Occasional work

If you can't commit to working for Ruth regularly for at least four months, you may still be able to work as an occasional personal assistant.

Occasional PAs normally join the team by taking a series of shifts close together (for instance, during your vacation if you are a student) so that they can learn the ropes and can then continue to take shifts on an "as and when" basis. They are paid per 24-hour period that they are on duty, and this is a "zero-hours contract" that leaves you to choose to take work only when you are free.

Many occasional PAs are students, but it also suits

• those who want to be able to take on seasonal commitments (like working at music festivals, skiing or crewing yachts),

• those who have a variable commitment to regular voluntary work (such as special police officers),

• those waiting for their professional qualification to be formalised (eg newly-qualified nurses and therapists waiting for a "PIN"),

• those in the UK on working visas who prefer to be free to travel when they choose