Maybe it's a Canadian thing? We had cleaning ladies vacuum and bring us clean sheets once a week in the dorms at Trent. And this was a place that at its founding in the sixties actively recruited for faculty wanting to make a statement by leaving the U.S. over Viet Nam.

I didn't have a tub and it was winter! But I did develop the habit of washing my underwear in the shower every morning. Which I still do. I recognize this is kinda weird. But I never run out of underwear!

I *just* read an article about a study of the German system, hauptschule (trades) vs gymnasium and the role of social class in there. One kid said "I'm in the Hauptschule, so I know I won't be able to do much when I'm older." [link]

Maybe it's a Canadian thing? We had cleaning ladies vacuum and bring us clean sheets once a week in the dorms at Trent.

I didn't know you went to Trent. But yeah, we had maid service at King's. But all they did was vaccuum and dust, if they could find the floor. We brought and laundered our own bedding. Occassionally I would come home to find my bed made.

Oooh, and an article from the same paper from 6 years ago: [link]

The thing is, I don't know why this is so shocking now. When I hosted german exchange students 14 years ago, they spoke of it plainly.

Maybe it's a Canadian thing? We had cleaning ladies vacuum and bring us clean sheets once a week in the dorms at Trent.

I know it used to be an American thing as well. When I interviewed at Swartmore in the late eighties they were one oof the last schools doing it -- I think they stopped soon after.

Maybe it's a Canadian thing? We had cleaning ladies vacuum and bring us clean sheets once a week in the dorms at Trent.

I didn't even see this sentence. You're living in residence, right? I know I did no vacuuming, and I'm reasonably sure the sheets weren't my job either that one year in McGill dorm. Weird that I don't remember.

I didn't even see this sentence. You're living in residence, right? I know I did no vacuuming, and I'm reasonably sure the sheets weren't my job either that one year in McGill dorm. Weird that I don't remember.

Yup. I never lived in residence at McGill so I don't know but it seems likely - maybe especially at RVC.

So things have worked out oddly. I'm no longer my boss' secretary. I'm the VP's secretary. She had less on her plate than I have, so can deal with his demands better.

Then in the new year, we'll hire him a full time assistant, because his world is heading that way and he needs full time support.

With his needs off my plate, I can concentrate more fully on the projects I have. He feels awful about the constant clashing, loves me, and said I'm valuable to the company and doesn't want to see me go.

It was quiet and everyone was exhausted today from dealing with the situation. I feel guilty for causing all this drama, and think I shouldn't become complacent about my future.

I don't see why you should feel guilty, Allyson. Your boss was being unreasonable and demanding and not providing you the support you needed to do the job.

I'm a bit confused, though: you switched positions with the VP's secretary? And he'll get a full-time assistant as well?

Well, I'm glad if it helps the immediate stress, but I suspect it might be wise to continue looking.

Sweetie, I don't think you caused this. Unrealistic expectations by some other people did. Please keep that in mind. It really sounds like you were expected to wear more hats than a single person can sustain, plus extra inter-personal baggage.

And I hope this is better and more productive for you.