A Year Without Administrative Professionals Day

Last Wednesday was just like any other workday Wednesday. Unless you're an administrative professional (or secretary, assistant, receptionist, clerk/typist, office manager, or office slave) like me. For us, it's our national holiday (though, naturally, everything's open, there's mail for us to sort, and it's business as usual), a day to celebrate the uncelebrated, recognize the unrecognized, acknowledge the unacknowledged, and appreciate the (often) unappreciated.

Every year without fail during the five years of my secretarial career, despite approaching the day with low expectations (as I approach most days, to be honest), I've been surprised, feted, and, frankly, spoiled by coworkers and supervisors. I've received chocolates, flowers, plants, handmade ceramic mugs, cards, and many, many kind words. That's a lot of fuss for someone who isn't used to being fussed over. (I imagine most administrative professionals aren't.)

So I approached this year with similarly low expectations (I didn't want to be disappointed by expecting too much, you know), while also hoping my coworkers wouldn't go to too much trouble on my account. When you're a socially-anxious introvert, even a bit of positive attention can feel like too much attention. (And let's face it, I'm still eating chocolate from Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day, so the last thing in the world I need is more chocolate...)

To my surprise, my supervisor and coworkers trickled in one by one without a word as to the day's significance. Apparently it existed only in my mind. No cards, no gifts, no acknowledgement. It truly was just a hectic but ordinary Wednesday during a very busy time of the year. At first, it was funny, and I managed a few private chuckles at my own expense. But the more I brooded (I'm a world-class brooder), the worse I felt. (It stands to reason.)

I tried to comfort myself with a splash of dark humor. After all, it seems fitting for employees who feel forgotten and unacknowledged every other day of the year to be forgotten and unacknowledged on our special day. It sucked, though. I think I realize now how it must feel for someone to be ignored by their partner on Valentine's Day (which can be avoided by being single for every Valentine's Day!) or for a mom or dad to be unacknowledged by their children on Mother's Day or Father's Day.

For me, though, still trying to find humor, it also brought to mind the 1980s film "Sixteen Candles," in which the main character, Samantha, is totally ignored by her entire family, including, shockingly, her grandparents. ("Grandparents forgetting a birthday? They live for that s***!"), her milestone birthday forgotten.

In hindsight, it's not really a big deal. I'm not going to dwell on the events (or lack thereof) of one single day. What matters is every other day. I'm thankful to have a job and coworkers that I like, even if I'm not always (or ever) acknowledged for my work. What's important is that I feel like I'm making a positive difference and that I acknowledge myself for what I do. If I'm secure in that, then I don't need pats on the back, cards, flowers, or chocolates (though I won't turn them away).

Oh, well. Back to business (as usual).