The Changes May Have to Wait...

[gemsmom]

Thanks for all the advice. It gave me alot to ponder. One thing I didn't consider was the physical problems I've had over the past year. I am okay during slow periods, which it typically has been over the last month. Last week I worked alone, and have been extremely busy, especially the last few days. Being bent over the order counter and work tables have taken it's toll, and I am in alot of pain. I guess I am going to have to keep my work force at one part-timer, one full-timer until I am better. When that will be is anyone's guess. The new hire has turned out to be an excellent fitter, and she likes the task. Hopefully, I can find some other things she can do as well. I only wish she would stop all the mindless chatter. It's driving me nuts. Should I just tell her to be quiet? Seems rude. Strange I've never had this problem before.

I still want to think about selling in a couple of years, even though it seems to be a bone of contention between my husband and myself. If I still feel the same way a year from now, I'll probably put the place up for sale, with or without his approval!

[AWG]

Pamela:
We're sorry to hear about your physical problems. Having been through 3 surgeries (none major, but still...) in the last 3 years I know how things like that can definitely take a toll on work. We bought our gallery from someone who went through what you're going through now. IT AIN'T FUN.

Hopefully things will work out so you can hang on for a bit, find and train the perfect protege, and sell out one day soon!

Keep the faith.

[PurplePerson]

I hope you get better, want to keep your store until you 76 and regain your passion to want a store.

Oh, well, whatever happens, happens.

[jframe]

Yes, Pam, tell her to be quiet. Explain that it is hard to concentrate when you feel like you have to be listening to her.

[ERIC]

If you want to get her attention, you could make the request to be quiet because it's tough enough to listen to all the voices in your head :D

Sorry, what I really mean is the 'artistic' and the 'business' states of mind. These are always present for myself, and if someone jams up my ability to balance the two - they got to go.

[Framing Goddess]

I have never liked chatty employees. It is hugely distracting and not professional. It sounds like there are other issues with this one, as well.
Everytime I have "settled" for an employee, I have truly and deeply regretted it. (This seems to apply to my love life as well... :eek: )
Pamela, I would restart my employee search. You need someone you can count on when you are under the weather.
Give this one a casual review, tell her what she is good at but the talking needs to stop. See how she does.

edie the alwaystryingnotalwayssucceeding goddess

[ 10-07-2003, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: Framing Goddess ]

[framah]

...mindless chatter. Finally! The REAL reason for duct tape!! :eek: :eek:

[GUMBY, GCF]

Ah, but some people work faster and better if they are chattering away. I would only try to curtail her chatter if it was affecting her work and other employees work. I had an employee once who always had a quick question (no such thing right). I asked her to ask herself before she came to me if the question could be figured out or if it needed her supervisors wisdom.
Yes her quick questions did slow down, but it was only about a month before she found a new job. This was her make up you could just tell after that suggestion she was not the same employee. It is their personality. You might be better off giving her a review and tell her she might look for a new job. Maybe give her tasks out of ear shot.
But remember one thing what if it was your boss who was chatty.
1. Would you bear with it?
2. Would you quit?
3. Would you ask her to please curtail the
chatter you are trying to work?
Hummmm interesting.

[gemsmom]

I have to wait until after the holidays until I decide what to do. I just don't have the time, energy, or desire to go through another job search right now. I still have someone who can fit, answer the phone, take care of pickups, and clean. I have already made the decision that I will work the counter exclusively, except when it is not possible. I wanted to get away from workking the counter, but my sales are the highest, and I lose very few sales. I guess it would be stupid to think someone can take my place there.


I would still like to shorten the hours, but one problem is, what day to close? Monday is usually a very busy day, plus I like to place orders on Monday. Would it seem out if sync to close another day that is usually slow for me, like Tuesday, or Friday? I am sure I will be pondering this for the next three months.