Tuesday, October 1, 2013

You Know You're An Assistant When...

Hello, Everyone!  I've been getting everyone's comments, questions, and emails though I have yet to process or address them.  I'm still working 12 hour days and it's looking to continue for awhile.  This is when I feel really grateful that I love my job and the people I work with.  Pulling those long hours and insane deadlines is much easier when you enjoy what you do.  I thought it would be nice to post, and some thing fun and light since work has been crazy!  :)  Hope you enjoy!    
 
You Know You're An Assistant When...

1) The super important phone call you've been expecting comes the one time you step away to the restroom or the copy room for 2 minutes.

2) You know it's your boss coming down the hall based on the sound of his foot steps and walking pattern.

3) The one time you plan a special night out after work is the day you are asked to stay late. 

4) You fear and dread the call on your cell phone from your boss while you are in the shower, at the movies, or the dentist.

5) Your heart stops beating and you break out into a sweat when your boss asks you a question and you don't know the answer. 

6) You run thru your mind your to do list while in the shower, on the toilet, or while commuting to make sure you didn't forget to do something over and over again for fear you forgot something really obvious. 

7) You have nightmares about your alarm not going off, scheduling something on the wrong day, missing a deadline, or showing up to a work event way under dressed.

8) You start using the same phrases, tone of voice, inflections, and writing style as your boss.   If you're the same gender as your boss others think it's your boss on the phone, not you.  

9) The sound of a ringing phone makes you cringe and you hate setting your alarm on the weekends so no one/the world doesn't expect anything from you. 

10) You've gained 10 lbs from all the free leftovers from lunch meetings and events.

Do you have any to add?  Leave them in the comments section!  :)


***New “rule” - when you ask me a question for anonymous advice and I answer it, could you write an anonymous comment so I know you read the post?  You can just write “Thx!” or something!  :) 

As always, I usually tweet any new posts I have. And anyone can email me questions and I respond only via this blog, not to your personal address. It usually takes me 5-6 days to answer.

I also write over at Jobstr.com under Hollywood Executive Assistant.

http://jobstr.com/threads/show/4303-hollywood-executive-assistant


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40 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 2, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    I am having trouble phrasing it in the "you know you're an assistant when", but I cringe when my spouse asks me "what time is such and so" or "remind me where the dinner reservations are for Friday". It is ON THE CALENDAR on the wall (we're old school). Please, please look there. I spend my whole day remembering what time and where and who and having those answers at the snap of a finger. (Not literally.) I don't want to do it at home too!!! -Annie in MN

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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstOctober 2, 2013 at 6:41 PM

      Annie - Ah, I am very familiar with this too. I end up keeping social calendars and playing assistant for friends or significant others because I'm "the organized one." It's nice when we get taken care of too for a change! May that happen for all EAs everywhere!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousNovember 18, 2013 at 10:52 AM

      If there was a like button, I'd like it a 1000 times. I definitely feel your pain!!

      Delete
    3. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Executive Asst.November 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM

      LOL This made me laugh. Thank you for the comment and for being a reader!

      Delete
  2. JGOctober 4, 2013 at 12:55 AM

    Sorry if this is too personal or inappropriate, but as you mention the long days I have to wonder if your role is salaried or hourly. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 22, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    When you can correctly answer those personal computer-generated questions really secure sites ask you about when opening an account....... for you boss' MOTHER!!!!!!

    You know, the basics... what street did you grow up on, maiden name, SSN, etc.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstOctober 22, 2013 at 10:47 AM

      Dear Anonymous,

      Yes, that is so very true! I can't believe I forgot that one! It made me laugh. Thank you for being a reader!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousNovember 2, 2013 at 4:57 PM

      Oh my! I was reading and feeling completely in tune already, and then this! Would never have thought of it, but how true is it that we practically become family - THAT is TRUST! Have to say if you've reached this point you are truly 'high level' - congratulations to us all, we've made it!

      Delete
    3. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Executive AssistantNovember 4, 2013 at 11:43 AM

      Yes, it is TRUST! Thank you so much for commenting and I like knowing we are all experiencing the same thing. Although I haven't posted in awhile, I like knowing readers and visiting and leaving comments.

      Delete
  4. AnonymousNovember 14, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    This blog is super helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us. I have been a high-level EA for over 15 years now and I still find useful tips and suggestions here.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Executive AsstNovember 16, 2013 at 3:07 PM

      Dear Anon, I am so glad that you are able to find tips here even though you are a veteran! I am so grateful to have you as a reader. Thank you for the comment! I also write at jobstr.com under Hollywood Executive Assistant.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousDecember 10, 2013 at 9:02 PM

    You know you are an assistant when you let your partner organise your whole international holiday, because you can't face doing another itinerary in non-work time.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec Asst.December 11, 2013 at 12:02 PM

      Anon - So true! It's nice when our partners plan nice things for us! :)

      Delete
  6. AnonymousDecember 17, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    You know you are an assistant when: you know all the best restaurants in LA, but can't afford to go to any.

    AND

    You know you're an assistant when: If your boss is happy, YOU are happy.

    I just started as an EA a few months ago, so I'm still somewhat a newbie at this whole thing. Will be reading up on your blogs! Thank you for these!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec Asst.December 18, 2013 at 10:24 AM

      Anon - Ah! I love the restaurant one. So true and so sad. Eeeep! And yes, it's so nice to have a happy boss. Congrats on being an EA! I hope you love it as much as I do! Thank you for being a reader! I hope you enjoy the old post/archives. I also have a column at jobstr.com under Hollywood Executive Assistant.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousDecember 25, 2013 at 7:45 PM

    Haha, this is great, LOVE it.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec Asst.January 15, 2014 at 3:39 PM

      LOL So glad you loved it! Thank you for the comment!

      Delete
  8. AnonymousDecember 31, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    I love your posts! I am the EA to the CEO of an import company based out of the Seattle Area. Whenever I need guidance, your blog is the first place I go. I'm a guy, so the job seems to be slightly different for me, but I can definitely relate! Especially to all 10 of these! # 2 for sure, I swear I can hear his car keys once he opens the door to the building.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstJanuary 6, 2014 at 2:14 PM

      Anon - So glad this post resonates with you! It's so funny re: car keys. :) Thank you for the comment and being a reader! Don't forget I write over at jobstr.com under Hollywood Exec Assistant

      Delete
  9. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2014 at 5:47 PM

    Thank you sincerely for sharing. I'm transitioning in my career and is seeking a c-level assistant position. You're sharing your experience on "you know when you're an assistant" but how does one present their capabilities that they can do what you've listed plus more to land an interview? Do you have any suggestions or blogs on this? Please advice. Thank you in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstJanuary 7, 2014 at 10:24 AM

      Anon - if you search thru my archives and my column at jobstr.com under Hollywood Exec Asst you will find a lot of things that may help you. However, to get you started, try these:

      Answering Reader Mail: What Do Employers Look for in High-Level EA Candidates?

      Answering Reader Mail: Career Progression, Wearing Different Hats, and Realistic Expectations

      Answering Reader Mail: Taking Your Career to the Next Level

      7 Defining Traits the Most Successful Executive Assistants Have - Part 1 & 2

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2014 at 8:34 PM

      Thank you kmizukami! I actually spent my whole Sunday reading your blog posts and a lot of great insights. Thank you for sharing them.

      Delete
    3. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstJanuary 15, 2014 at 3:30 PM

      Dear Anon - So glad you like my blog and spent an entire day reading it! I am so flattered! I hope to start writing again soon!

      Delete
  10. AnonymousMarch 10, 2014 at 10:39 AM

    Yep! :-)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec Asst.March 10, 2014 at 10:49 AM

      Michael - LOL :) Thank you for the comment! I also write at jobstr.com under Hollywood Executive Assistant.

      Delete
  11. StephAugust 17, 2014 at 11:37 PM

    You can remember all your bosses' birth dates, passport and phone numbers, addresses, and passwords - but constantly forget things in your personal life. (What did I want at the supermarket again??)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstAugust 18, 2014 at 11:16 AM

      Steph - LOL Thank you for the comment and being a reader!

      Delete
  12. AnonymousSeptember 1, 2014 at 12:02 PM

    You know you're an assistant when:

    *Your phone rings and you know it's your boss, even though he has the same ring tone as everyone else.

    *You have seriously considered buying Depends because having to go to the bathroom is a luxury you can't afford.

    *Compliments from anyone makes you damn near orgasmic because you rarely hear them in the office.

    *You start to seriously hate your friends that have lives, lunch hours, bathroom breaks and get off at 5

    I'll add more as I think of them. Just discovered your blog. Love it :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Executive AsstSeptember 2, 2014 at 1:03 PM

      Anon - I love these! Great additions! Thank you for being a reader! The one about Depends is so true; they all are.

      Delete
  13. AnonymousOctober 4, 2014 at 9:08 AM

    You know you're an executive assistant when you know exactly what she wants for lunch, when she wants it, and are asked to take the dishes away after she eats because she is about to get on a call.

    You know you're an executive assistant when you send her mom flowers for Mother's Day and book plane tickets for her children.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstOctober 6, 2014 at 12:09 PM

      klstrick85 - I love these! Thank you for the comment and being a reader! Love your blog posting too!

      Delete
  14. AnonymousAugust 20, 2016 at 2:00 PM

    You know you're an executive assistant when you have negotiated the sale of your boss' car.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstAugust 22, 2020 at 9:22 AM

      LOL - I hear you! Thank you for this comment, it made me chuckle. Sorry for the late response, but I wanted to comment anyway. :)

      Delete
  15. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2016 at 11:42 AM

    Hey there! Just discovered your blog! I have been a C level Executive Assistant for about 3 years now. I read through your list, of course, agreeing with all of them. I have a slightly deeper question. Do you believe its healthy the amount of anxiety we feel toward the perfection of our roles? #heretolearn

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstAugust 22, 2020 at 9:19 AM

      Hi, Anon - Thank you so much for this deep question! It's great. I think SOME anxiety is good... I always feel like I am forgetting to do something and I like to think it helps me review my to do list or double check details. EAs have a very high stress and fast-paced job. I think the anxiety sort of comes with the territory. Too much anxiety is not good though, so be sure to take care of YOURSELF too. Sorry for the late reply, but in case others had the same question.

      Delete
  16. AnonymousDecember 19, 2017 at 4:36 PM

    Hi there! I just started an EA position in health care two months ago. I love it, but there is so much more that I need to learn. I just found your blog today and love it. Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. The Muser at Musings of a High Level Exec AsstAugust 22, 2020 at 9:20 AM

      Anon - You are too kind to leave such a nice message for me! Thank you! I hope you are safe and well!

      Delete
  17. Muser at Musings of a High Level Executive AssistantDecember 22, 2017 at 5:12 PM

    Dear Anonymous Reader,
    Thank you so much for the comment. So glad you like my blog. Congrats on the new role!

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousMarch 19, 2019 at 2:39 PM

    When you hear your boss discussing an important issue, and you realize he hasn't looked at the latest information you sent his way and is spurting information behind the curb as you sneak a message of warning to look at the email, text, and sticky note you gave him just before this conversation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Muser at Musings of A High Level Executive AssistantMarch 20, 2019 at 5:52 AM

      Dear Anonymous Reader - LOL So true! Thank you so much for this comment and being a reader!

      Delete

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