Q: I started a job to help the owner get files set up and organized and to eventually assist in business, scheduling, client contact, billing, and anything that needed to be done since he had no other employees. Up until that point, he had done everything on his own — even things a secretary would handle. I have a very impressive education and work history, and have always willingly taken on responsibility and succeeded. I have a good background and have shown stability in all of my past positions, ranging from three to seven years each.

I had been looking for a responsible position where I could be either a personal assistant to a very busy and sophisticated professional, or a right-hand-person, so to speak; so when this offer came about, I thought it was perfect. Nothing could have been further from my expectations.

I am a quick when it comes to organization, from space to filing systems to even closets, but only if a person allows me to do it. Although this is what he wanted, he put it off repeatedly and wanted other things done. Unfortunately, those other things meant finding papers and files that had never been organized. Things were scattered in different piles, and when something was needed, I had to rush looking through mixes of documents because I hadn't been allowed to organize matters. This resulted in me taking a long time to locate things or to even understand what was needed, because I had no idea where they were and had gotten no introduction to what all of the various documents were. Perhaps this is a detriment, but I like things orderly and I like to do things right the first time. Training may initially take a little time, but it saves time in the long run. Somehow, disorganized people don't realize this, and they see training as a waste of time, especially if a person is intelligent and efficient. So here's my big problem: How do I convince a boss that training is a must — regardless of the intelligence level of the person? Is it even worth tackling the situation since organized people will always be organized and disorganized people will always be disorganized? I just wanted a job that I would enjoy, but now I see that this has turned into an extreme difference in approaches to working, and I can't be around chaos.

A: You may have unknowingly answered your own question, and the happiest solution may be to look for another job. Individuals are who they are, and though you might be able to initially help, you can't change a person. Everyone knows someone who is a mess in all sorts of areas in life.

Tackling disorganization in a workplace is perhaps the hardest task since many who say they want to be organized simply can't do it. If you stay, you may feel like everything you accomplish is undone that next week, and you will continually feel frustrated. Organizational ability is critical to running an office, and ultimately, a small business. Being an organized thinker, which includes planning and scheduling, is a value as well as a character trait, and you were not hired to change the boss, only to help. In short, your efforts may be futile and if you do succeed for short periods of time, it may not be appreciated. Only you know how you will feel when your work is not valued.

It will be a difficult conversation to have with your boss because he will likely hear it as criticism. If you feel that having that conversation is the only way you will stay, then ask to meet with him. Just don't expect miracles. In the meantime, start looking for a job again. It's not emotionally healthy to stay in a frustrating position, especially since it sounds like one that will never get better.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at LindseyNovak@yahoo.com and follow her on Twitter @TheLindseyNovak. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.