Tammi's World

Today

Once upon a time I was a secretary. A bad one, but a secretary none the less. I started out as a temporary. Being who I am, and the fact that I found the industry and the company fascinating I took on anything/everything they would throw my way.

I even got to help design the computerized billing system. Didn't know squat about computers, but I knew what I needed it to do - and I'm not afraid to try much of anything. That led to me training the union guys on how to use it.

During that time I also took on the metallurgical reports. Didn't know squat about those either - but they sent me to school (as a temporary employee) so that I would understand how steel was made and the chemistry involved for different applications. I loved it.

Finally a position came open in the technology department. It was for a secretary. They begged me to apply. OK. During the interview I made it clear I didn't even know how to turn on a PC, couldn't type and my idea of filing was throw it in a folder and get it off my desk. My position before that I had my own secretary and also made sure they knew that. Despite everything they made the offer, I took it and a my life changed. (It's what led to me being in Florida.)

Anyway - I was not a typical secretary. Oh I learned to type. 70 wpm after a few short months (all those piano lessons finally paid off.) Figured out the computer well enough that I built my own. And I loved my guys. My VP was from Japan - and just a stitch. Scared to death of me - HA!!! The two directors under him were both American and typical engineers. Details, details, details. Then there were 18 engineers - 9 American and 9 Japanese. I was responsible for the Japanese acclimating to the culture of this country. Think about that for just a moment - doesn't that scare you to death?!?! LOL

Anyway - the divorce rate in this company was horrible. Because we were building this plant from the ground up it was lots and lots of hours. We all had cots in our office and things were so bad for people personally the company offered free marriage counciling. I had my own version. I learned the birth dates and anniversaries of everyone in my department and their families. I made sure dinner reservations were made, presents were bought and flowers delivered. I loved that!! BUT - I'm not a secretary. Not then, not now.

They knew it. So in time my job expanded. I started doing inspection of the critical steel, visiting our processor's plants, making sure things were smoothed out if someone was upset. I was the Ambassador. THAT is how I ended up in sales. Until that point - I didn't think I could sell a damned thing!

This company valued me - and because of that they had my loyalty and I LOVED to go to work.

Now - not so much. I have seen more and more evidence that the company I currently work for does not care about anything or anyone but the bottom line.

The only high point of this job was my friend (and blogdaughter) Talula. She offered advice, support and an ear on those days I just needed to vent.

Today - they laid her off. They eliminated her position. HA. They've been gunning for her for months. And they were slick about it. They took someone who is an engineer and tried to make her a secretary. Data entry, answer phones, spreadsheets and letters. They. Set. Her. Up.

Makes me wonder. Who's next?

Meanwhile - she's a single mom with three kids and a lot of other shit going on. I know, I know - business is business. BUT - this is different. Out of respect for her privacy I won't go into the details, but please - trust me on this one. I see it every day.

So - Talula. I'm sorry. I will miss your "Good Morning" and smile every day. The bomb that dropped in the pit when you left would have done you proud. You are better off and you will be sorely missed.

Posted by Tammi at December 9, 2005 07:37 PM