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?