PA/executive assistant courses?

[Amber321]

Hi
I have been a full time mum to my three kids for over 10 years but now they are all at school I am thinking about getting a part time job in the next year or so. I have a degree and worked in the middle office in Banking, moving into Marketing and Events within the Finance sector.
I have lost confidence in myself and don't feel able to get a high level job straight away but local jobs are very poorly paid so I would probably have to commute to London again. I think my skills could be suited to a Personal Assistant/Executive Assistant role as this would build on some of my previous experience and there do seem to be part times roles out there. I am considering doing a course to brush up on my skills and give me a confidence boost. Can anyone recommend any courses? Some of them seem rather expensive!
Thank you!

[Amber321]

Thank you hutchblue for your kind words! Well done to you to finding a job after 8 years at home. I have been looking on and off at what jobs are available locally and admin jobs only pay about £7-8/ hour but cleaners seem to earn £10-12/hour!! (I hate cleaning my own house so could not do that job!!) As I haven't commuted for 10 years I have probably forgotten how bad it is but now think a 30 min train ride would be lovely without the kids 😂 And as I would ideally work 2-3 days a week it might be worth the extra money.
I will have a look at the chamber of commerce like you suggest and that is a good idea to volunteer locally. It doesn't help that DH keeps telling me I need to set up my own business! I am not entrepreneurial and would much rather be in paid employment!

[flopsypopsymopsy]

If you can, go the Project Admin / Co-ordinator / Manager route. I'm not sure about part-time jobs but you will earn more money and have more respect.

There are fewer Admin/PA/EA jobs available than ever but still lots of candidates. That's why jobs are being advertised for £7 to £8 per hour. The result of having fewer admin people is increased workload. I've been a PA at senior level (i.e. for a FTSE Chief Executive) for about 15 years and the job has just got harder and more stressful. It's assumed that it is a doddly job but it really isn't and not for the faint hearted.

If you really want to give it a go then brush up on your Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook skills and go temping. It may lead you to the right thing/permanent role.

[Amber321]

Good luck Hutchblue with your new venture! Perhaps if I get my work confidence back it is something I could eventually do!
Thanks Flopsy I will investigate the project management route and I definitely need to brush up on my word/excel/PowerPoint skills as I am a bit rusty!