[Dyan]

Have any of you moved on from being an Admin / Executive Assistant to becoming a personal assistant? I know some of you have moved on to become VA and I'm researching that also, but I was just wondering about becoming a personal assistant. What have you found that is different, more difficult, easier, and how did you go about finding out about the person(s) who require your assistance? Thank you for your input! - Diane

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Hi Diane,

I actually went back and forth on the idea of becoming a personal assistant for a while in my last job. My boss at the time was hoping I could transition from being his "office" (executive) assistant to his "home" (personal) assistant. The main reasons I even considered it were:

1. We had an established professional relationship based on respect.
2. I knew there was need for my assistance, and I would be doing more than running errands.

I think, when you're looking at a position like personal assistant, you have to consider the person and the tasks. If the person is someone you admire, respect and trust, it could be a great position. If the job involves challenging, interesting tasks, so much the better. The problem could possibly happen when you work for someone who is difficult and you're responsible for tasks you don't enjoy. A personal assistant could mean a lot of things - picking up dry cleaning, walking the dog, cleaning the car...these might be things you would be willing to do for the right individual. But consider it carefully, especially if you're used to more mentally challenging tasks.

The easiest way to know is to ask for specifics in the interview. The good thing about this kind of role is that it will likely involve a lot of different tasks so you won't get bored easily. And you may get the opportunity to experience things you never would in a typical office setting. It might be worth exploring and you'll never know if it's for you until you give it a try.

Overall, I think you should look for the same qualities in the relationship and the person that you would look for in any job. For some advice on specifics, check out this article: The Relationship Between Executive and Assistant.

Good luck - please let us know what you try and how it goes!

[Dyan]

thank you....those thoughts will certainly help. I'll let you know how it goes. Right now the job market is so iffy, I'm grateful to have a job! Have a great day, everyone! Diane

[disy]

I went from an office manager to a personal assistant position about 5 years ago.

I went from working in a corporate office to a home office. The differences are amazing. Before taking the leap, if it does indeed meaning working in someone's home, think long and hard about it.

When working in someone's home, you must remember it is their home and their family. A lot more confidentiality and personality issues at someone's home versus an office. You must be a true service heart and also remember that 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. is not the norm.

Personal Assisting can mean everything from running errands, walking dogs and directing household staff. Try to get an idea of duties before leaping into anything. If they have a large collection of art or collectibles, are you in charge of inventory, insurance, etc.?

If the person has multiple homes are you in charge of those too? Bill paying, payroll, etc.?

Are you his personal assistant or the families' assistant? Ask if it also includes relatives, etc. I do a lot of travel arrangements for family and friends when they are traveling too the family or with the family.

Cars, planes and boats also add another level of service - are you in charge of care and maintenance?

Good luck if you make the leap. I have found the leap to personal assistant to be very rewarding and very diverse (I do not get bored ever!) but I do get tired sometimes

[onedufulife]

My desire is to do the same kind of work. I am glad that the question was posted and the responses are great. What I am currently doing is reading up on those who have done it before. I am setting goals--knowledge that I need to obtain. I like the fact that you don't get bored! I like to be busy and be a majore contribution to the person that I am working for. Great Post!!!

[Brad VanGuard]

I used to be an executive assistant. I didn't really like it to much. Always being bossed around by someone else. Didn't go over to well. I've always wanted to be my own boss. So surprisingly, when I left my boss was disappointed he said I'd learned how to be a good personal assistant in the time I'd worked for him and that it wasn't something I should give up.

[shun01]

Originally Posted by disy

I went from an office manager to a personal assistant position about 5 years ago.

I went from working in a corporate office to a home office. The differences are amazing. Before taking the leap, if it does indeed meaning working in someone's home, think long and hard about it.

When working in someone's home, you must remember it is their home and their family. A lot more confidentiality and personality issues at someone's home versus an office. You must be a true service heart and also remember that 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. is not the norm.

Personal Assisting can mean everything from running errands, walking dogs and directing household staff. Try to get an idea of duties before leaping into anything. If they have a large collection of art or collectibles, are you in charge of inventory, insurance, etc.?

If the person has multiple homes are you in charge of those too? Bill paying, payroll, etc.?

Are you his personal assistant or the families' assistant? Ask if it also includes relatives, etc. I do a lot of travel arrangements for family and friends when they are traveling too the family or with the family.

Cars, planes and boats also add another level of service - are you in charge of care and maintenance?

Good luck if you make the leap. I have found the leap to personal assistant to be very rewarding and very diverse (I do not get bored ever!) but I do get tired sometimes

I am researching developing my own personal/professional assistant business. Can you pls provide advise on netowrkin and marketing to obtain clients.