Job titles, then and now

[PrettySquareGal]

I was talking to someone, and mentioned that my mother had worked as a secretary, and followed up with, "She was a secretary when it was OK to be called one." The modern term is administrative assistant, of course.

Why is the term "secretary" shameful?

There are many other examples of glorified job titles, some to sound more prestigious, but also because the originals are perceived as demeaning, like "maid" or "janitor."


Do you use old-fashioned job titles in your conversations?

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

No

I'm a Waste Reclamation and Sanitation Specialist, not a "garbage man"! :eusa_doh:

 

[LizzieMaine]

I used to tell people that my grandfather was a Petroleum Transfer Engineer -- seemed much more impressive than telling folks he pumped gas. And my father was a Pastry Transportation Manager (he drove a pie truck.).

And me, just call me an Analog Media Presentational Specialist.

 

[RetroModelSari]

I think they use other expressions cause those sound more "Important". I think in modern days my job is named "Office Manager" in fact I´m a receptionist/secretary and I keep calling me that

 

[scotrace]

When my people stopped wanting to be called sectretaries, I expressed my delight at no longer having to observe that most silly Hallmark Holiday: Secretary's Day.

 

[Miss Neecerie]

When my people stopped wanting to be called sectretaries, I expressed my delight at no longer having to observe that most silly Hallmark Holiday: Secretary's Day.

But its just been replaced with 'administrative professionals day' so is that really any better?

 

[Braxton36]

And woe unto you if you ever acknowledge someone on "Secretarys' Day" who doesn't consider themselves a secretary! But also try ignoring the "file clerks" on that day and see what happens... agree it's a silly holiday.

 

["Doc" Devereux]

When my people stopped wanting to be called sectretaries, I expressed my delight at no longer having to observe that most silly Hallmark Holiday: Secretary's Day.

I don't have a secretary, I have an assistant. In fact (and this is the job title we agreed on) I have a Glamorous Assistant*, since part of her job is to fly on my wing at events and such. I much prefer saying thankyou, and meaning it, and throwing in the occasional random bonus gift when opportunity arises**. I'm also a big fan of acknowledging publicly that my world would collapse without her invaluable services (Miss Neecerie's sig comes to mind). Forcing the issue one day a year just makes the whole thing seem artificial, even when it's meant.

That said, I don't use words like 'Janitor' either. I'm more inclined to say "That's Joe, he looks after the place." I also tend to refer to Bill's secretary as his "Right Hand", since that's exactly what a good secretary/assistant/administrator is. I think of it as accuracy in describing the job rather than anything else.

* Hey, I'm a magician - it's tradition, or an old charter, or something...

** "Hey Liz, I'm having a set of boots made. Since you have trouble finding boots that fit you properly, would you like a pair as well?"

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

How about "Soda Jerk"? lol

 

["Doc" Devereux]

How about "Soda Jerk"? lol

I think that depends entirely on the personality of whoever's doing the job.

 

[Willi_Goat]

I guess these are not job titles, but it kind of fits. In the Air Force we had the Chow or Mess Hall and the Motor Pool. Now we have the Dining Facility and Vehicle Operations. Of course the job title changes will come along with the organization's name change.

Well, this one fits here. We have Information Managers instead of secretaries.

 

[DancingSweetie]

I still like to say "stewardess" even though they hate that. The first dentist I ever worked for (he graduated from dental school in the 50's) used to call me his "nurse" or his "gal".

 

[VintageJess]

I have increasingly noticed "homemaker" or "housewife" missing from the options when you have to check off your occupation on forms. I typically find myself having to check "Other", although I will frequently write in "Homemaker" next to the "Other" box.

Jessica

 

[Willi_Goat]

I'm a Waste Reclamation and Sanitation Specialist, not a "garbage man"! :eusa_doh:

I like the Opus term for that, Waste-Management Artisan.

 

[Twitch]

It illustrates the simple evolution of politically correctness that has invaded every aspect of our lives.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

It illustrates the simple evolution of politically correctness that has invaded every aspect of our lives.

Yep, everybody is a professional now.

 

[koopkooper]

Is it me or is everyone a "manager" ....I thought managers had to manage a group of people.

Surely if you just manage yourself it should be refered to as "coping with the Job'!

Anyway I think the term is used too much these days.

And here's something that bugs me at work.....Multi-tasking.....man what a load of crap. It's a term that is used to that the company can get away with paying one person to do the job of three people.
Multi-tasking to me is shor for "jack of all trades, master of none"

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Is it me or is everyone a "manager" ....I thought managers had to manage a group of people.

Surely if you just manage yourself it should be refered to as "coping with the Job'!

Anyway I think the term is used too much these days.

And here's something that bugs me at work.....Multi-tasking.....man what a load of crap. It's a term that is used to that the company can get away with paying one person to do the job of three people.
Multi-tasking to me is shor for "jack of all trades, master of none"

"Multi-tasking"
That's me, a multi-tasker if there ever was one,...
Equally insulting behaviour on the part of bosses is the infamous sideways promotion, which often comes with a silly title.
My title for instance is, "Machine Shop Coordinator"!
I dream of the day when I can fire my wretched idiot of a boss,....

 

[jamespowers]

I'm a Waste Reclamation and Sanitation Specialist, not a "garbage man"! :eusa_doh:

I thought they called them Sanitation Engineers now.

Regards,

J

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

I thought they called them Sanitation Engineers now.

Regards,

J

Only if they have not pursued their doctoral degrees.