I generally don't stay in contact with past coworkers.  The primary reason is that many times they are in contact with other former or current coworkers and what might be candidly said can become grist for the rumor mill. 

For those few I have remained in contact with, I make it a point to avoid the mention of anything going on at work except to say it's busy, thereby side stepping trouble all together.

I'd take the "perfect" job.  Your being happy and inspired about your work lays the foundation for more prosperity to come.  (If you choose a job that provides the money but not the inspiration, problems could arise in the future.  (After a while you don't "feel" the money, and being less than happy can take its toll--on the work and home fronts.)

I can say that my responsibilities and compensation have grown--to my satisfaction--over the years.  I feel very fortunate to have the "perfect" job for me.

It'll be 20 years this September.  Before joining this organization, I never spent more than three years at one company; for several years I worked for a temporary agency.

My heartfelt prayers are with all of you in London, throughout the U.K., and the world, since many tourists visit the city.

Since I live and work in New York City, I am totally empathetic.  After the 9/11 attacks, our building was evacuated and Manhattan was sealed off.  The situation was horrible.

I am so sorry that this tragedy has occurred.  Please take care of one another.  My prayers and best wishes are with you.

Patricia/OfficeWiz




~in pursuit of excellence~

I am definitely a morning person.  When things pile up in my in box, I get in earlier to catch up.  Less people are around--which means less interruptions.  My concentration is much better--and I'm more on my toes in the morning!

OfficeWiz

~in pursuit of excellence~

Cmeknit's quote:  " ...the checks the credit card companies send out (which they will stop sending if you ask them)."

Thanks for passing the word.  I'm going to check into this.

Also, "And as responsible adults, we need to make sure our kids learn good financial lessons so they'll have good money handling skills."

This is true.  One is fortunate to have had parents that taught them these skills.  Mine didn't.  I had to learn on my own.  Fortunately for me, I have always avoided using credit cards as much as possible.  When the cash flow stops, that's it.  No running to use the plastic to get out of a tight squeeze for me, though I sympathize with those who have a hard time exercising control.  

Continual lack of monetary control equates with emotional issues/problems.  In an environment like the U.S., you're a "goner" if you cannot get a hold of yourself and face those issues that influence you to indulge beyond your means.

OfficeWiz

~in pursuit of excellence~

Donna's quote:  "In the US we need to lower our standard of living to live within no more than 80% of our net means."

I agree one hundred percent.

OfficeWiz

~in pursuit of excellence~

Has anyone heard a detailed account of this new law, signed by G.W. Bush less than an hour ago.  
- - - - -
According to a Yahoo! News, "The measure would require people with incomes above a certain level to pay some or all of their credit-card charges, medical bills and other obligations under a court-ordered bankruptcy plan.

Bush said the new law makes the financial system fairer for debtors and creditors.

"The act of Congress I sign today will protect those who legitimately need help, stop those who try to commit fraud and bring greater stability and fairness to our financial system," Bush said.

Those who fought the bill's passage said the change will fall especially hard on low-income working people, single mothers, minorities and the elderly and will remove a safety net for those who have lost their jobs or face crushing medical bills."
- - - - -
I feel a very wary of this new bill.  Every time I turn around, I get some blank checks from my credit card company trying to encourage me to spend, spend, spend.  Now it's legal for them to charge an individual up to 30% interest, not including late fees, etc.  

Sometimes I ask myself, "What are these people trying to do--destroy people through debt?"  

Please let me hear your thoughts.

OfficeWiz

~in pursuit of excellence~

ChevyGirl, I work for a non-profit association, with about 40 employees, for the president and senior vice president of communication (two people).  However, it was not always this way.  (With the now-retired president--gone two years now, I felt as though I was going brain dead, and from all appearances, I was in a dead-end position.)  However, I discovered what really interested me—the written word.  

By bringing the quality of the punctuation of one of our publications to the attention of the SVP of communications, I got that task added to my job.  Soon proofing and editing became official tasks, I was shepherding group emails through the communications process, given responsibility for projects with sister associations, etc.  For a while I was tremendously loaded down with work, but I was so happy to have the challenges and to feel as though I was growing.  (Serving as an assistant, making travel arrangements, scheduling appointments, working with the board of directors, and other responsibilities brought, and still bring me, a great deal of personal satisfaction, but I needed more.)  With the additional communication responsibilities, I just received a fantastic raise, a promotion, and a yet-to be-announced title change.  

Most companies want people to be proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel software.  I am presently working on proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel.  

You don’t have to start at the bottom.  Discover what it is that makes you happy and see if there is some undiscovered territory that you can demonstrate expertise in -- it may have the potential to lead to increased responsibility, satisfaction, and reward at your present company.

~in pursuit of excellence~

In the case when a senior vice president yelled at me (I worked for the president), I retained my self-composure.  Within a couple of days, when the hub bub of activity had blown over, I asked to speak with her privately.  After closing the door, I asked her if she would extend me the courtesy of speaking to me in a normal voice.  That was it; she never shouted at me again.

On another occasion, my boss (the president) shouted at me.  I was shocked and was quiet.  Within the next couple of days, I sat down and talked with him.  I let him know that I had great respect for him.  I cannot recall the exact wording, but I let him know that his shouting would have the effect of diminishing that respect.  He never repeated that mistake.  

I pulled a coworker aside and let her know that I'd prefer to be spoken to in a civil tone.  We had no problems afterwards.

OfficeWiz

~in pursuit of excellence~

A good boss is one that recognizes your talents and abilities and gives you room to grow.  A good boss is not afraid or reluctant to applaud and reward good work.  A good boss affirms that you are part of the team through her/his interaction with you by keeping you informed of the larger picture.  Though s/he is for the most part focused on the larger picture, s/he never forgets the contribution that you make which allows that freedom.

A good boss knows that your professionalism serves her/him and the better you are, the better off s/he is.  

OfficeWiz
(who after many disappointments finally got a great boss!)




~in pursuit of excellence~

Chevygirl, we're reading of the same page.  This September, I'll have been with my company for 12 years, the last five of which I've worked in the capacity executive assistant.  

Although I truly enjoy this field of work, lately I've felt restless and as dissatisfied.  Everything is very familiar and I haven't felt inspired.  It's the content of my day and the acquisition of knowledge and advanced skills that concern me.  I realize that my career direction and satisfaction are my responsibilities and I want to be prepared to meet the future, since I believe in a few years my boss will retire.

I am reading Melba Duncan's THE NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT.  I'm trying to grow with this book by:  (1) Reading it slowly to thoroughly digest it (taking lots of notes); (2) Performing in-depth studies on certain chapters/topics that I feel inspired to concentrate on; and (3) Incorporating the knowledge/skills that I've acquired into my daily work.

It is my hope that this approach will contribute to a higher level and quality of performance and that I'll feel inspired as I advance, prepared, into the future.

Another idea to consider--hope it helps!



~in pursuit of excellence~

I prefer to be respected.  



A few months ago I had a situation where a new senior vice president kept putting his hand on my shoulder when he spoke to me. Even though I made it clear that this startled/upset me, he would not stop.



One day, when heading out to lunch with some friends (departing the elevator), he did it again. I had a well-planned conniption, disjointedly slapped my hand on my heart, turned around and looked at him. I then said "Please don't do that--it really freaks me out." With my friends there, he looked really silly. He began telling people that I didn't like him; but from that point on, he stopped what I considered insulting, disrespectful behavior. My internal question was always: Would he want someone doing the same thing to his wife or sister?



I am a courteous person and I don't care if people do not like me but insist on being respected.

Here are some suggestions regarding things you can do when your bosses are not around:



- Clean out/reorganize desk files--discard unnecessary correspondence.

- Create a notebook to track your accomplishments (it'll come in handy when you're asking for a raise or looking for another position) then update it regularly.

- Read instruction manuals that you don't usually have time for.  

- Develop standard followup procedures.

- Familiarize yourself with the organizational structure of your company.  Find out what areas perform which functions.

- Take the time to consider aspects of your job that you'd like to perform better.  Plan how to do just that.



Good luck in making the most of your quiet time!

Now my questions:

1. How do I ask the right questions to get insight into the sitch so that I don't end up some place like this again?



I would ask the interviewer if there is the possibility of a takeover now or in the near future because I want a stable job situation.



2. How do I best explain the fact that I had four jobs last year? (I was temping for a good part of that..)



Sounds like an appropriate response to me.



3. How do I best explain leaving this sitch?



I would tactfully let them know my reason for leaving my present position.  I'd also ask what a typical (if there is such) day would be like working in the position being considered.  



Best of luck!