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more hours to accomplish more in the day; and be able to spend more time with our families and those who means the most to us! ~ Avril Swartz, Discovery ~ Question 2: If you were offered a 25% raise, but only on the condition that you would never again be thanked for any of the little things you do to help during the workday, would you take it? Why or why not?
Runners-up I wouldn’t take the raise. Although I don’t go over and beyond my job to be thanked for every task, I think it means so much when someone recognises my hard work and can see the fruits of my labour. It is so rewarding when someone notices that ‘extra mile’ you went for them. Money does not have a direct correlation to job satisfaction (contrary to what most people think). Even the small little things we do, can mean so much to people we work with, as we spend more time at work than with our own families sometimes so to be appreciated and valued is a much greater asset than a 25% raise. ~ Stacey McFarlane, FNB ~ No, at this point and time I will not take the raise. For me it is the little things in life that makes life worth living. I don’t want people to praise me from dusk till dawn, but when I receive a simple thank you, it feels as if the day was worth it. It makes you feel valuable and not being taken for granted. Money is important (especially in today’s global economic situation), but my job is more than a job to me – it is a reflection of the person I
am and I would like to be and my job gives me the platform to do this. It makes me feel as if I am making a difference in the lives of others, being it in the workplace (I would like to leave a legacy) or wherever I am. Christa Booth, Sasol Mining
And the winner is… No. Being appreciated is much more valuable than money for me. We agree to our salary and annual increases when we are employed. No value can be placed on being able to ensure that someone else can better fulfil their role, and being able to add to others’ experience at work being as enjoyable as my own, and being appreciated for it. Money is not the only way to feel appreciated. ~ Avril Swartz, Discovery ~ Question 3: You've just received word that you're being inducted into the Administrative Assistants' Hall of Fame! Who is the first person you'll thank during your acceptance speech, and why?
Runners-up I am one of the lucky few who gets to work with my mentor / coach / role model on a daily basis - MM. I learn something new from her every day. She inspires me personally and professionally. She is so dedicated to making a difference at FNB and her enthusiasm rubs off on those around her. She is very open minded and listens when I talk to her. She offers great advice and does not ''tell'' me what to do but rather empowers me to be the best PA possible. Stacey McFarlane, FNB I cannot thank only one person as my family is a unit and count as one to me and therefore it will be my husband, my
daughter and my domestic worker. If I did not have them, I would not have been able to do my job effectively. My husband and daughter for their understanding, love, support and for always being there (during long hours, the bad, sad and the good times) and my helper at home for taking care of the household. “They are the wind beneath my wings” – But above all, all the glory and honour be to God! ~ Christa Booth, Sasol Mining
And the winner is… My mother. I grew up in a poverty stricken area in Cape Town, and my first job was working with my mom in a factory. My parents were separated when I was at a very tender age. My dad moved to Johannesburg when I turned 16, and asked if I wanted to move with him for better career opportunities. My mom’s words to me were ‘I’m leaving the decision to you, because I don’t want to hold you back, and have you look back on your life and regret that I chose for you. Choose, what will make you happy, and I will support you.” I received a learnership to study basic administration, computer skills and advanced typing, and that’s when my career took off as an administrator and PA. ~ Avril Swartz, Discovery ~ Thank you to each and everyone that responded to my survey. It was fun! PAFSA Greetings, Susan Engelbrecht Chairperson - PAFSA Presidents Committee 2012-2014 issue
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