things not so good

[twodogs]

I just found out the shop I'm in will be closed for an undetermined amount of time. My boss has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm hoping the best for her and will keep her in my thoughts. While my situation isn't anywhere near as bad as hers I'm in a position now where I don't know what to do. I came out of grroming school in Aug and started with her in Sept. I love her way with the animals and she's been very patient with me. I'm not doing this for the money, my husband is the bread winner. Do I go and look for a new job or do I wait it out. I don't want to loose the skills I've gained over the past six months but at the same time I feel bad moving on. I would be grateful for any advice.

[Sunny]

Is there any way you can continue working there, without her being there for a time? As she goes through treatment she may very well find she wants to work, though most likely a lighter load and that will be much easier for her to do if the shop remains operational. You could be so valuable to her in this time.

[groomin'blonde]

I understand that she is a major devistation right now. But, is it smart to let the business go under? Mabey after a few days passes she will come to a different decision. Is it possible for you and the other help to keep the business going for her at a slower pace? I think you should seriosly talk it over with her in a week or so? Offer your willingness to help if your able. She may need you more than you know, and just doesnt know exactly what to do at this moment.

[DAPER DAWG]

I'm sure she will understand if you need to find another job in the meantime. If you don't really need the money but want to keep grooming than maybe you could do part time like just Saturday or something so your not fully commited to someone else while you wait to see how her situation turns out.

That's really sad, how old is she? What a devastating thing to hear.

[SiotehCat]

Ive been in a very similar situation. The groomer that I apprenticed with was on dialysis for the first year and a half that I worked with her. A year of that, I was grooming. Or learning to groom. One day she got a call saying that a kidney was ready for her and she had to be there ASAP. I was thrown into taking over the shop. I was an emotional mess because I had no idea what was going on with her kidney, and I was a stressed out mess because I didnt think I could groom a dog. Eventually, she comes back, I go back to being her apprentice. Months later, she gets shingles and almost dies. Im back to running the shop. Because of the new kidney and all her medication, we had a lot of ups and downs. It was a testing experience, and I wouldnt have had it any other way.

Maybe you can consider taking a job somewhere in the meantime and going back to her when shes ready? When you consider waiting for her, understand that it could be a while before she comes back. Even when she does come back, she might not be ready to take on many dogs.

[twodogs]

I had mentioned working solo but I don't think she's really thinking about the business right now.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Perhaps you could tell her that she's been so good and so patient with you, that you really trust her judgement, and does she think you should wait it out, and if you did, does she think you'll lose your skills? SHould you look for something else, at least temporarily?

Maybe if you put it in such a way that compliments her, and yet lets her know you're not sure what to do but that you care about her business, she could give you a better answer.

Tammy in Utah

[pawsforthought]

Give your boss a little time.

May I suggest that you give your boss a little time to adjust to the news of breast cancer for her. So many varialbles and such scary physical challenges in her near future.
My sister lost most of one breast to cancer about 5 years ago. Two weeks before Katrina she was diagnosed with cancer again. She was to have surgery the Tuesday after Katrina hit. She got back to New Orleans in Late October, had Surgery in early November with serious reconstructive surgery. She was back at work in early January. Now mind you, she was not doing anything as physical as grooming dogs but what was necessary for her and others who have battled with Cancer is that getting "back on track" is very important to them.
Hopefully their will be family and friends to help with the running of the business end of it so that she doesn't have to give it up.
I hope all goes well for her and you.

[baddog]

I had mentioned working solo but I don't think she's really thinking about the business right now.

This may sound horrible to say, but, maybe you could buy her out, or lease the shop from her. It may be a good opportunity for you, I'm not trying to be insensitive to your boss's health, but it would solve both problems.