Need stress relief....?

Question

I have a landscape co. for 15yrs now, and been wearing all the hats since day 1. Was growing pretty good for a long period, then Mich. economy dropped off and people tightend up- lost some work, went from a 3 man crew to 2 men. Lately I have had tons of stress thrown my way, and feel I am personally overworked for what salary I draw. I hired a untrained guy to help out but he seems to be a slow learner, on the lawn maint. side, but pretty good on the landscape install side. I get frustrated that he hasnt caught on in 8 wks now. Will he ever? The other employee is my father in law who has worked for me for the last 6 yrs. GOOD worker, leader. Premium payroll! But he and I are the only ones who know the properties inside and out, and how to run all the equipment. Was hoping that the new hire would have caught on by now, so that I could focus on RE building the business and doint the admin. work 2 days per week instead of wasting my weekends.

Just yesterday my best freind asked me if I would hire him. MORE STESS ON MY MIND NOW! His prev. employer has been going under since 2yrs ago, and lately my freind is getting little to no hours and when he gets paid its WAY late. He is now ready to move on. For years i have envisioned him being a forman for me, which I will need when my father in law leaves in a couple yrs. He worked a year for me in the mid 90's and was a pretty good worker. Now he would have to get in shape, because this feild is far more physical than his previious. He is really in a pinch, behind on bills, 2kids, all the B/S... and I do want to help him, and wondering if he could possibly help me? Should I start with PT work, or tell the new hire take a couple days off, and try my friend to see if he is better? I really need some exp. people, but I guess as long as I can train them quickly(faster than the new hire 8wks) then i could focus on managing and rebuilding my business a couple days/week - which is NEEDED!

Answer 1

try getting away from your job for a few days, or starting up a new hobby. spending energy on something other than work might be the break you need to get you back on track.

Answer 2

I'd have the current worker take two days off, tell him you aren't happy with his work, and want him to think about it. Give your friend a trial run, with the very explicit understanding that that is all it is. If he seems to do well, tell him he has a job,in one week. Bring back your other worker, give him one week to get it right, if he doesn't you are justified in letting him go. But you owe it to him to give him that last chance to improve and your friend needs to know this is the case.