Advice please re my dithering!!!

[mrshammond]

I work in general practice management and changed my job in the summer to be closer to home (previously commuing 1 hour each way - now 10 minute drive). I was taken on as an assistant manager and was told unofficially by the manager during a pre interview chat that she was reducing her hours and wanted to retire at the end of 2008, hence tkaing on an assistant so they could take over.

I have been aiming for this type of job for the last couple of years, getting experience, training etc. So this seemed ideal, the pay increase was also a major factor as we need the money.

It is now 9th Jan and there is no sign whatsoever that she is leaving, she has halved her hours and I cover while she is not here. I am learning a few things such as payroll and pensions and some minor accounting but that's it. There isn't really enough other work for me and I spend alot of time doing stuff that doesn't rally need doing IYSWIM.

I'm stuck now as I don't want to ask her outright when she might leave as this seems tactless. She is touchy anyway and doesn't like it when I suggest things. She is a bit set in her ways and often sneers at things that I think seem common sense. Her fave phrase is "well it's been good enough for the last 5 years". I don;t think I'm terribly pushy, I don't undermine her or openly disagree with her.

I may not have taken the job if it had been a permanent assistant post and now I'm starting to panic. As ti was not official that she was retiring, I fear this may go on for another year or more.

Any advice?

[PuzzleRocks]

Bumping for you.

[flowerybeanbag]

Agree it's not tactless to ask her. She told you she'd be retiring in 2008 and that was a big factor in you taking the job. It's fair enough for you to ask her plans so that you can make your own decisions about your career going forward.

[Portofino]

Can't you ask her in a less direct way. Something like, "Oh, you must getting close to your retirement date now - i remember you mentioning it etc etc,. You must be looking forward to that, what are your plans, travel, time with family, new hobby etc" with an interested look on your face. Her response would hopefully then tell you what you need to know.