Receptionist: The Most Rewarding Job You'll Ever Hate
Being the Gatekeeper May Be Tough, but it Has Its Perks
Unless you've been a receptionist, you probably think it's not a very glamorous job, and one that requires no special skills. While you may not need a degree to be a receptionist, you do need common sense, the ability to think on your feet, and a great deal of flexibility. A receptionist must be more than a blonde bimbo with a pretty face, and knowing how to smile while putting someone in their place is a plus. Loyalty and dedication must be unquestionable. Some people naturally possess these skills and qualities, but they are difficult to teach in a classroom environment.
A receptionist is often lauded for her contributions to a company; she may receive flowers or candy from the boss or an appreciative client. She may also be the one to experience the wrath of a stressed-out boss or a disgruntled gate-crasher, just because she's there when things hit the fan. Tickets to a show may appear from someone she's assisted, but she may miss the play if the boss has deadlines to meet.
Remember Miss Jane from the Beverly Hillbillies? That poor woman endured more craziness while working for Mr. Drysdale than any one person should experience in a lifetime. To hear her tell it, the tightwad banker paid her a mere pittance for her continued loyalty and dedication, but the Clampetts loved her and frequently showed their appreciation. There is usually an upside to every down.
I've had both good and bad experiences while a receptionist in various companies. I've been paid a low wage for demanding work, and have been commended by bosses for my ability to keep them out of trouble. Being a receptionist may not always be easy, but the perks can be worth it.
Published by Marie Anne St. Jean - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
A Top 1000 Content Producer for the last three years, Marie Anne is a retired U.S. Marine MSgt whose weapons of choice are now crochet hook and pen. When not writing for Yahoo! sites such as YCN! Voice... View profile
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I love my receptionist job and worked my way up to having the title Administrative Assistant after being with the company for many years. We have lots of pros and cons. They balance out in the end though. Nice write up!
I've always thought receptionists worked very hard and you wrote about all aspects, pro and con, about the job.
I've been a "secretary" which also included having to do the job of receptionist. Not easy at all . . . especially when you're the ONLY person in the building, so more secretary, really. Sometimes there was another person or two, though.
I don't understand how assigning these topics to people who've possibly never done that job is productive. Or am I reading these challenges wrong? And, BTW, Miss Jane was not a receptionist, she was a secretarial assistant, much different than a receptionist.
Excellent article! Being a receptionist is definitely not an easy task.
Great article! I've done that job and you are absolutely right - certainly not an easy one! After jobs of being a receptionist and then an assistant I also quickly learned that if you are kind and make a good impression on the assistant or receptionist, chances are the boss will hear about it. And vice versa of course if you treat the receptionist like crap! :)
The receptionist where I worked, before retirement, never received the appreciation they so richly deserved. :-|
great write up-I'm with Lady, oh my gosh, I'll NEVER do that job again
I think you said it all. That's one job I hope I never have again. I've turned grouchy in my old age and no longer have the patience to put up with all the "stuff" LOL!