Administrative assistant/receptionist--slow moving job w/ a lot of downtime?

Question

Of those of you who work as an admin assist/receptionist, how busy are you during the way? How do you spend your time? Is there a lot of downtime where you don't have any actual work and must occupy yourself doing whatever you want? I'm looking for a job like that. Basically I want to get paid to sit in a chair and answer phones and assist people when it comes up, but generally not being too busy

Answer 1

I have had two receptionist jobs at two different companies, and both times there has been a lot of "down time", although now I am a lot more busy because the company (a law firm) is a lot bigger than the first one. I spend my time online reading the news, reading newspapers or magazines, reading and doing homework (online classes for college), and reading or writing for fun (I'm a bookworm). So if you want a job like that I would say look for any receptionist position (that is definitely different than a secretary; secretaries ARE busy all the time!), then again don't expect to be paid too much more than minimum wage, unless you're working for professionals, like lawyers, doctors, or architects.
The downside to a receptionist job is that it is boring in and of itself so the appeal to these jobs is that you have time to do something useful and constructive (I have time to go to college, and working 25 hrs a week pays for it). Another downside is that you have to stay at your desk all the time even if you need to go to the bathroom, because you are the initial contact for the company, and if you are missing from your desk, bad things will happen!

Answer 2

I guess your best bet is to find a job in a small company that isn't too successful.

Answer 3

Are you kidding? This can't be a serious question.

Answer 4

Come on over to where I work. I'll hire you! NOT.

Answer 5

my cousin has a job like that so they do exist.

Answer 6

Hope you don't plan to get paid alot.....