At times I wonder what exactly is my job title? I seem to be doing everything! I have to negotiate and counter contracts, proof-read and comment on legal documents, note-taking and minute-recording during meetings (plus being the food caterer, trash collector and coffee lady if it is a working lunch), photocopier, fax distributor, receptionist, mailman (or mailwoman), letter screener (for my boss and the Big Boss), mail distributor, translator, managing the contract database, stock-taker, and even switching on the lights and computer in the Big Boss’ room when he comes into the office!
That day, I just repaired the printer and fax machine as well. Instead of a mere Contract Administrator, I may as well be the secretary-cum-receptionist-cum-data entry clerk-cum-coffee lady-cum-goodness knows what. In other words, a General Office Girl.
I guess I should not complain. At least now I have a job, with a big possibility of being able to stay on permanently. Much better than those insecure jobless unemployed days. Besides, doing everything is rather exciting in a way, as I get to be exposed to more areas.
But sometimes I wish I can specialize in something. At least with an area of specialization, the niche is there, and the market value and prospects may be higher. My best friend specializes in Marketing, and now she is the Marketing Manager of Ya Kun, of my favourite kaya toast!
Most of my friends specialize in their areas of expertise, and some are so good at their work that the few times they contemplated leaving the company, they were given increments just to stay on. I guess for someone who specializes in a certain area, the marketability, value and prospects increase with experience.
I could have specialized in Law or Mass Communications, then there will be excellent prospects everywhere. As it is, where can someone with just a mere general Arts degree go? What can I do exactly? Now I am like a Jack (or Jill) or all trades, but Master (or Mistress) of none.
That day, I just repaired the printer and fax machine as well. Instead of a mere Contract Administrator, I may as well be the secretary-cum-receptionist-cum-data entry clerk-cum-coffee lady-cum-goodness knows what. In other words, a General Office Girl.
I guess I should not complain. At least now I have a job, with a big possibility of being able to stay on permanently. Much better than those insecure jobless unemployed days. Besides, doing everything is rather exciting in a way, as I get to be exposed to more areas.
But sometimes I wish I can specialize in something. At least with an area of specialization, the niche is there, and the market value and prospects may be higher. My best friend specializes in Marketing, and now she is the Marketing Manager of Ya Kun, of my favourite kaya toast!
Most of my friends specialize in their areas of expertise, and some are so good at their work that the few times they contemplated leaving the company, they were given increments just to stay on. I guess for someone who specializes in a certain area, the marketability, value and prospects increase with experience.
I could have specialized in Law or Mass Communications, then there will be excellent prospects everywhere. As it is, where can someone with just a mere general Arts degree go? What can I do exactly? Now I am like a Jack (or Jill) or all trades, but Master (or Mistress) of none.
2 comments:
I prefer to be a generalist. Specializing leads to a very narrow field of view whcih is ... boring. It is the reason I did not do an advanced degree because I could not see myself narrowing my field of study.
Better to know nothing about everything than everything about nothing.
Perhaps so... but it's harder to find a job if I don't have any area of specialisation, at least for here it's like this.
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