Wife's job OK? Think again

Another twist in my wife's working situation.

When we last left her, she had found a relatively calm way station working in a small accounting firm, after narrowly escaping the workaholic Iranian dentist who had taken over the bankrupt practice of her former employer. (got that?)

It looked like her working perils were behind her for a while. She rapidly got up to speed with long-forgotten accounting terminology and principles, studying on her own time. The hours were flexible, the location convenient, and the people seemed nice - enough was good that she could overlook the Super Micro-Manager tendencies of her supervisor. They mapped out for her an education plan to train her in most aspects of the business.

However, as time has gone on, for whatever reason she has not been given a set of ongoing responsibilities. Instead, her boss only spoons out tasks that are one to two days long. If she runs into problems, the boss solves them "because it's faster", instead of providing a little training so my wife can handle it the next time. It's a very frustrating way to work for someone that's used to taking the ball and running with it.

Additionally, the working hours are sporadic: no more than 20 hours a week. For example, one week she was told not to come in because they needed her desk for a visiting CPA.

She had a talk with the head of the business Monday. He recognizes her capabilities, and also is frustrated that they are not able to utilize her better. However, it's a very small two-person practice, and most of the work requires an accounting degree-type of background. Without extensive accounting schooling, she can't take on the higher level of work. And what's left is not all that interesting.

That's a long way of saying she needs to look for another job - yet again. But probably better to cut her losses early than be unhappy for a long time. And although the hours are somewhat limited, she still has a job for now while she looks.

This time perhaps she'll find something that has a little less peril...and a little more reward.

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