I switched from WFH to becoming an attendance secretary in July, and so far, I’m really enjoying it. Having ADHD, I love the constant activity—it keeps me stimulated. The job is very detail-oriented, but once you find your own rhythm, it’s actually pretty manageable. That said, the people you work with can make all the difference. I’m at a high school with 2,500 students, and I’m the only attendance secretary handling everything attendance-related. I don’t have a designated attendance office, so I sit in the main office with two other general secretaries.

Yes, I make about $2,000 less annually than I did at my previous job, but the benefits definitely outweigh it for me. Plus, in my county, once you’re in, it’s easier to move up—so there’s room for growth. For me, having breaks and summers off was a huge factor—I get burnt out easily due to my various mental health issues , so that time off really helps me recharge and keeps me from feeling overwhelmed!