Executive assistants know better than most that role creep is real. A recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruling shows just how messy things can get when part-time boundaries blur, expenses go unmanaged, and personal responsibilities collide with work demands.
The case
According to HCAMag, an EA working in hospitality claimed she was forced to resign because her part-time job quickly morphed into something unsustainable. Originally hired for 20 hours a week across 2.5 days at $40,000 plus super, she soon found herself fielding late-night requests, working weekends, and covering for gaps after another staff member resigned.
Adding fuel to the fire, she was asked to pay for business expenses out of her own pocket, starting with bathroom products and ending with groceries and venue styling items. A previous employee had access to a company card, but she wasn’t given the same.
As a single parent, things reached breaking point when she worked until 10:30 pm with her child in tow, only to return for a 7:00 am start the next morning. She eventually resigned by text message, later formalising her decision by email.
The Commission’s view
While the EA argued she had no real choice but to quit, the FWC disagreed. It found the resignation was voluntary and that the employer hadn’t deliberately created intolerable conditions to force her out.
That said, the Commission acknowledged a number of problematic practices:
- Role creep – expectations and hours shifted without formal agreement.
- Expense issues – reliance on personal funds blurred professional lines.
- Work-life challenges – requests for after-hours and weekend work clashed with caring responsibilities.
Ultimately, the Commission ruled these problems developed gradually through “mutual accommodation” rather than deliberate exploitation.
What EAs can learn
This case serves as a sharp reminder for executive assistants to set clear boundaries early, especially in part-time roles or small business environments where flexibility is often assumed.
Key takeaways
- Document your hours: If your role is part-time, clarify exact days and expectations in writing.
- Don’t front business costs: Request a company card or formal reimbursement process instead of dipping into personal funds.
- Balance is non-negotiable: Be upfront about caring responsibilities and push back on unreasonable after-hours demands.
The bigger picture
The FWC’s ruling shows that not every tough work situation qualifies as “forced resignation.” However, for EAs, the bigger lesson is this: protecting your own boundaries isn’t just about compliance; it’s about safeguarding your well-being.
Executive assistants are often the glue holding things together, but you can’t do that effectively if work demands consistently spill into your personal life. Knowing when to reset expectations – or escalate concerns – can make all the difference between a sustainable role and burnout
