Why High-Performing Assistants Never Feel Finished
What happens right after you fix something, and why it never lasts
There’s a particular kind of tired that comes from being good at your job. You fix something before anyone clocks it was broken. Someone says thanks. For a few minutes, that’s enough. Then you’re already looking for the next thing.
If you’ve ever typed how to get promoted as an executive assistant into Google, you’re not alone, and the answer probably isn’t what you’re expecting.
I did this for years and called it being proactive. Solve it, get the praise, feel good for six minutes, start scanning again, get overwhelmed, feel unseen, take on more to fix that. Repeat.
Nobody tells you that’s how the promotion problem actually starts for a lot of executive assistants. Not a lack of ambition. The opposite.
While you’re thinking, look how proactive I am, the person you support might be thinking something else entirely. Are they alright? Is anything ever enough for them?
Most advice on executive assistant career development tells you to do more. Prove more. Take on more.
Real executive assistant career growth rarely starts there. It starts with executive assistant visibility, being seen clearly for what you’re already doing rather than for what you can add to the pile.
The same administrative professional career advice holds whether you’re just starting out in personal assistant career development or years into the role already. The pattern, and the fix, look the same.
📌 Paid subscribers get three deep dives:
1. Why the cycle keeps looping: the fear underneath “I’ll just sort it”
2. How to talk about what you’re carrying: without it sounding like a complaint
3. A simple framework for what’s actually yours: three questions before the next “yes”
Plus: For Leaders & EA Managers: what “are they unhappy?” usually gets wrong
Upgrade to paid: £10/$10 a month, cancel anytime!
Special Offer before you go…
A rare recommendation from me.
If you’re looking for practical ways to improve how work flows through Microsoft 365, Copilot and AI, take a look at Paul Pennant’s Executive Assistant Productivity Architect Programme. The October cohort is nearly full and the 2027 cohort is already filling fast.
If funding is the barrier, message me and I’ll help you put together a business case. If you’re self-funding, don’t wait too long.
Register through my link and I’ll personally send you a £50 or $50 gift card once your place is confirmed. View the programme and dates here
Become the Microsoft 365 automation expert your leader needs. A 10 week live transformation programme for Executive Assistants and senior support
