God, I’m so pathetically proud of myself.

[JenniferJupiterr]

And it is a bit pathetic as you’ll see when you read on!

I applied for and got a job in the Civil Service - something I never thought I’d have a chance of getting. And I nearly didn’t apply for because one of the essential criteria was ‘competent in Microsoft 365.’

Well, one of the things I’m absolutely not competent in is Microsoft anything. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never ever opened up Excel or Word - and this is despite me running my own business! (I hasten to add I had a business partner who did all that stuff!) … and because I’m in my 50s I genuinely thought I wouldn’t ever trouble myself with this stuff. I find it terrifying and confusing so always have sought to avoid it.

Anyway, this job is something I really wanted to go for, it’s really interesting so I had to overcome my many years ingrained fear

But I’ve done it. I’ve spent the past few weeks teaching myself all things Microsoft 365. I can create a spreadsheet, I can format it. I can filter it. I can open word and create and save a document. I can create meetings in Teams via Outlook calendar

I appreciate it’s very embarrassing and the achievements of a 5 year old and most of the people I’ve told have laughed hysterically but meh… an achievement is an achievement right?!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!!!!! Bloody Fantastic!!!
I would CRY if I had to attempt ANY of what you have successfully self taught yourself!!!!

Be VERY, VERY proud of yourself!!!

( the disgust I see in my DS’s eyes when I need to ask for help, even with my phone…… 🙀😳🙄🙀!!!)…

I just forgot!, you got the job, too!!! That’s almost an aside!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!🥂 I’d be telling everyone!!! Even a random on the street……..😻

@Sisublondie 😃😃. Thank you! I can’t lie, I never in a million years thought I’d be able to do it. Actually, that’s probably a lie… of course I knew that with the right mindset and properly applying myself I’d be able to do it … I’m aware it’s not rocket science but fear of failure is a powerful thing isn’t it?

Congratulations op 🏆well done you 💐

Well done!! I have absolutely no idea about this computer stuff and would have no idea how to learn 🙄 good luck in your new job 😀

This is why you got the job! They could see your potential to turn your hand at a new challenge! Well done OP!!!
I'm now curious though.... whats the job?!

NOT pathetic in anyway op! Go you!! Fantastic, good for you 🥰

I absolutely love this. Well done 🥳

@Notasbigasithink thank you!

and the job is with the Crown Prosecution Service. Preparing bundles for court, liaising with victims of crime, witnesses, stakeholders and making sure that everything that needs to be is in the case file

Huge congratulations @JenniferJupiterr. You'd written yourself of far too early, as you'vejust proved to yourself. Now you won't have the fear of being asked to create a spreadsheet hanging over you!

Stop saying this is pathetic. STOP saying you are ashamed. Excel is HARD. you taught yourself ans yiu should be incredibly proud. Well done.

Absolutely something to be proud of! Well done 👏🏻

@ForestHare exactly!

and I am that person who once had to run away from a job interview when it came to the ‘computer task’ and first thing on the laminated list was ‘turn on PC’ … and I kid you not, I didn’t know how to do it.

So this isn’t a mild fear I have. It’s not irrational either. For someone who considers themselves as reasonably intelligent, I’m also incredibly dense too when it comes to IT

@mumof5five thank you. And you’re right, I know

Sounds very interesting indeed! Well done OP, I hope its everything you want it to be and more!!

Trust me on this...if you can do 6 things in Excel you'll be the departmental expert. Well done you.

Oh! Well now I'm proud of you! Well done @JenniferJupiterr ! That's amazing stuff, good on you, and thank you for giving the rest of us some hope.

Good luck in your new role.

@Crucible Look, if we can include bolding a heading, using the paint tin icon to turn it a pretty colour and locating the ‘sum’ icon, then yes… can deffo get to six! 😃

This is honestly amazing

so few people (including myself) ever actually learn or do the things on our bucket list like this

you did - and you got the job! Honestly - be so proud of yourself and celebrate!

Was about to post the same thing. Would love to know which depts are open to older female applicants as so many options seem closed to us. I’d just love something interesting and where I might feel I was making a difference. Not even worried about the wage. Sigh.

Well done OP. You should feel proud, you’re an inspiration!

Well done! X

Welcome to the world of MG files.

Aw well done, you should be really proud of yourself. Good job taking charge of the situation.

CS is blind recruiting you don’t put your age etc (usually)

I've been using excel for years and do most days at work (also CS) and Excel still baffles me, I just click stuff and then undo if it was wrong.

Well done you, hope you enjoy the new job 👏

That is excellent! And shows you got the job because you are determined and willing to learn. I mean reread what you wrote. You TAUGHT yourself, that is something to be proud of with ZERO pathetic attached!

Brag about how great you are! It's not often we champion ourselves like this!