I'm no longer in EA World, but I subscribe to this forum because I resonate with the challenges and unique position so much.

I was only an EA for 5 years...I applied for the position because after a decade of experience in finance (account manager/small business), I had stepped back and stayed home with my baby until he was 3, then gone into office management work in education, because it was the perfect role for me at the time - same time off as the kiddo, feeling like I was making a difference etc.

Education pays the same as working at WalMart, so when kiddo was older and I saw an EA position advertised, I applied and they called me back to offer me the job when I was still in the parking lot after the interview. The pay was over 3x my salary in education, and in fact was in line with what I was making in finance when I left for maternity leave.

They were much more focused on my perceived personal attributes than knowing my way around Outlook or any other specific skills.