Executive assistants play a critical role in helping senior leaders and executives be as productive and effective as possible. However, the job comes with a lot of responsibility and can be quite demanding. So is being an executive assistant really a hard job? There are a few key factors that determine how challenging the role is.
Long Hours
One of the biggest difficulties executive assistants face is the long hours required. It’s not unusual for EAs to work 50+ hours a week. Their schedules need to revolve around the executive they support. This means being available early, late, on weekends, and even on vacation. It’s a job that can easily consume someone’s personal life. The always “on” nature of the job makes it mentally and physically exhausting.
High Pressure
Executive assistants constantly deal with high stakes situations. They manage sensitive information, make important decisions on behalf of the executive, interface with high level contacts, and support time sensitive work. Mistakes can have major consequences. The pressure to perform and avoid errors is immense. Having to be “on point” all the time creates major stress.
Lack of Structure
While many office jobs benefit from structure and routine, an EA’s workday is often unpredictable. Priorities can change instantly with one request from the boss. No two days ever look the same. Shifting gears and adjusting on the fly becomes a regular part of the job. The lack of structure makes it challenging to plan and organize.
Little Autonomy
Executive assistants have very little autonomy. They spend their days supporting someone else’s needs versus pursuing their own work. They have to adhere to the executive’s preferences and style. There are limits on the amount of input EAs can provide or changes they can implement. Having little control over one’s work and priorities can be frustrating.
Stress from the Boss
Supporting a senior leader comes with a lot of pressure to meet high expectations. Many executives have Type A personalities which can be demanding to deal with. Shifting priorities and unclear instructions from the executive can make the job much more difficult. Work related stress trickles down from the top. Dealing with a stressful boss takes an emotional toll.
Skills Required
Being an EA requires juggling a wide variety of responsibilities – calendar management, document preparation, database management, travel planning, event coordination and more. EAs need top notch organization skills, communication abilities, problem solving, critical thinking, multitasking, stamina and grace under pressure. The diverse skillset required makes it a tough job.
Little Job Security
Executive assistant roles often have low job security. If an executive leaves the company, the EA is likely to lose their job. During layoffs, EAs are frequently among the first to be let go. Because the role is so personally connected to one executive, it offers little long term stability. Finding that rapport with a new boss can be challenging.
Lack of Respect
Unfortunately executive assistants still do not always receive the respect and appreciation they deserve. Some see them as glorified secretaries versus strategic advisors. They can be undervalued or taken for granted. Working hard without feeling that recognition can be demoralizing.
Positives of the Role
However, there are some very compelling positives to being an executive assistant as well:
-Exposure to senior leaders
-Ability to have real impact
-Room for growth
-Opportunity to build diverse skills
-Sense of purpose
So in many ways, the role can be extremely rewarding. EAs get unique opportunities that provide fulfillment and career development.
Tips for Managing the Challenges
If you want to thrive as an executive assistant, here are some tips for managing the challenges:
– Set boundaries and don’t let the job take over your life
– Build resilience through self-care to manage stress and avoid burnout
– Organize your workload and create structures where you can
– Know your limits – don’t be afraid to speak up when the workload is unmanageable
– Clarify priorities often to stay focused on the right tasks
– Don’t take things personally – recognize stress from the boss is situational
– Communicate needs clearly and stand your ground when necessary
– Ask for feedback and recognition from your boss
– Take initiative and find ways to add value beyond your core role
– Pursue professional development – build skills to keep options open
Key Takeaways
Being an executive assistant has distinct challenges including long hours, high pressure, little structure, and low autonomy. However, with strong skills and the right coping strategies, many find the role extremely rewarding. Setting boundaries, managing stress, organizing effectively, communicating needs, and finding ways to add value can help overcome the difficulties. While it’s not an easy profession, it offers immense growth opportunities to those up for the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 hardest parts of being an executive assistant?
The 3 hardest parts typically are:
1. Long and unpredictable hours
2. High pressure environment with little room for error
3. Lack of structure and autonomy
Do executive assistants have difficult bosses?
It depends on the boss, but managing executive personalities can often be challenging. Many executives are Type A which can come across as demanding, intense, short-tempered, or difficult to please. Supporting them requires dealing with pressure, ambiguity, and politics. It’s a job that requires patience and resilience.
Is the workload too much for an executive assistant to handle?
The workload can certainly become too much at times. The needs of executives are endless. Having weak boundaries around working hours, taking on non-essential tasks unrelated to the executive, and an overburdened schedule are signs workload may be unmanageable. It’s important for EAs to know their limits and communicate when it’s becoming excessive.
How can an executive assistant thrive and overcome the challenges?
Thriving with the challenges requires:
– Establishing firm boundaries
– Managing time and stress effectively
– Building trusted relationships
– Having open communication
– Taking initiative beyond core duties
– Pursuing continuous learning
– Practicing regular self-care
– Rolling with the punches
Why do some executive assistants lack job security?
Executive assistants often have lower job security because they are directly tied to one executive. If that exec leaves, the EA is likely to lose their job. Also, during downsizing, EAs are commonly cut since they are not revenue generating positions. Finding ways to add strategic value can make EAs indispensable.
What are the positives of being an executive assistant?
Positives include:
– Close exposure to company leaders
– Opportunity to build diverse skills
– Ability to have real business impact
– Interesting day-to-day work supporting high level priorities
– Potential for growth into management roles
– Sense of purpose supporting an important role
Conclusion
Being an executive assistant comes with significant demands. However, it also offers many rewards like contributing to an executive’s success, developing professionally, and working closely with leadership. Overall, those who thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and can manage diverse responsibilities find the most fulfillment being an EA. It’s an undeniably challenging profession, but with the right strategies, it can also be extremely rewarding.