Christina Maslova - Coffee Break Confidential. Real-Life Tales from Assistants

© Christina Maslova, 2019

ISBN 978-5-0050-4922-3

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

I was born in Moscow, in doctor’s family. I’ve graduated from the Russian State Trade-Economic University with a diploma of economist-manager of the enterprise. I started to work when I was 20, tried a lot of companies – Russian, European, Japanese in order to find what suits best, because I have never could not stand if I do not like something or do not feel that I belong to the place where I am.

I’ve never thought that I will write. But, my first article was published in 2013, my first book in English appeared in 2017, in Russian – one year later. And now – I sit and write this preamble to my second book.

I always write about job and everything what is connected with an assistant’s job. I work as an assistant already 15 years. And though right now my official job title is Head of Administration, I’m still – firstly Executive Assistant, and then everything else.

In this book I’ve put together different stories and notes from my experience and also from my colleagues. First book was a little bit more serious, I wanted to share what I think about job and why you need it. This one – is for coffee, thinking about different situations, work or life, and, probably, finding yourself in some articles☺

Why I write it? One day I decided that if you want to do something, if something great appeared in your head or even if you think that it’s might be not great – you have to Try and Do. If you have any idea – please, try to do something with it. I wanted to share my thoughts about my job, because it is very interesting, very promising and very complicated. I wanted to share what I know.

I wanted to talk to people. Through my articles, through my books. And it worked. After 2 years I have more then 12 000 contacts. I found my colleagues in many parts of the world and very happy that we are connected and communicate.

Everything I write about – is from my own knowledge, from my own mistakes, my experience, my communication with colleagues and partners.

In August, being 37, I wrote small note – about what do I think being 37. Here it is. And hope it will help you to understand me better and find out who I am ☺

I’m still-just-yet (!) 37 :-P

I have few regrets. But I do not regret about them. Yes, I’m a human being – but who’s not. Like Franky said – I did it my way? And I think to regret – it’s just to waste the life. There was a time when I thought that being mistaken is something what I should avoid. When I afforded myself to have the right for mistake – I started to breathe calmer and lighter. It’s a great thing – to afford not to judge yourself too strict. Moreover – you have an indisputable right to afford this.

I have a lot of wishes and dreams. It’s a big thing when you do not lose power to wish and dream. Keep this ability in yourself – to want something. Even small stupid things, like new case for your iPhone, or yellow diamond;) Last one not small and not stupid, but still. Or, to travel where you have never been. Or, to start the new project, or renovate your kitchen… or whatever – it’s a lot, when you feel that you are full of emotions and passion, and your life can give you more and more – just lend your hand.

I’m proud that I can take part in different projects, that I’m invited and I can communicate with a lot of people around the world. It’s an honor.

I’m happy because I’m surrounded by people whom I love with all my heart and who loves me.

I feel no regret that being 22 I didn’t marry the guy. I was fool. I did not know what I want from him, I did not know what I want from myself, from my life, from marriage. I had no responsibility about anything. I was born when my mum was 21. Another time, another history. My story – is my story. No matter what is said, like I’m already a little bit old woman to have children. I want family, I want children. Because right now I know what to do with all this.

I feel that I live in rhythm of “It’s My Life”. This is now or never! But sometimes Macarena is also dancing in my head :-D

I’m happy because I have the job which I love. It was a long way to get here. Long and complicated. But it was worth it. Nothing can be achieved without taking yourself from the sofa and start acting.

I have the answer on the question – where do you find time for all your projects? Siting on the kitchen, which right now is under renovation, and checking my mail; thinking that yesterday I talked to my colleague from Japan while I’ve been in the bus on the way to the office; or recording the video for Brazil project at 12 at night; or thinking about 3rd book, while 2nd one is in the process of checkup; or writing notes; or planning the participation in December Forum for assistants. I know the answer. I just want to do all this. And I’m doing. Just doing.

I feel that sport is my best friend. Otherwise with my passion to cookies, ice cream and all other very tasty things I will be 100 kg :-D Yes, now my body needs more sport than before. It’s true, I do not get younger. No regret. Just correction. And this is the point where – more is better than less :)

I feel that the trainings of personal growth gave me a lot. It’s a good thing. Even if you think that you have everything fine. It’s good to learn yourself, it’s good to learn new things.

I understood that I don’t need a lot of make-up. It makes me older. Just a little bit. But well maintained skin is much better and more attractive.

I feel that 37 is a wonderful age. Not too young to be very stupid, but not too old for a few stupid things :-P

I’m very glad that when I was 6 parents took me to English school. I cannot imagine that I don’t know English and can’t talk to all of you around the world. I feel that one day I will start to learn Italian, or Japanese :)

I know that happiness is in a small little things. Like: making autumn pictures, sound of the rain, cosy café, helping somebody, read the favorite book, meet friends, birthday celebrations. In each and every moment you can find it.

I know that negative emotions kill. Don’t use them. Try to be positive. I know, sometimes it’s difficult. And the only thing that we want – just close the door and cry. I do. Sometimes I cry, because I’m tired. But this is just the way to understand that you need time to stay alone for a while and have a rest. Everything will shine again. That’s it.

I feel that I always have to try. Whatever I do. Otherwise, I will betray myself and the life which was granted to me 37 years ago.