Administrative Assistants

Anyone here have experience working with an Executive who has a chief of staff? What's the dynamic like?

My boss has this weird habit of scheduling meetings with only a 5-minute notice. Doesn't matter what I'm doing, the world revolves around his schedule. Is this just a power move, or am I missi… more

When work gets insane, my lunch breaks become 5-minute desk-sadwiches amidst a flurry of emails. I know it's terrible, but I can't seem to pull myself away. Is this a normal admin thing?

If you had a super power, what would it be?😁

Currently seeking an administrative assistant job in the SGV area...

I don't think a fully remote EA will be as effective as an hybrid/in-person EA. Especially if the executive is also hybrid/in-person.
Does your work condition (remote vs hybrid vs. in-person) mirro… more

I have recently applied to a small, local law firm as an AA/Receptionist. (Since finding something remote is next to impossible these days). While I have done freelance work for law offices, I've… more

Regular 1:1's vs As-needed check-ins?
Which do you prefer? And which has worked best for you?

What is an entry level salary for an EA in NYC?Were you able to negotiate a higher salary after getting in a year of experience?

Automation! Is there any real life EA who uses automation tools like Zapier to automate repetitive tasks or workflows? I always feel like it takes too much time to set up and isn't worth the upfront eff… more

Early in my career, I sent my executive to the wrong hotel after a long-arse red-eye. It was the perfect confluence of mistakes and suffice it to say, it was a shit-show. I can laugh about it now, but I was… more

When I was starting out as an EA, I didn't have anyone to look up to career wise, I kind of built my plane as I was flying it.🤣
I'm a-okay now but I had some experiences that could have been avoided… more

Do you have any daily routines or rituals that set the tone for a productive day? Sage the room, write out your to-do's, take a swig of adult juice?😅

With the advent of AI and tech advancements, a lot of jobs are changing or at risk of becoming obsolete.
I truly fear that the job of an assistant is one of those that can become obsolete.
Does anyone h… more

Does anyone here bother with dressing to impress? I am well put together most of the time but I certainly do not "power-dress". I will not be wearing 6-inch heels and a tight pencil skirt fo… more

Been at this company for years, reliable as clockwork. But raises are small, promotions are non-existent... It feels like loyalty is punished. Am I wrong to expect more?

What's one underrated thing about being an admin/executive assistant that brings a smile to your face? For me, it's that I never pay for my lunches out of pocket and I can expense all my uber … more

Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries—it's the name of the game when it comes to maintaining sanity in the whirlwind of work. On another post in this bowl, I saw some examples of boundaries being set… more

Im having one of those days where I have a thousand things to do but i cant drum up the energy to tackle the simplest one.
Pray tell, how do you keep the flame of motivation burning bright amidst the … more

Hello Everyone! I need to book a lunch for my executive's team. Does anybody know any good place (not so expensive but it doenst have to be cheap) around Corktown, Distillary District, Toronto?(ba… more

Having one of those days where I snapped at a coworker over misplaced paperclips. It wasn't about the clips – more about the million other little things piling up. How do you deal when it all feel… more

In your experience, what's the most Manic Day of work as an EA?
Mine is in the comments

Misconceptions about our roles as admin/executive assistants? Where to begin? 🤷‍♀️ What's one misconception you'd love to debunk about our profession?

My boss calls himself "The Visionary." I don't even ask him to clarify what he does anymore. I just nod and update the spreadsheet. Anyone else dealing with a super self-important boss?

My boss texts me constantly. Early mornings, late at night, even during vacation... It's non-stop. Am I the only one with a boss who doesn't respect boundaries?

Ever wonder what it's like to walk a mile in your boss's shoes? 🤔 Let's indulge in a little role reversal fantasy! If you could swap roles with your boss for a day, what's the first t… more

I'm constantly fixing processes, spotting problems others miss.... But when I suggest bigger changes, it's "not your place." Do you ever feel held back despite your skills?

The ultimate EA Fantasy - actually ticking off all items on your to-do list😅
Most times, it resembles the never-ending story, and just when you think you're catching up, another task...sigh

Finding that elusive work-life balance...it's like walking a tightrope between professional obligations and personal well-being. So, spill the beans—what's your secret sauce for maintaining sa… more

I don't report directly into my executive. This is the first time in my career that its been this way. It's not necessarily bad but it kind of makes it harder to "bond" with my executive a… more

I’m curious, if you were asked five years ago where you would see yourself professionally, would you say it was your current role?

My manager has requested me to do a task that is rather difficult to accomplish. I am new to the job and new to working with her. I am not sure who to contact to get this information. How do I let her… more

What is the craziest request your manager has expected you to do as an assistant? Also, what was the expected timeframe to get it done?

As an executive assistant that works full time, what is your salary/wage? Are there promotional opportunities for you to grow within the company?

Wondering how many EA's here got full access to their Executive's email and calendar pretty soon after taking on the role?
Recently discovered that some EA's are made to "earn" that lev… more

Hi, guys. I hope that someone can be of assistance. I'm having a hard time finding a reputable company/organization that will teach an administrative assistant course geared towards the Profession… more

What's everyone's favorite organisational tool? For me, it's good old Outlook Calendar and Microsoft Planner.
I tried to jump on the Trello, Asana bandwagon, but it just seemed exhausting. … more

For those who have worked across different industries, where did you have the best experience with your executive? Mine was with a Fortune 500 company in their Oil & Gas arm. My 2 executives had c… more

With the state of the economy, I'm seriously considering a side hustle? I need some ideas please...asides being a VA. I just don't want to have to do the same thing all over in my side hustle … more

What are some tips on how to engage with an executive who doesn't know how to partner with and AA/EA? They haven't had an EA previously.