I am sick of being a secretary - what else can I do?

alyth

After almost 20 years of being a PA and secretary, I am losing the will to live. My current boss is a nightmare, constantly makes comments about my appearance/underwear/threatens to sack me if I can't read his mind or find papers for him, and I can't face another 20 years of basically being a second wife to guys who are too lazy to pick up a telephone and call someone themselves, they have to get their secretary to do it for them!

I've been researching what other career options are open to me, and I'm stuck. I have no commitments apart from a dog, but I don't really want to move away from Perthshire, where there is not the greatest choice of jobs. I'm in the first year of a BA in English through the OU, but this is really for my own pleasure as I love writing and researching. I'm literally at the stage where I'm waiting to be sacked by current boss (I've only been there 4 months) as it's so bad - not because of my working practices but because the guy's company is going down the tubes and it's only a matter of time before the bank pull the plug.

I've done psychometric testing stuff via the web, but nothing is jumping out. I'm not into kids so don't want to be a teacher. I prefer animals, but there's not many opportunities for that up here! I've looked into nursing, teaching, driving instructor, you name it, I was made redundant last June and since then I've been searching on and off for something that would make me jump out of bed in the morning.

Of course this is totally the wrong time to be trying to change, I'm more than happy to go to uni and re-train, but how can I find out what my dream job would be? I'm late 30s so can't exactly retire!

Any advice gratefully received!

LittleVoice

alyth wrote: »

. . . .
I've been researching what other career options are open to me, and I'm stuck. . . .
I've done psychometric testing stuff via the web, but nothing is jumping out. . . .

Psychometric tests tell you something about yourself but not so much about careers.

You need careers advice. You should be able to get some free advice - where an adviser can discuss what interests you and what careers could lead from those and what training would be required to pursue them.

I think the OU has some careers advisory service too. Have a look at their website.

Good luck!

chuckley

as its only been 4 months try rec agencies and test things out.

Horace

I have been a PA and secretary since I left college back in 1980 - initially I loved it but grew to hate it and in particular my last boss - nasty evil little toad:rolleyes: I have always liked organising things, so I have nearly finished an HND in wedding planner and am now organising weddings and other events, I love doing it. It is never too late to change career - I am 47:eek:

Maybe you could work from home as a virtual PA instead - that way you do a bit of typing now and again for all sorts of different people but if its a complete change that you want then see what else you want to do and don't be afraid to try something new.

Good Luck

alyth

chuckley wrote: »

as its only been 4 months try rec agencies and test things out.

no go up here unfortunately, I've registered with every agency in the local area, even the large companies up here have a recruitment freeze on, there's no temp work which I've done before, I went to see another agency last week and they're basically taking on more people than they can ever hope to place. Thanks anyway.

barnaby-bear

alyth wrote: »

After almost 20 years of being a PA and secretary, I am losing the will to live. My current boss is a nightmare, constantly makes comments about my appearance/underwear/threatens to sack me if I can't read his mind or find papers for him, and I can't face another 20 years of basically being a second wife to guys who are too lazy to pick up a telephone and call someone themselves, they have to get their secretary to do it for them!

I've been researching what other career options are open to me, and I'm stuck. I have no commitments apart from a dog, but I don't really want to move away from Perthshire, where there is not the greatest choice of jobs. I'm in the first year of a BA in English through the OU, but this is really for my own pleasure as I love writing and researching. I'm literally at the stage where I'm waiting to be sacked by current boss (I've only been there 4 months) as it's so bad - not because of my working practices but because the guy's company is going down the tubes and it's only a matter of time before the bank pull the plug.

I've done psychometric testing stuff via the web, but nothing is jumping out. I'm not into kids so don't want to be a teacher. I prefer animals, but there's not many opportunities for that up here! I've looked into nursing, teaching, driving instructor, you name it, I was made redundant last June and since then I've been searching on and off for something that would make me jump out of bed in the morning.

Of course this is totally the wrong time to be trying to change, I'm more than happy to go to uni and re-train, but how can I find out what my dream job would be? I'm late 30s so can't exactly retire!

Any advice gratefully received!

Hmm well scanning your other posts and the boards you post on. You're literate, obviously have computer skills etc and an interest in consumer affairs, were involved in councils(?) and people's rights etc. why not something that needs good admin. skills but also a lot of independent thought / judgement. Some sort of advocacy or advisor role....
a lot of these require some volunteering first to break into but there are jobs...
CAB http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/jobopportunities/jobopps_ca.htm
Councils, NHS, Student advice services, Housing Associations.... lots of OU modules in social policy etc... a lot of these are decent employers with career structures and training

alyth

Thanks Barnaby, was just about to log off for bed when I saw you'd posted......scary that you've looked at my other posts, I've never done that before!

Food for thought is what you've just given me, I serve on a local committee and have been on a community council......I'm more than happy to volunteer, I'm just nervous of pushing myself forward but I have more spare time that I know what to do with, even with my studying!

Thank you, my brain is now starting to click into gear with things, not good as I'm a morning person and this is very late for me! Appreciate your post, thanks again.

Savvy_Sue

I have seen What Colour is Your Parachute recommended for situations like yours. See if it's in your local library!