Experience and qualifications aside, how you do your job matters just as much (if not more) than the fact that you do what’s asked of you.
Discretion is absolutely key! You have to be trustworthy and subtle.
“While all personal assistant positions will require discretion, when you work for the wealthy, the rich, and the famous, you need to take being discreet to another level. This is especially the case if you work as a personal assistant for a celebrity.”
“It’s likely you will be privy to some private and confidential information. You may be dealing with your client’s finances, or you may be organizing dinner reservations. With a high-profile client, the effect of these details becoming public knowledge can have a huge effect. If you’re the sort of person who simply cannot keep a secret, or who loves to share gossip, being a personal assistant for a wealthy client may not be suited to your personality,” the Personal Assistant Institute warns.
That means knowing how to keep secrets, knowing when to keep quiet, and being sharp enough to realize when someone is trying to manipulate you into spilling sensitive info. That includes not revealing any delicate details when interacting with members of the press. And it certainly applies to sharing things online and on social media as well.
What’s more, as a PA for wealthy clients, you have to maintain a meticulous appearance, including quality clothing and a good haircut. Meanwhile, it’s very likely that your clients will be incredibly demanding… and sometimes even rude. You’ll also work long hours and have to be available at the drop of a hat. So, you have to be very patient, calm, and flexible.
There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ job. There are always going to be upsides and drawbacks in any career, no matter the field. So, the best that you can do is to look for meaningful, dignified, well-paid work with a healthy work-life balance. A job where you’re respected, have a positive impact on the world, and have room to grow professionally. Or, well, as close as you can get to this. Let’s not be naive; you’ll probably have to compromise on some of your priorities.
The same holds true for working as a personal assistant to billionaires. Obviously, it’s not going to be a dream job, even if the work sounds interesting and gives you access to the lives of the ultra-wealthy. It’s a question of looking at the list of pros and cons of the job and figuring out what you can live with.
For example, the pay might be good, but, as u/witchmarch pointed out, she has to be available at all times. If work-life balance matters more to you than your paycheck, this might not be the career path for you. On the flip side, if you’re a social butterfly and thrive in high-stress environments focused on hospitality, it might be an industry to consider.
What do you think, Pandas? Which parts of the personal assistant’s job surprised you the most? Have you worked as a PA before? Would you ever like to work as an assistant for the ultra-wealthy? Why (not)?
If you have a spare moment, we’d like to hear what you have to say. Share your thoughts with us and all the other readers in the comments below.
