[Vega]

Thank you, Lisa. Yes, I would love to have those 5 precious questions. Because at 44 years old, it is time for me to decide how I am going to spend the next 20 years.

[LisaOlsen]

Trust me, I know the feeling! This seminar was developed from my own "post 40 don't know what to do when I grow up" feelings! Here are the questions. If you want further explanation on the application, just let me know. And remember, your feeling of being "stuck" feels totally different than someone elses. Your journey is going to be yours. I hope that helps.

Question #1 - Does this job allow me to work with people who share my sensibilities about life – or do I have to put on a persona to get through the day?

Question #2 - Does this job challenge me and otherwise make me smarter – or does it leave my brain in neutral?

Question #3 Will my current job open doors for greater opportunities?

Question #4 Does this job represent a considerable compromise for my family’s sake, and if so, do I sincerely accept the situation with all of its consequences?

Question#5 Does this job and the things I actually do day-to-day, touch my heart in meaningful ways?

Maybe the folks at Office Arrow will want me to post the questions on a monthly challenge. They are powerful, and when answered honestly, will lead you in the direction you are meant to go.

Enjoy the journey!!

[lectorlady]

Oops Got ahead of myself! Thanks!

[Ms. Bridgette Jones]

Vega, I am totally feeling you. I am in my late 30's and in the same boat. Lisa's post is awesome and gave me a lot to think about. I read your previous post, some bosses are not willing to let go of certain responsibilities because they feel that they are letting go of power, or maybe they have had many admin's leave after a short amount of time so they don't want to become too dependent on you. It could just be that he/she feels it's easier to do it themselves because they don't feel like taking the time to teach you or work with you. All of the above really mean that it's not you so don't take it personally. The boss I have now was reluctant to give me too many personal tasks or give me details on his personal life etc...until he learned I was capable and trustworthy. At first, he would always defer to an admin that was already working in the office so it was hard because I felt undermined sometimes. I think it's just working together and learning more about each other and what expectations each of you have. I think Lisa's post makes me realize that I myself need to move on. My boss has become completley dependent on me but unfortunately because of that, he will not allow me to grow into bigger, more challenging positions. He has defined me as his "admin" and does not realize how much more I have to offer or just doesn't care because he is happy with the job I am doing. 1) My job does not touch my heart, 2) It compromises time with my child and I'm not getting paid enough for that 3) There is no further growth possibility here for me, 4) My brain is on neutral and I'm bored 5) I have to put on a persona because of the fakeness and cut throat nature of the business I am involved in. It's not a team or a family here. So now I need advice... How does one start looking for a job when one has one and the person he/she is highly connected and linked with pretty much most organizations or people in the community? Another thing I realized is that as we are getting older we have the experience yet the younger generation has the computer know how and different skills so we need to keep up technologically to be able to get bigger better jobs.

[Ms. Bridgette Jones]

I think my boss read this LOL because they are now giving me many new challenging tasks....way too many LOL
Ahhhh, be careful what you wish for. Actually it is a good thing, my days go by faster but they are a lot of mindless tasks....I have a brain over here. Maybe I need to wear a shirt to work that says "BRAIN HERE"

[Liew]

I would love to have them. Could you send me a soft file please.

Oops! sorry I didn't see your e-mail.

[dawniesoo]

Lisa - I too am in a position that is not challenging and would really appreciate your sending me the presentation you mentioned on "5 questions to ask to get you pointed in the right direction".
thanks,
Dawn

[mazeppa]

Originally Posted by LisaOlsen

One of the sessions I present at conferences and on-site training is called "Getting Unstuck - 5 Questions to Ask to Get You Pointed in the Right Direction." Although the complete presentation covers the questions in depth, I'd be happy to share them with you. They give admins the chance to dig deep and either reconnect with their current position, or realize it's time to move on.

Let me know and I will send them to you.

Lisa,

I would appreciate recieving your presentation if possible. I am in the same position as the original poster. I support two executives and find that I have two hours of work and 6 hours of "what can I do now?" in my 8 hour days. During my last review, I advised both bosses that I wanted to move up, move into something else, but it's gone nowhere and now we are in a hiring freeze, so I am here for awhile.

thanks