If you used to be a PA/EA what do you do now?

[Bride2Be25]

I spent the first 10 years of my career as an EA & I loved the job but the salary just wasn’t high enough. I did look at other EA jobs with higher salaries but the general consensus was you had to sell your soul in terms of hours and I just can’t do that with family dynamics.

I now have an operations role which is easier work and a slightly better salary but I really don’t love it and can’t see myself doing it forever. But I’m really stuck about what to move into next - I don’t have a degree but I do have qualifications specific to EA work.

So I’m posting here for inspo! If you used to be a PA / EA, what did you move in to with a higher salary and more career opportunities?

I'm an EA and earn just under £100k. Is that not high enough for you?!

@Ilovemyshed oh wow that is very high - all the jobs I had previously paid max £35k.

What are your working hours like please ? Are you on call 24/7?

Btw I am based in London and always worked for one of the Big 4…I’ve heard banks pay higher but never on a perm contract.

EA in London earning £35k must be quite unusual - I was earning that in my 20s as an EA outside of London. Maybe look around a bit more and see what else you can get in the EA relm.

How about doing a qualification in project management?

PRINCE2 used to be the one to do, but it’s credibility seems to have slipped lately?

APM is supposed to be good, not sure about Prince 2. OP could do an apprenticeship PM qualification.

I'm now a HLTA so went down in pay instead of up.
I've always been interested in education and was a TA before I became a PA, I just never wanted to be a teacher. I've got children now, so being a TA suits my lifestyle.

Global firm, most senior EA. On call 24/7 but realistically work flexibly generally 8-6, with a bit of out of hours when needed/ dealing with emergencies.

You should be on £50-70k depending on level of who you work for and the industry and geography of the firm. PE and finance pays higher.

That's assuming a "proper" EA role. Many who call themselves EAs actually are not.

Civil service private secretary/private office role.
Salary varies across departments - those with lower salaries tend to offer better benefits, but generally G7, decent benefits - flexible working, pension, leave etc