If its for a big, high paying company sure. I mean its a job.

Been there done that. I respect them... sometimes. Lots of negative energy comes from the ones I meet.

I could be good at that!

it sounds like fun :]]]]

nahh.

no thanks

I would get fired on the first day. I'd be lousy at it.

people r to mean

Low Profile

always my fall back job because i've been one since i was 14

i actually liked being a receptionist but obviously they dont make any money. might as well be a personal assistant instead

muti-task

The cog in most machines, but not always appreciated.

Eh, I just don't like that idea.

No

Depends on where you work. This can be a really great job or a nightmare.

I already feel like one presently..what else is new?

Nothing that most of us would want to make a career out of, but if you want to, more power to you.  I've been a veterinary receptionist for about three years now, and though I love what I do (more specifically, where I work), it's hardly mentally stimulating.  At least I've branched out and am working on brochure design and stuff that's not the run-of-the-mill reception gig (finally get to use my degree in computer art, I guess).

Because of where I work, I have to call a lot of receptionists all over the US, and there's this really irritating trend that I've been noticing:

Me: "Hi, this is Annie calling from (insert company name here), I'm returning a call to (some name or another) about (whatever) . . . "
Other Receptionist: "Uh . . . she's not here . . . can you call back later?"

 . . . "can you call back later"?  I'm pretty sure the main job description of a receptionist is as follows:

1) answer the phone
2) take messages
3) give messages to people
 
. . . if you're a receptionist and are incapable of taking a message, what the hell are you being paid for?

Second thing that irritates the hell out of me:  being hung up on after introducing myself.  It's assumed that if you speak in a professional manner you're a telemarketer.  So, I end up calling back, saying "Hi, I believe I was just . . . disconnected.  I'm returning YOUR DOCTOR'S call about (insert pet name).  I understand the pet's there right now . . ."

So, if you're a receptionist, the two things that I'd suggest:
1) Learn how to take messages (that's your job), and
2) Don't hang up on people (that's obnoxious).

In this economy, it's even hard to get a decent secretarial job. The job requires so many diverse skills and talents that the person is often not appreciated. However, it can be rewarding if you're in the right office and if you have a job where you know what you'll be doing each day.

Now that many more career choices are available to women, secretarial work doesn't hold much appeal. I think it's wonderful that young women are choosing so many varied paths in life; at the same time, it's unfortunate that some of the more mundane roles are minimized and dismissed as unimportant. Although my job has a different title, the work I do is secretarial, and I'm not ashamed of it -- the job is necessary and I do it well. I DO find it interesting and somewhat disturbing, though, that the occupation of prostitute/gigolo rates higher than secretary! Being a secretary may not be glamourous but it does pay the bills and allow a person to retain self respect.

I know there are some higher paying secretarial positions but most people in the clerical field deserve way more recognition, respect and money than they get. In my experience, they are largely taken for granted and their integral importance in any office is often over-looked. This is a truly thankless job. You are expected to be cheerful while doing the same boring routine day in and out, not complain when extra work arrives on your desk though you already have way too much to do in a day, and dress to the nines every day. I have thankfully been out of this field for a long time now. I think those who do this work and plan to keep doing it should definitely consider getting organized and get some of the recognition and salaries they deserve.