SecretariesUnited State have been providing administrative support to organizations for decades. Depression-era birthrate decline and booming post-war business created a shortage of skilled administrative personnel in the during and after World War II. But, over time this career path was revived. Many of us entered the workforce as a secretary or administrative assistant. For others these positions funded our college education. It is a noble profession.

Every year in the United States we honor this profession with “Administrative Professionals Day” (also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day). The holiday falls on the Wednesday of the last full week of April. The purpose of the holiday is to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists and other administrative support professions.

Looking Back at Secretaries

Jess Catcher at LittleThings.com gives us a look back at secretaries in the 1950’s. She identified rules these women had to endure in their work world. Here’s a list of the constraints Jess tells us about:

Smile Readily And Naturally
Be Fastidious About Your Appearance
Never Wear Long Earrings
Maintain Excellent Posture
Keep A Pleasing And Well-Modulated Voice
Refrain From Sarcasm
Conceal Your Boredom
Always Avoid Gossip
Refrain From Talking About Yourself
Have Omniscient Knowledge Of The Boss’ Whereabouts
Never Expect A Promotion

Could you work under these rules? I certainly would be challenged. Personally, I’m thankful to those women who made it past these  difficult work conditions and kept our American offices humming. All women owe these women a debt gratitude for waltzing into their offices before us.

 

 

Image credit: YouTube/ shaggylocks via LittleThings.com