I am working as a temporary replacement for a role I'm growing to absolutely enjoy.

Anonymous

April 1,2023 at 6:01PM UTC

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I am working as a temporary replacement for a role I'm growing to absolutely enjoy. It's a full time admin role that suits my strengths beautifully except for the early hours. When the prior person gets back from FMLA, my hours will also be cut back to 20hrs/week per company policy for my prior role. Within the company, the only opportunity for advancement is to fill the spot as the role opens, but it's a position typically held for decades then filled by the present "backup". I want to start planning for finding a similar job for the future, but I don't have an idea how to start. I only had entry level grocery experience prior to this opportunity, and until I find the right treatment for my depression, I'm worried my efforts (and money) would be wasted attempting college. For others who have admin experience, I'd appreciate insight to my situation and other opportunities for advancement I'm not seeing.

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AnonymousApril 1,2023 at 7:01PM UTC
Would be inclined to know what type of Admin role? Support as in Secretary? There's so much free education on line to learn Microsoft programs, seminars and podcasts and self growth for all sorts of topics useful to an office worker. Find a friend in the same field to sort of mentor you. Other temporary jobs can provide valuable learning (temp agencies and such). Community colleges with on line learning for classes not necessarily towards a degree are also an option.
KatApril 1,2023 at 11:37PM UTC
I'm assuming you mean admin support, so my advice is for that area. There are lots of places (like LI Learning, Udemy, local job centers, etc) that offer free upskilling if you need it. At minimum, strong MS Office/Office 365, email and internet skills are needed to start. If you've got those, add in things like Google Docs/GSuite if that's what your current place uses. Admin support doesn't require an advanced degree, so if you're not ready/able/interested in a university degree right now, that's fine. Many places will substitute experience for degrees once you start to move up. If you like customer service, that's a good place to start your career to build up your skill set. After you've done that, think about if there are any areas you'd like to specialize in (insurance, higher ed, law, etc) and find out if there's any new skills or software you need to learn for those fields.
AnonymousApril 3,2023 at 12:29PM UTC
I would suggest to start your job hunt NOW and be open to long-term temp/ temp to perm roles. Half the battle is having experience/companies on your resume. I temped for a year basically but it finally got me a well-paid perm role, which has led me to where I am now (6 figures, just moved into a non-administrative role). If you want to connect on LinkedIn so we can talk further, let me know! And I’m rooting for you!
AnonymousApril 3,2023 at 1:07PM UTC
Get rich .
AnonymousApril 3,2023 at 5:23PM UTC
Your career is a marathon not a sprint, if you truly believe that college will help you on that path do it. Part time if need by while working. The money you spend on college will pay itself back over the duration of your career. If you are unsure start out with community college and see how that goes. Nothing comes without hard work. I'm glad you found your purpose. Perhaps the manager you work for now will post something on your linkedin and help you to find a good full time role through their network or endorsements if there is nothing FT there for you. Keep the faith you got this!
KellyW43April 4,2023 at 1:57AM UTC
I agree. Also, you can speak with your boss about the position and your interest. Who knows, if you are still there when the position becomes open again, it could be yours.