For anyone who has been lucky enough to have a receptionist position at any stage during their lives, you will be aware of some of the below. Here are eleven of the worst things about being a receptionist.
1. You are never just a receptionist.
You are all things to all people. Depending on the type of receptionist that you are, you could be anything from a builder to a doctor to a nurse. Anything. Anything is possible.
2. You can only do seven hundred things at one time, not nine hundred.
You are a receptionist, you are more than capable of multi-tasking. However, there are only so many things you can concentrate on at the same time. It’s just too difficult after a certain point.
3. You only know two extra languages, not seven.
I can speak French? No, I’m sorry. I don’t speak Chinese. Maybe Spanish?
4. You don’t know where EVERYTHING in the town is…
You have a fairly sound local knowledge, especially when you come from a fairly small town but unfortunately, you’re not quite sure where that doctor’s surgery is across town that is not listed on the internet.
5. You can’t build rooms.
“Hello, do you have any rooms available for the evening? Oh, you don’t. Oh, what am I going to do? We’re coming down for the evening.” Unfortunately, you haven’t mastered the art of building rooms just yet.
6. You can’t read minds.
That deathly stare that suggests you SHOULD know why that person is standing there, but unfortunately, you just don’t.
7. Lengthy discussions about the weather.
Honestly, there’s only so much discussion you can actually have about the rain and the ducks and the grass and… Sorry, I trailed off there. What were you saying?
8. You’re “just the receptionist”
Why, thank you. I really have no clue what’s going on here. I only run the building…
9. Providing Psychiatric Help
Ah, the life stories. The wonderful life stories. You are more than willing to have the chats and lend a helping hand, but then the phone starts ringing and there is a list of several things you just can’t get to.
10. You become adept at lying.
Oh, I’m sorry. They’re not in the office right now. Can they get back to you?
11. You can’t remember everyone… forever.
Well hello! Do you not remember me? Sorry, I see about two hundred people a day here. I really try to remember everyone, but sometimes, it’s not that easy….
