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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Any PAs out there

44 replies

Glitterybelle · 14/11/2019 19:46

Not really an AIBU but wasn't sure where to post.

I've been offered a job as a PA/personal assistant - This is a career change for me though I have previously carried out a lot of relevant tasks to this job e.g. taking minutes, arranging events etc. A little nervous as this is a new role for me and don't know what to expect.

Any other PAs out there.... do you enjoy your job? What are the pros/cons? Any tips?

TIA X

P.s. the role is within public sector

OP posts:

VenusTiger · 14/11/2019 20:58

It really does d pend on the person you’re assisting. When I worked at a university as a PA, the two chaps I worked with were useless OP lol so I was literally doing every single thing for them and I was always busy, never bored.
When I worked in private sector as a PA I found it harder work but the people I assisted didn’t utilise me as much.
Give it a go I say.

Biggobyboo · 14/11/2019 20:59

I’m still laughing wondering if the toxic civil service team still have their own personal ream of paper each. One ex-colleague friend says they’ve had 4 EAs since I left and everybody leaves within months. Funny that. Not that there is any self-awareness there and they seemed to ignore exit interview feedback.

Oh well, admin staff are replaceable aren’t they.

MonaChopsis · 14/11/2019 21:08

I have just left a PA job. It was family friendly work, like pp's said, and once I left the office, I left the work behind me as well. However, the work itself was dull, repetitive and reactive as hell. There was very little ability to plan and control my own workload, it was all about jumping when told to, and although my boss was usually nice enough I was also a very convenient target when she was frustrated and needed to vent. It's one of the worst jobs I've ever had and I hope to god I never have to do it again. My current role is also admin heavy but crucially I control my own workload and can plan and work proactively. It's such a refreshing change!

timeforawine · 14/11/2019 21:22

I am a PA to 6 seniors plus their teams if they need anything, it has its crap moments but honestly i have fantastic bosses who treat me well, who i get on with and love working with, the teams are great too and no one takes the piss or treats me like a dogsbody. I organise meetings, events, travel, do expenses, manage purchase orders, order stationery, type up meeting notes plus any other random tasks. My boss might ask me to grab her a coffee or make a cup of tea if she's busy but if buying she always offers me one too.
Hope you enjoy it OP and get a great team

Original poster

Glitterybelle · 14/11/2019 21:32

Wow thank you so much everyone... really appreciate you all replying.
Given everyone's responses I think prepare for the worst and hope for the best is the way forward :)

OP posts:

Kazziek · 14/11/2019 21:38

I'm a PA, have been for years. I love my job and find it very much like timeforawine! I have worked for some arseholes in the past though, so fingers crossed you get some decent bosses!

Original poster

Glitterybelle · 14/11/2019 21:44

Ah thanks I will keep you all posted. Fingers crossed :)

OP posts:

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 14/11/2019 23:32

When do you start?

ItsalwaysLTB · 15/11/2019 06:56

Just jumping on quickly to say I did exactly the same as you OP, had a 'big' job with all the related stress and pressure and took a step back to become a PT, remote PA. I found it hugely depressing for the first six months as I was essentially doing the same level of work I did when I started out 20 years ago but now at the end of the month when my paycheck comes I can't quite believe that the amount worked tallies with the effort I have put in. I do think the right people are key here though. Good luck!!!

ItsalwaysLTB · 15/11/2019 06:57

amount earned!

PeachesandPie · 15/11/2019 07:02

Just wanted to add another positive view. I love being a PA, am very well respected for what I do and feel valued and an important part of the team. The role is incredibly varied, I have a lot of control over my own workload and can delegate the admin stuff to junior team members. It all comes down to where you work and who you work for. Public sector will have better hours and if you have a good boss will be great. You get more autonomy in the private sector, especially law and accounting. Good luck!

Smashedavocados · 15/11/2019 07:08

I echo what @peachesandpie says. I’m definitely not treated as the go to or dogs body. I have worked both within the Public and Private sectors and have had some great experiences. I did private PA work for family also and got to go to some amazing places. Currently working for a company and get to go on company ski trips and spa hotels, the people I work for are great! I hope that you enjoy being a P.A. The money isn’t quite as much as some of my friends earn but it’s not far off.

Ithinkwerealonenowtiffany · 15/11/2019 07:09

Im a school secretary and feel like a PA on absolutely shit wages. I do everything. From wiping snot, sticking plasters, fixing the photocopier, unblocking a sink, bingo caller at the Easter bingo session, raffle ticket seller, hot dog duties, and so on.

Sick of being asked “can you do this?” When its not my place to do it (there are things which only the SEN should do) but passes them on to me.

Anyhow, today is my last day 😀 and I'm going to work in an office on Monday to a place only adults work, and the pay is great for doing a mundane job and ample time to drink coffee!

Good luck though, you will need it.

Chickenlady25 · 15/11/2019 07:13

I'd be interested to know what people went on to do after they worked as a PA? I'm looking to move and have loads of general skills but feel like I'm a bit stuck as not really properly qualified for anything else.

tealandteal · 15/11/2019 07:49

I work in the public sector and the majority of work that the PA's for our directors do seems fitting with their job description. Diary management, event organising, minutes, some project work. Then sometimes they have to do things like complete their directors mandatory training online for them. I think it depends on how the role is seen within the organisation and the nature of the person you work for.

potter5 · 15/11/2019 08:38

I am PA to a Director of medium size company. It does depend on what your boss is like. I am valued and have a lovely boss (woman). My work is varied and enjoyable.

ThighThighOfthigh · 15/11/2019 08:49

I've done this in both public and private sector, i preferred public. I found it enjoyable, i like organising things and you get a lot of variety.

There is a glass ceiling but tbh I was happy with that. Progression is by moving to bigger departments really.

SkiingIsHeaven · 15/11/2019 08:51

The PA in the last place I worked married the boss and he was minted. Just another plus to consider.

Original poster

Glitterybelle · 15/11/2019 09:42

haha @SkiingIsHeaven

I have to work my month's notice

@ItsalwaysLTB that's what I'm hoping. I've worked it out and I should be getting about £190 less per month than I am now... at the moment my job has high levels of responsibility and serious consequences if anything goes wrong. So it seems a good trade off?

My only concern is the bring forward system... is this just a spreadsheet lol where you log deadlines etc

OP posts:

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