Background- I work at a rescue centre with only two paid employees, this being myself (the assistant) and the manager (who founded the Rescue). The arrangement became that the manager did the admin stuff and (usually) met with customers and other social engagements and I did the copious amount of cleaning that all the animals incur. If groups of people turned up to volunteer or someone I didn't want to deal with, I generally rambled frantically until the manager showed up and then was like "oh, there's [name]!" and after handing over at speed, I'd make myself scarce.
I got to work yesterday morning to find that my manager not only quit without notice, but skipped out of the entire country. I am now the only staff member.
This brings with it a host of complications, not least that my hours have now increased so I'm suddenly thrown in for five days a week but now I can't dodge around management. Groups stress me out incredibly, trying to deal with more than a couple of people I don't know and trying to think of things to organise for them is the recipe for a meltdown.
I'm trying to think of ways to support the issue, for example:
~ Making a list of jobs before any groups are expected so there's already something to hand
~ Asking for at least one of my known volunteers to come in that day, so I can pass the buck if necessary
~ Having prepared speeches ready on certain topics so I'm not rambling and floundering
Has anyone got any advice?
Thanks
