2 totally different jobs - which would you take???

[Anonymous]

C level is Chief I think. Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Exec Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), etc.

[Anonymous]

Hi - OP again.

Yes, C-level = Chief. In this case, it's President / CEO. I've really taken some of these comments to heart, and I agree with most of them. I never set out to be an EA. It's really something that came to me and just "sounded" better (if that makes any sense). Like I said before, grass is greener syndrome. I really appreciated the PP's comment that mentioned her friend who is an EA and traveled and met important people and still felt trapped in EA land. I told myself last night that I should take #1 and I actually slept better than I have in awhile -- which means something. Plus, I am fearful of leaving the government again. After all, just trying to get back in at this point has been tough -- and I've networked the he!! out of it. As long as we live in this area, the fed route does make the most sense.

Plus, DH is happy that the pay cut wouldn't be too bad!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi - OP again.

Yes, C-level = Chief. In this case, it's President / CEO. I've really taken some of these comments to heart, and I agree with most of them. I never set out to be an EA. It's really something that came to me and just "sounded" better (if that makes any sense). Like I said before, grass is greener syndrome. I really appreciated the PP's comment that mentioned her friend who is an EA and traveled and met important people and still felt trapped in EA land. I told myself last night that I should take #1 and I actually slept better than I have in awhile -- which means something. Plus, I am fearful of leaving the government again. After all, just trying to get back in at this point has been tough -- and I've networked the he!! out of it. As long as we live in this area, the fed route does make the most sense.

Plus, DH is happy that the pay cut wouldn't be too bad!

There's a big difference between exec assistant vs. special assistant or chief of staff or things like that. I would make sure it's more like the latter two. I have seen those types of roles lead directly to leadership positions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi - OP again.

Yes, C-level = Chief. In this case, it's President / CEO. I've really taken some of these comments to heart, and I agree with most of them. I never set out to be an EA. It's really something that came to me and just "sounded" better (if that makes any sense). Like I said before, grass is greener syndrome. I really appreciated the PP's comment that mentioned her friend who is an EA and traveled and met important people and still felt trapped in EA land. I told myself last night that I should take #1 and I actually slept better than I have in awhile -- which means something. Plus, I am fearful of leaving the government again. After all, just trying to get back in at this point has been tough -- and I've networked the he!! out of it. As long as we live in this area, the fed route does make the most sense.

Plus, DH is happy that the pay cut wouldn't be too bad!

I think you made the right choice - better pay, probably better hours, and security. No brainer. I'm not trying to put down executive assistants, because good ones are smart as hell, more organized than I could ever be, and are truly talented in having to work in high pressure situations, have a great memory, and be two steps ahead of the company leaders. That said, it is one of those thankless jobs in that the pay is not always great and if you are a great one, no one wants to move you/promote you and lose you. I have known one friend who signed a two year contract with the understanding that if she performed well she would be promoted to a director level position (she was) and another who eventually made it to a project manager position. So I see the appeal if you are trying to change careers. But I also know a few who are EAs for life and that can be tough.