so still have about 7 years to go until retirement. Will my job be obsolete before I get to retire? Who knows. Right now though, I wouldn't be surprised if it were.
I do have peace though knowing that God is in control and has a plan for my life. If I lost my job, I'd just have to wait and see what God had in store and trust that He would be true to His word and supply all my needs.
After reading "Breakfast at Sally's" I also realize that anyone could become homeless. It has even increased my desire to help them more. I'm so glad our house is all paid off in these hard economic times.
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6 comments:
I am sorry those secretaries lost their jobs. These are very hard times.
I'm sorry your friends lost their jobs. I don't know how the economy is going to turn around if people keep losing their jobs. Doesn't make sense to me. I hope things go okay for you though.
A lot of people are self sufficient on the computer, but some of them will realize just because they physically are capable of doing it, doesn't mean they have the time. A good secretary can have things ready so the person they are assisting can make their meetings on time and have all their reports typed and ready. And its another person to double check things too. Or only have to work 8-10 hours a day instead of 20.
I noticed when I was a secretary, often the receptionist/secretary positions would become combined.
Daisy & Beaded Tail:
I was told yesterday I had nothing to worry about which did make me feel better.
SnackHound: Welcome! I this is the first time you commented on here and I appreciate it. What you say is very true, there is more to being a good secretary than just computer skill and answering the phone. I look at my job as being a servant, there to help any way I can.
I sort of work as secretary of our Church' Scholarship program and do emails, documents stuff, and keep up with the minutes of the meetings.
Secretaries are often not appreciated as much as they should be appreciated.
I don't secretaries are becoming obsolete at all. Administrative support will be in even bigger demand as the baby boomers keep retiring.
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