What to do...

Someone asks you for a letter of recommendation.  The job she seeks will probably be in the same field.  How do you do it when you have nothing to say?  I can say she's a good Mom, she has a great heart.  She is reliable and she has good organizational skills.

What she doesnt have is the ability to work with others.  Patience.  Zip on the problem solving skills.  She has a short fuse and a heavy mouth. 

Maybe this is only because she hates her job.  Maybe its the reason why she has decided to leave. 

But - I cannot in good heart and mind put that in writing for the next employer.  I would be lying. 

Thats what she has given me - and it is what I have seen.

If she was so awful - why did she stay employed for so long?  She's not awful or maybe we have just learned how to get around her moods.  In the end things get done - but at a price.

I am confused and feel badly that I cannot give a gleaming review.  I don't want to hurt anyones feelings or chances at gaining employement for themselves.  But - I don't want to be the reason someone hires someone.  My word is good in this business.  Good as gold. 

Does that mean that any employees we hire in the future you keep at arms length?  Can that be done in an office so small?  Is that what "I am the boss" means?

It's a very sticky situation and honesty is always the best policy.   Uggghhhh!!!!

I need a beer.