[disy]

Originally Posted by Patricia

I was asked to make coffee for the first time in 25 years and almost fell over. Of course I make horrible coffee so it was the first and last time I was asked. I have made hair appointments. Being a former hairdresser I am usually the one recommending they get one...
I have filled out medical benefit forms, called their spouse to say they were going to be late for supper and inspected them before a meeting to make sure they did not have spinach in their teeth or an untucked shirt.
I don't mind the small stuff. It helps me to change gears and do less demanding things. I find it is a break and I'm getting paid for it so why not?

Patricia
Laughing All the Way to Work: A Survival Blog for Today's Administrative Assistant

I'm with you on "I'm getting paid for it so why not". Personally, I have never minded getting coffee, lunch, etc. I also never minded "personal" things like dry cleaning pick up, medical forms and party planning. Because of that, I have slowly moved my way out of corporate and into private service.

I like working in the background of the executive and whatever makes their lives easier, I figure that is why I am there. However, I have always worked for executives that understood and appreciated my contributions to their success. I would not last long with an executive if I was not appreciated and paid well for it.

A few years ago, one of the other executives in the company actually asked me if I minded getting in groceries for the "big" boss (he said it in a very derogatory way), because I am a professional I said "No, of course not". However I really wanted to let him know that I got paid very well to keep the "big" boss happy - almost $30,000 more than he was being paid! But being the professional I am I would never give it way I knew what he was paid.

[fernab5]

I think errands need to be determined up front. As long as the expectations are clear and both people are comfortable with it there should be no problem. Personally I prefer not to handle personal errands for managers and concentrate on being paid for corporate work.

[SheriP]

I enjoy doing errands for anyone in my small office! It gets me out of the office and if there is something I need to take care of in the mist of running errands for the company my boss has no problem with it. I wish everyone had the pleasure of working for a company like the one I work for. I have never worked for a company that I enjoy as much as this one. The owner is down to earth and instead of TELLING you to do things, he asks if you have time, or when you have time. Anyway just my 2 cents.

[CherylMcFarlane]

Hey all...how about cleaning dog poop off the "doctor's" shoes while she is seeing a client...

[laurel911]

I think errands should be left to spouses. Don't get me wrong, I will do my boss a favor now and again, like order flowers for his wife and daughters, but when the boss has a spouse that is home all day I think personal items such drycleaning duties and doctor appointments should be handled through the spouse.

I turned down pursing a job once because it involved too much personal assistant duties. They should hire personal assistant if that is what they need. Making doctors appointments forces TMI issues, if you know what I mean.

[Kathy Kurz-Crowe]

I have had my share of positions with ‘expected’ personal errand running from meeting the utility company at the residence for cable upgrade to shopping for a personal dinner party.

The example that caused the most embarrassment for me was when I picked the laundry up from the dry cleaner and was told "the stain" couldn’t be removed from the garment (and then the shop owner told me what it was….TMI!)

[jayc]

Sorry gang, I belong to the ole school. If I don't draw the line, I might as well put a sign out "Girl Friday or Slave Girl". I am not his mother. I should not have to take care of his personal matters, no one does mine. I will assist with small things but I don't consider personal matters part of my job; you are supposed to be working on job related items. I think we need to put professional back into our jobs.