I work in the purchasing office for a small/mid-size city, and I very much enjoy it (most of the time). The work is varied, and somewhat seasonal. I spend a lot of time working with spreadsheets for formal bids, recording small business vendor participation, keeping records and lists of different activities. I've always enjoyed spreadsheets since I first learned about them. We handle contracts, requisitions, invoices in several linked software programs, and I'm the go-to person when people have questions, although I am not in IT, and sometimes have to throw my hands in the air and refer them to the appropriate IT person. I proofread all of my boss' correspondence. I do a lot of database searches for our dept director. He was recently promoted to city admin office, but he still calls me to ask me to search for things for him. I also handle the purchasing website, and generally all of the electronic work of the office, as well as setting dates and creating the advertisements for our bids.

I work with a lot of people in different departments, and occasionally have to run meetings for bids, where, even after 20 years, I still get nervous with public speaking. !!!

Sometimes we're really busy, particularly at the beginning of the fiscal year when many projects are begun with new funding, and in the spring when the weather's good after the cold, rainy winter. Then it's stressful, but that purposeful kind of stress of deadlines and being able to revel in feeling hyper-competent. We also have deep lulls when I feel like nothing is happening, and while I do office housekeeping--filing, clearing away obsolete papers, etc.--I also make the social rounds and re-affirm friendships and acquaintances with people on other floors, in other departments. It makes me happy that many people consider me a friend and enjoy my company.
I'm proud of the work I do. I'm proud that a lot of people call me for guidance or help for a variety of tasks, because I can guide and help them.