Spouse is a terrible employee

Dear Abby: I am a self-employed general contractor, and have been for the most part successful. My wife, “Janine,” worked in the mortgage industry but hasn’t worked in three years.

After her mother provided financial help to my business eight months ago, Janine decided she wanted to work for me doing the office work and bookkeeping. The problem is, she doesn’t show up until late afternoon and stays only a short while. She doesn’t get any work done, and then she leaves. She rushes to get the bills paid at the very last minute.

Although my wife is college-educated, she really can’t handle the job. Her work ethic is terrible. I started my company, and I’m the boss. When Janine doesn’t agree with me about something, she yells so loud I’m sure the people who work next door can hear her. I have talked to her about this, and we have fought about it. She says if she can’t work for my business, we might as well get divorced.

I feel trapped with an employee from hell. I love Janine and don’t want a divorce. How can I get her to quit and still stay married? Needs Help In California

Dear Needs: Your wife’s behaviour is immature and inappropriate. If her being in your office is connected to the money her mother lent you, my advice is to repay it immediately.

If the only thing holding your marriage together is allowing her to play at working in the office, then you don’t have much of a marriage. You need an assistant and your wife needs something else to occupy her time. Dear Abby: Women I work with are starting to have grandchildren. That’s great, but when did it become trendy to have baby showers for grandmothers? I think this is over the top. What about you? Shower Overload In Minnesota

Dear Shower Overload: I don’t agree. It may have become trendy when so many grandmothers assumed responsibility for raising grandchildren. Or, the women may be so excited about welcoming a grandchild that they want to celebrate. Because you feel differently, simply decline the invitations.