One WONDERFUL husband, 5 grown children (some mine, some his), 4 terrific grandchildren.
A friend's child once asked "did you dream about being a secretary when you were growing up?" My answer was a resounding "No." When I took all those assessment tests in high school and college and they said secretary, clerk, or admin, I said "Not me." At the early age of 20, I obtained my "Mrs" degree and steered a course for wife and motherhood. The mother part was perfect, however, the wife (and kids) got abandoned when Mr. Husband ran away.
So faced with supporting 3 kids as well as myself, I got jobs which involved typing, key punching (you do remember the key punch machines, don't you?) and various administrative tasks. At first, I was thrilled to have marketable skills; but over the years I found myself enjoying the challenges and appreciation of others I got with my job. The fire fighter aspect (finding effective solutions to problems that continually appear in the business environment) especially appealed to me.
In 1991, I met Mr. Wonderful; and in 1993 I joined Professional Secretaries International. The following year, inspired by other members who had achieved it, I earned my CPS. Throughout 30+ years, I worked with Engineers, Scientists, and Computer types. I advanced through the ranks from Key Punch Operator, to Steno, to Secretary, to Administrative Associate, to Administrative Assistant to the VP of Research.
In 2000 we moved halfway across the state to a smaller community where grandkids were soon to be born. For two years I worked temps so I could get a good picture of the business community and the administrative profession. Finding businesses very appreciative of the skills and knowledge I provided but very primitive in their technology, I went searching. I found Stacy Brice's columns in the "Secretary" about Virtual Assistance very intriguing. After getting my husband's whole-hearted encouragement, I enrolled in and successfully completed the Virtual Training Program at Stacy's Assist University, also known as AssistU.
I've had my own Virtual Assistant practice since 2003 and am extremely happy with this business. Working with, not for, clients brings both challenges and rewards I never experienced working in the corporate world. I still get to work with scientists, engineers, and computer types but I get to choose who.
