PA

anon, via email

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Worked as a research assistant in college. I was told by 2/3 of my colleagues on that project, “You know you only have this job because you’re a woman, right? The advisor prefers women.” This is despite the fact that I had the highest GPA in our research group. Same colleague when I was applying for my dream job after graduation: “A lot of people are applying for this job, so don’t get your hopes up.” He didn’t say that to our male colleagues who applied. I got the job. Easily. Almost every job interview I’ve had includes “What does your husband do for a living.” My husband has never been asked that question.

anon, via email

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I was a temp PA at a University, I really liked my role and the team and was happy there. Until my role changed slightly and the person I was a PA for changed. He was still nice but far too friendly and would always comment on my clothes, read the slogan on my t-shirt, comment on the colour of my jumper- seemingly innocuous but uncomfortable and unprofessional. In fact I was so uncomfortable around him that I would try to avoid him which is very hard as a PA, and wouldn’t even walk to the toilet on my own. Then at the Christmas party he proceeded to tell me how ‘stunning’ I looked whilst very close to my ear and entire body. I then felt his whole body push against mine as he let out a quiet grunt into my ear and he rubbed himself on my thigh. I was trapped between him and the bar so had nowhere to go. It was disgusting. Back at work after the Christmas party he told me on 4 separate occasions how he had told his wife how I can understand him in a way that she never could. It was awful. I finally cracked and said ‘I’m just good at my job, it’s not personal’. Anyway, my contract wasn’t extended.