Which direction to take?

[Jeffju]

Being made redundant soon and I seem to be stuck in the lower paid secretarial bracket. I've never been a PA and really don't know the difference between secretary and PA. There does seem to be so many different roles in Office Work nowadays. I'm in my 50's and my training (all those years ago!) seems to have melted into insignificance with what companies need these days.

Help!! Re-training full time is not an option as I need the money from a full time job. Anyone any advice - any other old secretaries on here??

[tamborine]

Personal Assistant would be more up your street. With your experience you could handle & dispose of 'unwanted' appointments in a professional manner.

You have had long experience of peoples personalities & how best to deal with them - firmly/gently, as required.

PAs are usually highest paid! Obviously, you know your way around a computer - that would be expected. good luck!

[Mrs_Pegasus]

A PA is as it says a Personal Assistant so is normally attached to one person, normally a manager/director/boss. A secretary is normally accessed by more than one person and will normally carry out administration duties such as typing and making appointments, taking calls for a number of people.

A PA will be the life line of their boss, they will handle the post, diary, meetings, appointments etc for one person and could be said to be covering their back!

I cant think of any specific training for PAing. I think I would be looking for a calm and uber organised individual with all the patience in the world!!!

Good Luck!

[Jeffju]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe I will work on my self confidence and go for a PA role!! Tricky at the moment as there are so many people applying for jobs - but we have to stay optimistic or we don't get anywhere!!