I’ve been passed over for promotion. Should I resign?

My wife has been working for her family for the past few months in a sales role. Their communication style is poor, resulting in late nights with minimal support or recognition. She has raised concerns about her workload and asked for help, but there has been no change or help provided. I recently found out she isn’t being paid a commission on her sales and doesn’t have a signed contract. I’m worried she is being taken advantage of and wouldn’t be covered if she has a workplace accident. Any tips would be helpful.

My tip is avoiding working with family and friends whenever you can. It often ends badly and not only do you end up needing to change jobs, but your personal relationships suffer too. Clearly your wife should be treated like any other employee – she needs a contract, a salary level and structure similar to other “like” roles in the company or industry. She should be receiving superannuation, and be covered for workers’ compensation and the like.

Your wife and her family members need to create a professional working relationship that is fair and equitable. They will also have to agree when they are meeting as family that they take their “work” hats off and only deal with work issues at work. If at any stage anyone is trying to take advantage of the situation, find another job, since it is much harder to find another family.

To submit a question about work, careers or leadership, visit kirstinferguson.com/ask. You will not be asked to provide your name or any identifying information. Letters may be edited.

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.