SecsintheCity

Secretarial Salaries Increase shows latest study by Robert Walters

Personal Assistant and secretarial salaries are on the increase in London, according to the results of the Robert Walters 2012 Salary Survey. 

General pay for contractors is up 0.5% year-on-year and professionals who move from one permanent role to another are on average receiving increases of 5%.

 

Financial Services Salaries: Personal Assistants Earning More than in 2011

The market rate for Personal Assistants in financial services has increased – Personal Assistants can now expect salaries of up to £44k (compared to £42k in 2011) and contract rates of up to £20 per hour (compared to £18 per hour in 2011). 

Office managers can still expect a permanent salary of £35 – 50k and a contract rate of £17 – 20 per hour, while Executive Assistants are typically receiving £40 – 50k and £17 – 22 per hour and team secretaries £26 – 39k and £15 – 18 per hour.

 

Commerce and Industry Salaries Also Rise

The picture is similar in commerce and industry, where Executive Assistants can expect salaries of £30 – 45k, Personal Assistants £30 – 40k and team secretaries £25 – 32k. Contract rates are also competitive, with Executive Assistants receiving hourly rates of £16 – 20, Personal Assistants £15 – 18 and team secretaries £14 – 16.

 

Danika Jarmer, Associate Director of Secretarial & Support Recruitment at Robert Walters, comments: “While increases to salary levels have been relatively modest, it is encouraging that they are still rising – particularly for secretarial professionals moving jobs. Bilingual and trilingual individuals with strong MS Office skills are particularly in demand and are receiving the largest salary increases in this market.” 

 

View summary of all key findings or find out what you’re worth by downloading the full Robert Walters Salary Survey or the Robert Walters Salary Checker app for iPhone and iPad.

 

About the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2012

The Robert Walters Salary Survey 2012 is a review of recruitment and pay trends across each of the 23 countries that the firm operates in globally. These figures are based on the difference between the average salary figures for each of the roles we have recruited for between January 2011 and January 2012.

 

About Robert Walters

Robert Walters is one of the leading international recruitment consultancies, with a network of 48 offices spanning 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Continental Europe, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, South Africa and South America.

 

If you're looking for a new legal role, search and apply for the latest opportunities from Robert Walters on SecsintheCity 

The Secret PA: Day 511

When the twitterati get delusional and music festivals get real 

If there’s one thing I love about this time of the year, it’s all the music festivals around. I’ve been so busy organising music events, attending music festivals, juggling my personal and professional life, thinking of what to do on SecsintheCity’s Google + page, dodging Scarlet’s prying questions about a certain ‘couple’ at the office and getting in shape for my holiday. Nothing like being at a music festival to detach from the world of work and unpleasant twitterealities. Turns out Whiz Girl’s boyfriend is also a big gig fan and so is Banker Guy so we decided to go doubles. Turned out we weren’t the only ones at work with the same plan. So much for getting away from the  #workcrowd 

We ended up bumping into Raggie and Pink Streak and another couple with them – who are still delusional about the fact that their ‘thing’ is a secret. Scarlet and Pepper don’t yet know for sure – but it’s only a matter of time because Curly does (I've been doing a pretty good job at feigning ignorance when questioned) - and workplace romances are really frowned upon here. 

Still, it was crowded so we managed to lose them and have a good time. Whiz Girl and I are getting along well and she’s made this whole delegation thing – which I have to admit I really struggled with initially (given how highly strung and dragon lady like Scarlet can be) – a fair bit easier so I’m actually starting to look forward to my holiday. I'm still holding the reigns on all the big stuff but then my work load has increased too. With the amount of stuff that’s made it’s way to my desk I’d be lost without Whiz Girl.

We got the tickets for this festival from the bosses who were sent complimentary tickets but it was a bit too young a gig for them  #savingpennies 

The next music festival is a bigger one and Whiz Girl and I are going with the bosses, Curly and Head of PR so we’ll have to be more…err..restrained ;) 

Today at lunch Whiz Girl and I had been looking at dresses. At some point this afternoon I started asking her something about the colour of one of the dresses and telling her something about the shoe options and practicality of the outfit and when she didn’t reply I looked up only to find Helper standing there grinning and Whiz Girl at her desk looking as though she was about to lose the poker face and burst out laughing. 

I was of course, absolutely mortified. Helper guy on the other hand seemed extremely amused by it all and tried hard to keep a straight face while talking about the health of my laptop and phone. 

This is where I start to lose the plot though because I could see Scarlet heading towards us and she looked as though she was edging alarmingly close to ballistic…. 

#gottodash

 

More later x

 

 

 

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To find a new PA opportunity, visit click here 

Top Ten Occasions to say it with Happy Box

Has your boss ever asked you to find the perfect gift at the very last minute?

 

 

Keep calm, Happy Box London can provide the salvation you need.

With an extensive selection of elegant gift hampers for all events and occasions, with just a few clicks you can be out of the deep end.

Simply order online by 3pm for delivery the very next day.

 

You can either choose a Happy Box from our own collection or if you’re feeling creative you can create your very own little number. Elegant gifts to treasure. Something to raise a little smile. They’ll make you feel great about what you’ve sent and the person who receives your gift feel lucky to know you which makes for happiness all around.

1) New Baby 

   ‘And So To Bed’  - £62

 

2) Congratulations 

    ‘Gold Standard’ - £30

 

3) Birthday for Him

    'Golden Boy' - £52

 

4) Birthday for her 

    'Recharge' - £59

 

5) Thank You 

     'Bon Viveur' - £108

 

  

 

6) Sorry

    'Dummy' - £38

 

 

 

7) Anniversary 

    'Have I Told You Lately' - £32

 

    

 

8) Thinking of You

    'Angel' - £48

 

9) Get Well Soon

    'Peace & Pleasure' - £95

 

10) Just Because 

      'Relax & Indulge' - £95

   

 

 

 Which of these would you buy your boss? Or yourself ? :) 

Have you had to buy a gift on behalf of your boss recently? Tell us about it. 

Networking : how to do it and what you can get from it

By Caroline Rhodes, Consultant – DMJ Legal

Caroline is a consultant at DMJ Legal, part of DMJ Recruitment.

She began her career at DMJ Legal in 2010 and her team focuses on placing legal secretaries and other support candidates into some of the top UK and US law firms. Prior to joining DMJ Recruitment, Caroline spent four years working in both financial and legal recruitment.   

Talent and hard work are important factors in the establishment of a a successful career but without the right contacts how will anyone know what a fantastic candidate you are? Increasing your professional network can do wonders for your career. But where do you start?  

Broadly speaking, networking is building and maintaining professional relationships with others in the industry. It may seem unnatural to forge friendships to fulfill your own aspirations but effective networking can be mutually beneficial to everyone involved. And meeting new people does not have to begin at large corporate functions. Online hobnobbing is an ideal first step on the road to networking.

Professional social network LinkedIn has 150 million users globally and creating an account takes just minutes. Start with the basics – add your name, job title, employment history, and contact details. Ensure you add an appropriate photograph to your profile too – people like connecting with people, a company logo or no picture may deter individuals from linking in with you. Once you've set it up, start making connections with people you work with, former colleagues, classmates and friends.When you meet a new acquaintance connect with them online too. It’s also worth joining industry related groups such as Secsinthecity to further extend your network – not only will this put you in touch with fellow professionals, but it will also allow you to comment on discussions and start to be seen as an expert in your field. The connections made through LinkedIn will stay with you throughout your working life so make good use of it as networking tool.

Although not designed as a professional networking tool, Twitter can also prove useful when looking for new contacts.  Follow relevant job boards and companies you are interested in working fo, expand on your profile so people know who you are and what you do, and start engaging with fellow PAs, EAs and Secretraries. Twitter can also keep you in the loop with regard to upcoming events where you can put your face-to-face networking skills into action. 

Outside of the virtual world, you can make professional contacts with people you currently know socially. Look at your friends and family with a fresh pair of eyes and determine if they can offer you any career advice or put you in touch with someone that can. Ensure your circle of friends know your professional strengths and aspirations – so simple yet so often overlooked.

When meeting new people – at networking events or meetings - remember that first impressions really count. Dress well, be polite and even if you are shy or perhaps feel apprehensive walking into a room full of unfamiliar faces, approach a small group and introduce yourself. You won’t click with everybody you meet but swap business cards with those who may be able to help you, or vice versa and connect with them on LinkedIn after the event. 

Networking both on and offline is essential for effective career management, keeping ahead of industry trends and making allies in the business world. Start networking today – who knows what paths your new relationships may take you on?

Wgich social networks are you on? Got a question about using social media for your career? Feel free to leave your comments and questions below.

To find a new PA opportunity, click here 

Does your boss have a certain “je ne sais quoi”? asks Executive PA Magazine

Corporate Traveller, sponsor of the 2012 Executive PA Magazine | Hays 'Boss of the Year' award , are offering this year's winner a weekend break for two with travel via Eurostar. This category is where we ask PAs to nominate their boss for being inspirational, making you feel valued and for generally for being an outstanding person to work for.

If you think your boss should win this prestigious title and accompany you to the 2012 Executive PA Magazine | Hays awards gala dinner at the London Film Museum, send in your nomination now. 

Previous Awards

The Executive PA Magazine Awards is an annual event and each year has been a massive success. The 2012 Executive PA Magazine| Hays Awards is set to be the best yet. View the video from the 2011 Awards here. 

 

View what Executive PA Magazine readers say about the Awards

For terms and conditions and how to nominate visit: Executive PA Magazine | Hays 2012 Awards Entry Page

 

                       

 

Are you entering? Who are you nominating? Do let us know.

PAs Make Things Happen

By Merryl Futerman

Merryl has been a freelance celebrity PA for the last 15 years. Clients have included Julian Clary, Anne Robinson, Denise Van Outen and Jonathan Ross. In the past year she has expanded into training with  PA Access All Areas. 

 

As a Celebrity PA the thing I get asked most often is 'how I started out', and I'm always happy to answer honestly. Yes, I did have experience and contacts in the creative industries. Yes, I was able to accept part-time work, and yes, there was an element of luck. It's this element of luck that I would like to focus on here, because actually, it was really more a case of being in the right place at the right time, and I do think there is a difference between that and luck. 

Most folk see luck as something that's entirely down to chance, however, as a PA, I think Lady Luck is more likely to come knocking if you give her an opportunity. As PAs we're used to making things happen, we actively do this. For a start, we know that things don’t just ‘happen’. They take planning, arranging, chasing and confirming. And re-confirming. Similarly, I believe that if you want a new role you can take an active part in making this happen. 

My own lucky break as a Celebrity PA came about because I was doing all the right things – but it was not as a direct result of any of them. If I hadn’t gone to the expense and effort of having promotional leaflets designed and printed I would not have met the graphic designer who led me to my first client. I still have that box of leaflets somewhere, practically untouched. They didn’t have the desired effect on potential clients but having them done was my active part in making it happen for myself. 

Networking is a great way to do this without the expense of a print and design job! No-one can know what you are hoping or thinking - but if you talk about it with others, you broaden the possibility of the right person knowing the right piece of information about the right opportunity. I have found that the majority of people want to help. Not only because helping someone else out makes us feel better about ourselves, but also in the vein of ‘Do-as-you-would-be-done-by’. Be sure to network with people from all walks of life, not just those in your industry or a similar position. 

I have been a celebrity PA for 15 years now, and I am ready to take on something new. I think what I am planning is a great idea, but unless I start sharing it, it will remain just an idea. In fact, I think it may be of interest to you. I absolutely love meeting other PAs and comparing experiences and tips with them. I have been speaking at seminars and on panels and it became clear that corporate PAs and celebrity PAs have much in common. A colleague and I have launched a training course for PAs who are interested in investing in their own professional development. We have some great tips and tools to share and we illustrate them with real life experiences, which will help you see that many of our challenges are not that different. 

If you are looking to develop or change your role this course could be ideal for you, and by telling you about it I'm making it happen for myself as well. This could be a perfect exchange, PA to PA. Lady Luck may come knocking, but she needs to know your address so email info@PAAccessAllAreas.co.uk or follow @PAAccessAllArea.  For more information, visit PAAccessAllAreas 

The next course will be on July 9th in London.  For full details or to book, click here 

 

As a PA you can make anything happen, and that includes getting the job you want. For instance, if you'd like to be an EA to a President in Music, or perhaps Global Film and TV, tailoring your CV and applying for the job could land you there. 

 Are you ready to make your dream job happen? 

 

Give your PA career the VIP makeover it deserves....

.....with celebrity PA Donna Coulling.

Want to learn how to become a better PA? Or even how to how to become a PA to a VIP? Inspired by her own passion for the role, Donna Coulling, PA to numerous A-list stars, is holding a series of seminars to help you achieve career success.

Donna will hold two types of exclusive, one-day courses, spread throughout the year: ‘So you want to be a celebrity PA?’ and ‘So you want to be better PA’. Calling on her considerable experience as a PA to leading VIPs for over a decade, Donna will reveal the tips and tools necessary to become the boss of your own career and get ahead.

The next seminar ‘So you want to be a celebrity PA’ is coming up:

On - Wednesday 27^th June 

At - the stylish Mercer Street Hotel, London.

 

The seminars will also feature guest speakers, including top recruitment agencies, and detailed workbooks for attendees to fill in. Each seminar will take place in a luxurious central London setting and attendees can expect goody bags even a VIP will lust after.

So, don’t miss out and sign up now, places are limited!

 

Are you attending? 

 

       

 

 

 

To find a new PA opportunity, visit click here

PA Masterclass III - Advanced Cross Cultural Communication

Corporate Diamond PA Masterclass III, Advanced Communication Skills

Thursday 21^st June 2012

Etc.venues, Dexter House, 2 Royal Mint Court, Tower Hill, London EC3

 

Our Corporate Diamond PA Masterclass III is an advanced communication course for Senior PAs working at Director and Board Level. Communicating effectively with the Senior Management Team, Clients and Customers is the most important skill for the Personal Assistant role.

We all know that excellent communication creates a successful business and we constantly need to refine and improve our communication skills to create that ‘winning team formula’ for you and your Manager.    

 

Aim:

The Masterclass will focus on improving and developing your key communication skills so that you can express your ideas and views clearly, confidently and concisely. You will become a persuasive communicator and gain confidence in your communication skills. You will learn how to handle difficult situations and be able to say ‘no’ with confidence. The benefit will be more productive relationships both internally and externally and an increased understanding of communication styles and how to adapt your style accordingly.  

WIN a meal for two at new-look Pizza Express Bishopsgate

 

PizzaExpress is celebrating the launch of its exciting new-look restaurant at 232 Bishopsgate in the City of London by offering a fabulous prize of a meal for two to the value of £50. All you have to do is send an email, with the heading “PizzaExpress Bishopsgate,” to Bishopsgate.Manager@pizzaexpress.com before 22 June and the lucky winner will be contacted a few days later.   

This popular PizzaExpress restaurant, based at Bishopsgate for over 10 years, has undergone an extensive refurbishment, reopening on 19 June. Manager Chris Dini said: “We believe it will make a big difference, as the environment will be much more welcoming and brighter.”

 

For more information, contact Charli Garner, GAB Consultancy, on 07736 456357 or at: charli@gabconsultancy.co.uk

 

Founded in 1965 by Peter Boizot, PizzaExpress' first restaurant opened its doors in Wardour Street, London. Every pizza is handmade, prepared in an open kitchen. 

                          

What's your favourite pizza?

 

Get 25% off your food bill at Pizza Express Bishops gate until 31 August with this voucher

 

To find a new PA opportunity, click here 

LCCI PA Club Shopping Evening at Swarovski London

Light up every occasion with SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED^TM.....The unique designer jewellery concept store from Swarovski, in London's W1.

Looking for the perfect location to host an event? Swarovski London's luxurious, light -filled lounge, located above the S concept store, provides a sparkling setting perfect for receptions, product launches, business presentations and drinks parties - an exclusive opportunity for you to celebrate your event in style.

Join the LCCI PA Club and Swarovski London for an exclusive shopping evening. On offer will be an exclusive viewing at their Summer Sale assortment - choose from designer and SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED^TM jewellery with up to 50% off. 

This is your chance to enjoy drinks and canapés whilst networking with colleagues at this exclusive shopping event.

Event details 

On Monday 18 June, 5.45pm - 7.45pm

At SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED^TM, 24 Great Marlborough Street, opposite Liberty, London, W1F 7HU

 

To book your place at this event, download the booking form here and return to lccipaclub@londonchamber.co.uk

 

Please note LCCI PA Club events are STRICTLY for PAs and in-house corporate event managers only. Registration is at the discretion of the LCCI PA Club Event Manager

 

See you there?  

 

Exclusive offer for YOU from SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED^TM 

Like the idea of browsing their collaborations with top designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Rodrigo Otazu and On Aura Tout Vu - fabulous pieces to complete your look or transform your style? They also have an extensive corporate gifting selection which includes CRYSTALLIZED USB sticks, pens and candle holders, offering the perfect solution to say thank you to colleagues and associates.

And....they're inviting you to book an exclusive shopping consultation for you and your friends with their in-store experts. Book to view their beautiful designer collections in the relaxing, private setting of their exclusive, first floor lounge and enjoy complimentary refreshments for you and your party. What's more you will receive 10% discount across their collections as well as indulgent, pampering treats. 

To complete your experience, they will beautifully gift wrap your jewellery and even deliver to your door, at your convenience. *Terms and conditions: Deliveries apply to W1 locations and subject to a minimum spend of £300. 

Click here to view the entire corporate gifting assortment and tell us which you like best. 

 

To find a new PA opportunity, click here 

Join the LCCI PA Club at Royal Horseguards Hotel this June

Standing proudly amongst the some of the most recognisable landmarks in the capital, the five star Royal Horseguards Hotel provides the perfect city retreat. Nestled amidst the political heart of London and key West End attractions such as Covent Garden and the London Eye, this five star Guoman Hotels property has graced the banks of the River Thames since 1884 and is steeped in history - once being home to the British Secret Service.

The hotel was recently recognised for it's colourful and imaginative afternoon teas, all created under the direction of Pastry Chef Joanne Todd. The Tea Guild of Great Britain presented the Royal Horseguards with an Award of Excellence, only a few months into the hotel's membership of the Guild. Indulge in the comfort of the hotel's lounge or in the fresh air of the stunning outdoor Terrace. To continue the award-winning experience, OneTwentyOneTwo - proud owner of Two AA Dining Rosettes, offers delightful British dishes with a modern twist. Then you can end the day sipping cocktails in Equus Bar whilst listening to the in-house harpist before heading up your five star bed. 

The Royal Horseguards really is a hidden gem and the LCCI PA Club is giving you the opportunity to take view it in all it's splendour at an exclusive showcase with drinks, canapes and the chance to network with like-minded colleagues.

Event details 

On Thursday 21 June, 5.45pm - 7.45pm

At Royal Horseguards Hotel, 2 Whitehall Court, London, SW1A 2EJ

 

 

 To book your place at this event, download the booking form here and return to lccipaclub@londonchamber.co.uk

 

Will you be attending? 

 

Please note LCCI PA Club events are STRICTLY for PAs and in-house corporate event managers only. Registration is at the discretion of the LCCI PA Club Event Manager

 

 

To find a new PA opportunity, click here 

The Secret PA: Day 500

Caked out….Cappuccino-d in. And a rain dance?

If there is such a thing as a cake hangover, I’m having a bad one and with so much to do and so little time I’ve been running on cappuccinos instead of chai lattes this week. The weather of course isn’t helping. I wish I could curl up in bed with a good book. In reality... I'm sorting out budgets, travel arrangements and an infinite number of other things, with a significantly large amount of caffeine in my system. I have even resorted to Nescafe instant cappuccino (desperate measures!) .

As much as I love a long weekend, even if a certain number of hours are spent Jubilee Street Partying and caking it out with the boss, her son and miscellaneous others such as pyjama girl, I am not a fan of the 3 day week.

Pyjama girl is a ‘rich’, ‘Hollywood wannabe’ who lives on the same street as Scarlet who came to my rescue when I misplaced Scarlet’s sister’s cat one time. Such were the circumstances of our rather circumstantial acquaintance.

P.S. If you missed the most about that cat-astrophe, you can have a read of 'A cat, a call and a bucket of Paint' x

The street party was fun; I mean how could it not be with so much cake and Pimms. It was like a whole day of Pimms o’clock in a fancy hat – Scarlet of course was wearing a tiara not a hat. Then, it happened. I don’t know where, but I am convinced there was an Aztec descendent of some shape or form in our midst. How else do you explain that ridiculous Jubilee afternoon downpour? #raindancer

We had to move indoors because we got sopping wet – and by the looks of it so did the choir on the barge. Scarlet’s street had got together to get a screen put up to watch it so at least I got to see some of it. My friend who lives near London Bridge went with her PA (yup, a PA with a PA) to watch but ended up going back home because the whole area around the Thames had been cordoned off and you needed wristbands to get in apparently. I felt kind of bad for her when she told me. 

Banker Guy was having a party with family and friends at his folks (which I only managed to make the tail end of). We hardly saw each other at the weekend so he wanted to do dinner yesterday. If there was ever a time to become a time management goddess, this week was definitely it. Whiz Girl was poorly on Wednesday, she had been in bed with food poisoning on Monday and Tuesday which further added to the manic-ness of my crazy whirlwind week!

 

So glad it’s Friday. TGIF!

 

Enjoy the weekend lovelies.

 

Doing anything fun?

 

Speak soon x  

 

 

 

 

 Follow me on Twitter!

@TheSecretPA
#secretpa

 

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The Secret PA 

 

To find a new PA opportunity, visit click here 

A day in the life... of Celebrity PA Donna Coulling

By Donna Coulling 

Donna Coulling has been a PA for over ten years and her clients include Helena Bonham Carter, Rachel Weisz, Sir Derek Jacobi, Samuel West and Bella Freud. 

She is known as an expert in her field; runs seminars, has spoken and presented at many events and has made numerous TV appearances as a Celebrity PA on shows for Channel 4, Living TV and regularly presents on the shopping channel QVC.  

One day in my life…

7.10 Get up and read emails, wake daughter and husband. Husband goes to work – get daughter and myself ready for the day.

8.30 Leave for school.

Free registration now open for office* 2012

The third edition of office*, the UK’s only dedicated event for the PA, EA and office manager community, will take place on 12-13 September at the new venue of London’s Olympia. Visit to benefit from a comprehensive training and development conference and the major trade exhibition showcasing all the latest products, services, technologies, recruitment solutions, hospitality providers and venues on offer from many of the UK’s leading business to business suppliers. 

 

Register here for your free ticket today 

 

office* 2012 has some great features:

• Over 175 leading suppliers
• Keep your skills up-to-date in the office* seminars
• Hear inspirational free Keynotes from Deborah Meaden of Dragons’ Den fame, and Penni Pike, Richard Branson’s Executive Personal Assistant of 31 years
• Celebrate National PA Day with your industry
• Network with fellow PAs, EAs, Secretaries and Office Managers

Find out more and view the seminar programmes here

Visitors will also enjoy an increased opportunity to expand their network of corporate travel management suppliers in the new Business Travel feature area.  This bespoke village will join the new HBAA Village – already sold out with space taken by companies including London event venue hire specialists Canvas; Midlands-based venue sourcing agency Conference Care; and Ellis Salsby, one of the leading conference and hotel reservations companies in the UK.

Other exciting returning features at the event include the AIM Accredited Destinations and Venue Village – featuring venues from across the UK, the benefit Pamper Parlour – a chance to relax with the help of a world-leading cosmetic brand, and the Uniball Café – network and enjoy a break from the show floor.

Start planning your visit now and register online for free.

 

 

 

 

The Secret PA: Day 494

Eurovision Celebrations, Jubilations and Cake…..Cake

I do love cake but right now I feel as though it’s coming out of my ears! It’s been quite the Party around here so I can’t complain. Curly (with approval from Mother dearest of course) decided that it would be fun to have a Eurovision Song Contest Party on Saturday night. Scarlet decided it would be even more fun if Whiz Girl and I organised it. Pepper decided that his bachelor pad in a secret location, (which he refers to as his guest apartment) was the ideal place.

It is not near where I live. It is also not near where Whiz Girl lives.  

The thing is, last weekend; I was supposed to be going to a BBQ with Banker Guy. It would have been the first time I was actually going to meet his friends, sort of like my debut into his social circle so it was kind of a big deal. Whiz Girl, was supposed to be dining with her boyfriend at ‘his parents’ house. We both had the Eurovision song contest on our agenda for the evening but schmoozing with the office crowd was not part of the plan.I do like the office gang aside from the odd one here and there but thought I’d done my share of weekend work things for a few weeks.

I did get a chance to see “him” though. We met for brunch and he was really understanding - as were Whiz Girl’s in-laws – which helped. It hadn’t really crossed my mind until now, but I guess having a PA Career and a beau can be quite a juggling act. He works long hours too, and has the same career philosophy as me so it’s not as cataclysmic as I’m probably making it out to be. Do you struggle with this whole work – life balance thing?

I also went to the Christian Louboutin shoe exhibition which was on near London Bridge - I’ve always known I have a shoe fetish. I can now officially declare that this is just the beginning my love affair with footwear. I could’ve spent the whole day there but I had to go to the office to set things up for the Party. Cake and cocktails did eventually balance out the work life imbalance I was feeling earlier and everyone was in celebratory dance mode  by the end of it – Seeing Scarlet semi let her hair down was a shock.

Did any of you watch the Eurovision song contest? I have to say I did think Loreen was pretty awesome but I did think she was being a bit over dramatic at the end clutching her heart as she walked up to collect her award.  A lot of the presenters announcing the scores from the various countries were not. I thought they kinda lacked the ‘ooomph!’. Oh and at the end, did you notice that bit where one of the presenters nearly tripped behind Loreen when she was being photographed with her Award?

The other thing that is always so striking is how the political relations and tensions between the various countries become so apparent when it’s voting time. In a sense, it’s a little predictable, don’t you think?

Anyway, I thought Loreen definitely deserved it, (I did vote for her!). In fact so far I think the ones I’ve voted for have always won. If it’s luck then maybe it’s time for me to buy a Euromillions ticket ;)  Despite the initial resistance to the fun factor it was a good night and Whiz Girl and I do get along well which helps.

Will tell you more about it later because I’ve got to finish a gazillion things before the bank holiday weekend – including checking that all is in order for the Jubilee Street Party at Scarlet’s this weekend,

 

Checklist: 

Invites 

Themed Paper Napkins 

Bunting 

Music 

Tablecloths 

Tables 

Chairs 

Tiara for Scarlet  (finally!)

 

Got to run or we’ll be dry on Pimms and Bubbly and I reckon that’s not going to go down well :O

 

More later x

 

 

 

 Follow me on Twitter!

@TheSecretPA
#secretpa

 

Find me on Facebook! 

The Secret PA 

 

To find a new PA opportunity, visit click here