Hey Keith, just thought I'd reopen this discussion and see how we're all doing! I had been an executive legal assistant for 4 years, and all of my fellow assistants happened to be male at the West Coast office. I was surprised to find that the assistants from other firms and clients were evenly split 50/50 between male and females. I think it's a bit like how the role of male nurses has evolved. It seems like that kind of thing matters less these days, and dignity and respect are often awarded on merit.

How does everyone feel about that?

In my experiences (20 years) a big part of your job eventually becomes personal assistant, like talking about things un-work related and the good old "get my coffee" thing and I think both sexes are more comfortable having that kind of relationship with a woman. Fair? No Life just isn't fair somrtimes. Male assistants are usually in the huge corporate world. My brother-in-law was August Busch's assisstant and beleive me, his job and his paycheck were alot bigger than mine will ever be!

Maybe I'm a bit of a dunce here, but what do you mean "A.A.s?"

I completely understand where you are coming from Keith. I am in HR which has its roots in administration. Also many administrative jobs are being merged into HR. If you are not aware over 70% of HR professionals are women nationwide. On the west coast where I live that percentage can top 90% in some cases. In both professions it is not so much as a bias as there are simply few men interested in HR or administration. As a result it may be harder for those interviewing to feel confident that men can be successful in the role or know what that would look like. Some people may think that there is something wrong with men who choose administration or HR as a career. I wish I could say things are changing, but I honestly don't know.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful

Jason

I've had a couple guy friends who were AAs! Maybe take a look at your resume and see if it's something else that's doing it.