Am I Becoming Obsolete?

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.