Sarah's PA Story
Why I Became a Personal Assistant
My name is Sarah, and I am currently a Personal Assistant supporting clients within the community in the Southend area. I have been working as a Personal Assistant for the past three years, following a long career of over 30 years in the care field industry.
I decided to move into working as a Personal Assistant after being introduced to the role by someone I met within my work environment. They explained what the role involved and how person-centred and flexible the work could be. This really appealed to me, as it allowed me to continue supporting people in a more individual and meaningful way.
I initially started working as a Personal Assistant on a part-time basis to gain experience within the role. Over time, I found the work extremely rewarding and chose to continue developing my career within this field. My background in care has given me a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and understanding, which I now bring into my role as a PA.
What I Enjoy About Being a Personal Assistant
What I enjoy most about being a Personal Assistant is the personal connection and the ability to provide tailored support. No two days are the same, and each individual I support has their own routines, preferences, and goals. I enjoy building trusting relationships and supporting people to remain independent within their own homes and communities.
Seeing the positive difference my support makes—whether that’s helping someone access the community, manage daily tasks, or simply offering companionship—is incredibly rewarding.
Benefits of Being a Personal Assistant
Being a Personal Assistant allows me to:
      •     Make a genuine and lasting difference in people’s lives
      •     Work in a flexible, person-centred role
      •     Use my extensive experience in the care industry in a more  individualised way
      •     Build long-term, trusting relationships with the people I support
      •     Feel valued and appreciated for the support I provide
Skills and Qualities I Use in My Role
In my role as a Personal Assistant, I use a wide range of skills and personal qualities, including:
      •     Compassion, empathy, and patience
      •     Strong communication and listening skills
      •     Reliability and trustworthiness
      •     Organisation and time management
      •     Adaptability and problem-solving
      •     A professional approach with respect for confidentiality and boundaries
What I Would Say to Someone Considering Becoming a Personal Assistant
If you are thinking about becoming a Personal Assistant, I would say that it is a role that requires commitment, understanding, and flexibility, but it is also extremely rewarding. Drawing on my 30 years in the care field and three years as a PA, I can honestly say it is a role where you can truly make a difference. If you enjoy supporting others, building meaningful relationships, and working in a person-centred way, this could be a very fulfilling career.