Thanks for all of the questions! I tried to get to as many as possible and most were repeats, which I’ve decided to summarize here, in order of most frequently asked:

1. Am I attractive? Did my physical looks help me get/keep the job?

This is an impossible question for an individual to answer about themselves, so I will objectively say at least a few people have found me attractive in my life and currently my husband finds me the most attractive so I will leave it at that! For the second part of the question, I’ll also default to what my husband thought and he said he definitely believed it helped me get the job to begin with but probably has little bearing on my ability to keep the job, he chalks that part up to my ability and skillset shown in my responsibilities.

1. Is my company hiring?

No, unfortunately not.

1. How do I get your job?

If you’re truly interested in becoming an EA at the highest earning levels, I seriously recommend reading some of the answers below answered by some very wise, experienced successful people who chimed in. In summary, start low, start as an admin at some of the wealthiest/highest AUM financial institutions you can find - think hedge funds, asset managers, private equity firms, publicly traded (successful) companies, and show that you are capable, have no ego about the most menial tasks (running back and forth to the mailroom, delivering/opening packages, making coffee, photocopies, etc), DO NOT GOSSIP or show any type of duplicity in the workplace, have a great, positive attitude without being a pushover, and hold secrets and confidential information with the highest regard and most likely this will help you rise up the ranks. Don’t be too casual with executives but speak professionally and intelligently, and you’ll get noticed for doing things correctly the first time you are asked. Find a headhunter or recruiter that specializes in executive EA placement, be picky about the positions being posted (be wary of any positions that seem to have very high turnaround - signs of a toxic workplace) and don’t be entitled to anything until you earn it. Also importantly- look in VHCOL cities, think NYC or SF, etc.

1. Can I give you money?

Nope.

1. Do I feel guilty about how much I make versus how much (or little) I work?

No. I worked really hard to get to this point in my career, to have automated so many aspects of my job that used to take me hours every day, and make connections and relationships with those who have been incredibly helpful (mutually) with aiding in the most stressful moments of my work. My executives respect me and most of all I respect them and their work, so I get whatever they need to get done, done. There have been no complaints and I’m constantly thinking of ways to save time on other future tasks and seamlessly transition aspects of my job to be even more efficient. To echo everyone chiming in on this, yes of course I believe teachers, nurses, social workers, childcare providers, housekeepers are egregiously underpaid and I do everything I can to help show my appreciation whenever possible.

1. Sexual favors?

A bit shocked at how many people asked this, at first I thought people were trolling but the sheer number of asks makes me 1) a bit heartbroken as this is a reflection of our society and 2) believe some people truly cannot fathom being compensated fairly upon experience without sexual favors. No, I have never even countered a semblance of an inappropriate request and I don’t think this is common in this field.

1. Am I Donna?

No, but I want Donna’s wardrobe.

Hope this answered some remaining questions of those who did not scroll through all the comments. Really intriguing and thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

I appreciate everyone who commiserated and knew exactly what my role entails and to those who sent me the hate mail and hateful comments - I don’t blame you at all. Being in this world is a strange place to be and if I wasn’t so woven into this society, I’d doubt me and hate me too. But alas, differing perspectives and different walks of life is what make our world so diverse and interesting so at the very least I hope you saw some new perspectives and hopefully brighter days will be in your futures. As a human it doesn’t feel great to know the dichotomous nature of pain and suffering that occurs simultaneously with someone else’s seemingly “golden” life but trust me, we all struggle in one way or another. Some of the wealthiest individuals I have met in my line of work are often the most miserable, hateful, terrible humans in the world and I hope that no one is ever that unhappy. Wishing everyone success.