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AIBU?

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Original poster

In thinking DN's career prospects are slim for now?

57 replies

NameChangeGhosty · 15/12/2016 17:02

Niece is 19. She started an apprenticeship as soon as she left school for Business Admin - 3 months in and she quit because someone the family knows offered her a PA role - he was impressed by what she had to say for herself etc.

Her other half is away in the USA for the majority of the next year for business ressons, so she said she'd like to find something exciting in London

She was there two and a half years (her old job). She's now moved to London and wants a job here. I've advised that she won't get much and should do some further training.

I'm a PA and I think it'd be hard for her to find anything paying more than £22K. She will only have the one reference Sad

She's very bright, and looks/comes across much older than her years

What do you think?

My brother thinks I'm ridiculous

OP posts:
PlumsGalore · 15/12/2016 17:46

I can't get my head round this sorry. A 19 year old with a child has decided to work in London and just needs to earn 24k whilst her DP is working in he US for a year?

I doubt 24k would keep herself except in a poor house share with little left over, but keep a child and pay childcare and travel too?

PlumsGalore · 15/12/2016 17:47

Oh and I doubt she could have moved to the US with him if she had wanted to, USA Visa restrictions would mean they need to be married.

stopfuckingshoutingatme · 15/12/2016 17:49

She has 1 year old ? Yanbu to worry €22k is fine for a flat share room but won't even cover nursery feed

Original poster
NameChangeGhosty · 15/12/2016 17:50

Plums ive mentioned twice already that have DP is financing her stay in London and this childcare etc

OP posts:
AmeliaJack · 15/12/2016 17:52

I know it's well meant but I really can't see what this has to do with you at all. I'd certainly have been surprised if my Aunt had ever commented on my career choices.

She an adult with a child. She can make her own decisions for good or ill.

Original poster
NameChangeGhosty · 15/12/2016 17:53

I know it's not really got much to do with me but we're a very close family and I worry

My aunt has always worried for me too

OP posts:
BillSykesDog · 15/12/2016 17:54

I agree with your brother. Being a PA is definitely a job where you can be very successful without either a degree or formal training. I started out as a secretary went onto PA and became a Project Manager and only got my degree after that and I've never had any secretarial qualifications.

Pickanameanyoldname · 15/12/2016 17:56

A 19 year old with two and a half years PA experience?!

I think with that experience and her apparent determination she'll go far, wouldn't surprise me at all if she easily landed a 25k+ PA role. Law of attraction, believe and achieve and all that.

I've told her she won't get much Wow, talk about pissing on her chips eh!

I don't see why it matters to you anyway, are you sure you're not a bit jealous or worried that at 19 she's going to end up in a better job than you? Grin

frenchielala · 15/12/2016 18:02

She should look into becoming a legal PA. she will earn considerably more than 22k

DailyFail1 · 15/12/2016 18:07

Just hired an 18 year old PA with no qualifications on £23k + expenses (London) because I needed someone comfortable with working to deadlines on Excel and Powerpoint (prev PA retired) & she was the only one out of the people I interviewed with a usable presentation. From my experience using a PA 3 things are essential: confidence & the ability to say no, ability to listen to and get on with the job and their boss, and excellent computer skills. Everything else can be taught.

rookiemere · 15/12/2016 18:08

OP - I'm not sure that worrying on someone's behalf is a terribly useful thing to do.

If you want to be helpful you could point her towards some of the practical suggestions, like registering at a temp agency, or looking at average temping wages for the area.

Or you could just let her forge her own path and tell her how proud you are of what she has done so far.

DailyFail1 · 15/12/2016 18:08

Last PA who retired was on 70k - more than some analysts. In banking good PAs get taken care of.

icanteven · 15/12/2016 18:12

Given that her fiance is financing all this, why are you worried? She is aiming for 24k. If she doesn't get 24k straight off it doesn't seem like it's going to make a vast difference.

Good for her for not just kicking back and being fully supported by her future husband, when clearly this is a viable option.

Whiskeywithwater · 15/12/2016 18:13

She'll easily get a job in the City paying that at least with a couple of years of experience. And I am talking from experience as a hiring manager for PA's in investment banking

JenLindleyShitMom · 15/12/2016 18:14

Are you jealous of her OP?

SelfCleaningVagina · 15/12/2016 18:15

So if she's only 19 and she already has a one year old, the job she was at for 2 and a half years she obviously took some maternity leave from as well, presumably? It sounds like she's fallen on her feet for someone so young and with so little actual work experience.

But if she gets what she's looking for in moving to London then good on her. She is obviously very talented or just charmed.

baconandeggies · 15/12/2016 18:25

Why don't you want her to go to London?

HopefulHamster · 15/12/2016 18:28

A young PA with some experience already? She'll probably be fine actually! Most PAs I know earn way more than the experienced media bods I know (anecdotal but there you go).

DollyPlastic · 15/12/2016 18:31

Didn't she take any time off on maternity leave after having the baby? If ssh she hasn't got as much experience as you said, has she?

WhisperingLoudly · 15/12/2016 18:32

If she's got a great reference she could do very well.

Plenty of PAs/exec assistants earning significantly more than (double) £24k

Chippednailvarnishing · 15/12/2016 18:35

You are actually coming across as if you really hope she fails.

Decent, well presented, organised PAs who have stable work history, good IT skills, experience and actually turn up on time are like gold dust.

I think it'd be hard for her to find anything paying more than £22K I think you don't actually know what you are talking about.

More importantly if she has her partner's financial support what's the problem?

greenfolder · 15/12/2016 18:38

Sign up with a temp agency. Best way to get a permanent job. You must be very proud of her ambition

Original poster
NameChangeGhosty · 15/12/2016 19:19

Well here's an added stupidity to my brother this evening

"Just forge the reference. Buy an additional mobile and give them that number to contact"

Interesting - since her last employer seemed to like her very much apparently so don't know what he's in about HmmHmm

This is a huge thing round our immediate family, everyone seems to be pestering her to do something illegal by follow DB advice!

OP posts:
SelfCleaningVagina · 15/12/2016 19:23

You are all rather overinvested considering she's your just your niece not your own daughter!

KellyBoo800 · 15/12/2016 19:24

I started working as a PA in London three years ago today, earning £19k. I'm now earning £37k in a job that is a natural progression from that.

Maybe look at how you can help her rather than just having negative feelings about her decisions.

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