It’s been a week since I’ve started this job as a medical secretary, and so far so good. I’m working in an office for two optometrists (two GPs and a psychotherapist as well, but most of the work I do is for the eye doctors), and I am learning things like how to read prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and how to measure the width of people’s pupils using a ‘pupilometer’. That thing is fun to use, but I’m still not quite sure what for. I’ve never had to wear even reading glasses before, so I’m also a little lost when people tell me they are “a -2.00 and 1.25 and what am I going to do about it”, but I think I will get it eventually.

I’ve had a lot of hands on experience too, which is good… in a way. Even though I’m not planning on becoming an optometrist in the near or distant future I guess it’s always good to know how glasses work. However there were times when I would literally be left alone (there are two other secretaries that work with me who take frequent coffee/bathroom breaks) for hours. My first day on the job I had a million people asking me if their frames were ready for pickup. No one told me they were hiding in a back room around the corner, but I found it. My third day on the job I had to repair a man’s glasses whose lens had popped out of his frame. Somehow I managed to do it without aid – I found the tools for it and everything – and the man left looking very pleased, and I did too. Yay. But apparently I was supposed to charge him for that. Thankfully I didn’t get in trouble, ’cause you know, “I’m still learning” and all. They were more surprised that I was able to figure out how to fix the guy’s glasses.

I’m sure there will be more stories next week. Can’t wait.

As of tomorrow morning, I will be employed once again! Oh right, did I mention before that I was unemployed? Well, I am no longer. Hooray.

I will be working in a doctor’s office nearby, starting off part-time, and I am looking forward to it. Spending weeks and weeks at the computer and on the phone canvasing companies for jobs was stressful and disappointing to say the least. It may not be the ideal job for me, but I am planning on going back to school next year anyway, so this will do for now. And I will be able to make back the money I have spent while shopping. Bonus.