We met abroad whilst working for the same company in a rather niche job role - I'd rather not disclose it because it'll probably be too revealing, so let's say Clown.
I'd been thinking of setting up a Clown recruitment agency for a while, and the thought had occurred to her too and decided shortly after meeting that we should do it together.
I'd been putting off setting up because I was worried about handling clients (I'm not a sales-type really) and she seemed an ideal partner because of her extreme confidence and charisma. All good.
I immediately started on branding, built a website, built a database blah blah but she kept on putting it off, next month, next month, next month so we didn't end up actually opening until 12 months later.
I left my job at the same time as the business started, and began working FT on it. She said she would hand in her notice.
This was back in May - she is still working FT as a Clown. This means 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week (it's hard work Clowning) that she is at work and not available to contact.
In the meantime, I'm working 12 hours a day Mon-Sat, only 6 or 7 on Sundays - running the agency.
The original plan was that she would be bringing in the Clients - but she has failed to bring in any, all of the clients have found us through the marketing that I've been doing online.
After a couple of months, I got sick of doing all the work so we agreed that she would take on Clown interviews - a client would want a clown, I'd find the candidates, shortlist them, background check them etc etc - and she would conduct the registration interviews - about 20 mins of time but a relief to me, partly because I hate doing them.
Except, I've got to arrange these interviews - around her work schedule, around the clown's current work schedule - and then act as her PA to remind her to take the calls.
She repeatedly is late making the calls, and has actually forgotten entirely more than 6 times - last week a candidate was left waiting 2 hours whilst I was desperately trying to get ahold of BP to make the call.
One time, I arranged 5 calls only to have her ask me to rearrange them 30 mins beforehand because she wanted to go to a party.
She has told me the business is her life and she's constantly promoting it - but we never get new clients from her. She bought in 1 client, once, right at the beginning who was a mutual friend.
Obviously whilst she's working FT she can't work properly for the business anyway, but I don't really see what she can add to the business even if she leaves - she doesn't have the technical knowledge to do any of the online stuff, including marketing, and I don't trust her to do admin properly.
The business makes A LOT more than she makes working as a Clown anyway.
At the moment its all split 50/50 so she's making a fortune doing very little. (I worked out she basically gets about £3,000 for every 20 minute interview the other day)
In fact, a full time Clown Recruitment Consultant would be paid a lot less, and get a lot more done.
But this business was meant to be our baby, and I feel horrifically guilty at the idea of dumping her. I know that she won't understand the reasons why even if I explained, and would make a massive fuss about how I betrayed her - which I guess leaving her would be a betrayal?
I know that business is cold, and harsh etc - but I'm not and I don't want to become that person.