Personal Services Required

[ControlledChaos]

Did anyone watch the new series "Personal Services Required" on Channel 4 last week?  It was supposedly about hiring Personal Assistants but I think the so-called employers were after a general dogsbody rather than a PA.  Am I too old-fashioned to think that a PA is someone who assists the boss in the business side of things and does not do their housework, cooking, laundry etc?

[gee4]

I actually missed it.  

No you are not old-fashioned but I do think employers have an old-fashioned view as to what a PA does or should be hired to do.  These days we are given the impression they want us to get involved but that is not always the case.

I feel the more skills I have, the more I am frowned upon for being a woman and having those skills.

[raindance]

I saw that programme and was thoroughly irritated by it.  Won't watch any further episodes.

The term "personal assistant" refers, these days, not only to what might be described as a "confidential secretary" who works solely for a business, but also to someone who is a "housekeepernannysecretary-thingammy-person".  Quite a few "slebrities" have personal assistants who are NOT secretaries, but do whatever needs doing round the house/business (if it's based at home).  Cleaning, laundry and such are done by other people, but if the employers or their children needs something then the personal assistant does that task.  

The things that came over most strongly were a lack of simple good manners and an interesting disregard for the virtues of truth, decency and integrity.  However, this is so-called reality television, so it shouldn't be taken seriously at all.  The subjects on both sides are chosen more for their incompatibility rather than the possibility that they might actually get on with each other.  

Now, if they were to show a programme about REAL people doing real jobs, then I might pay attention.  

[Boss]

I completely get where you’re coming from.
A lot of these so-called “reality” shows seem more focused on creating drama than reflecting anything close to real life. The way they blur the role of a personal assistant is also frustrating — in real professional settings, PAs often have clearly defined responsibilities, not this random, catch-all role they portray on TV.

And you’re right — the lack of basic manners and integrity is concerning. But I guess that’s the formula: conflict over authenticity. I’d also much rather watch a program that highlights genuine hard work, real jobs, and how people manage everyday challenges with dignity.

Maybe one day someone will produce a reality show worth watching — until then, switching it off is probably the smartest move!