Senior PA asks how to keep job secure and be given new challenges

[Cezz]

I work for a CEO who is due to retire within 2yrs. A new Deputy CEO has started and our company has just been taken over by theirs. I understand that he will be supported by another PA, who is a friend of mine. I'm uncomfortable with this as I fear my career will stagnate and i'll be 'retired' at the same time as my boss. How do I tactfully prove I am willing to take on new challenges and prove myself to a new management as I have not been offered the chance to do this at the outset? I think the reason I have not been given the chance is that the management team perceive I have enough to do already. Now we are not working on the acquisition process anymore, I am not so sure I will be as busy.

[Caz224466]

There are various tracks you can take, the important thing is not to just sit and wait for the inevitable. Talk to your boss, ask if your future has been planned. As for a meeting with the new boss, to discuss what projects you could handle going forward. Ask for some specific tasks to do, and to be evaluated on them in 6 months time. Make it clear that you see your future with the company, and be seen as part of the new team. Be positive and enthusiastic about the future of the company.

Good luck!
Caz.

[Cezz]

thanks Cazz - v helpful and will put this advice into action. I'm just feeling a little 'lost' at the moment - the way I found out that the new Deputy will have someone else working for him was through a friend on maternity leave - the HR Manager told her and my boss hasn't even told me yet!!! A tricky situation that I wasn't sure how best to handle - I feel like making a complaint but do not want to be seen as disruptive.