Breaking the Glass Ceiling as an Assitant

By the time we’re in our early thirties, many of us have reached the senior executive assistant level. It’s a significant achievement, but it can also feel like we’ve hit a glass ceiling. Despite years of experience and a strong skill set, we often find ourselves stuck, with limited options for growth.

The challenge lies in the unique nature of our roles. We’re essential to the smooth running of our departments, but we don’t truly belong to any department. This can leave us feeling isolated and overlooked when it comes to career advancement and fair compensation. We’re often seen as “just” support staff, no matter how much we contribute.

This is one of the reasons why many of us are turning to freelancing. It’s a way to break free from the constraints of traditional roles, challenge ourselves professionally, and earn what we’re really worth. Going freelance allows us to redefine our careers, set our own standards, and finally be recognized as the high-level professionals we are.

However, it’s not all bad news. Slowly but surely, things are changing. Companies are beginning to understand that we do much more than manage calendars and book travel. Salaries are improving, and there’s a growing recognition of the strategic value we bring to the table. But this is just the beginning. We need to continue pushing for more opportunities to showcase our abilities in project management, leadership, and beyond.

It’s important to remember that there is always room for growth, even after reaching the senior assistant level. We need to be proactive in identifying what excites us and to communicate these aspirations to those who can help us achieve them. Whether it’s through additional training, exploring new roles, or even taking on freelance work, there are countless ways to keep evolving.

We’re not just assistants—we’re essential contributors to our organizations, capable of much more than many people realize. It’s time to change the narrative, to demand fair recognition and to explore new avenues for growth. Whether we choose to stay within traditional roles or venture into freelancing, there’s a world of possibilities waiting for us.

The glass ceiling may feel solid, but it’s not unbreakable. Together, we can push through it and redefine what it means to be an executive assistant.