Bethalize,



I am so sorry that it was with a german company that you made this bad experience. But I do assure you that not all german companies (and their managers) are like this.



It is true that status between managers and Admins is very different (even though those highly paid managers couldn't cope without us admins)and you will rarely find one of those managers to admit in public that his PA is really bright and the one who runs everything efficiently. But at least you do have some managers (like my boss) who tell you that they think you are doing a great job and who even accept criticism from you.



Maybe part of your difficulties are cultural (though I can't imagine that this is the real cause). Just one example: Even though I know that american people tend to use the first name even with people they don't know very well I am still surprised each time somebody uses my first name even if we are not really acquainted  (and without asking if it's all right or not). I just accept it and do not remark on it but there are many Germans who do not like behaviour like this and would think it very very rude.



But, as I already said, I agree with some of the others: I do not think this is the real cause.  The real cause probably is politics and your boss (ex boss) just is too weak as a personality. Let him go to hell and go out looking for a boss with a strong personality who will support a PA with a strong personality and you will see you then will be a dream team.



Good luck to you and the best wishes from the other end of the world.



KohiNoor