Another What Would You Do Thread-Work Related

[disneyfanatic60]

I was the Office Manager/Bookkeeper for a local company for 5 years. My employer closed the doors in August without any notice to any of his staff except for myself. I knew approximately 2 weeks earlier. He quickly began liquidating everything by running ads on craigslist.

He told me point blank to my face when this happened "don't go buy that new computer you wanted, you can take yours." Today I get an email from him asking me to come help him move "my computer" to his house. This isn't the first time he's called me and told me he was giving something to me or he bought me something and within "days" it's no longer mine but his. The last time it was a generator when our area was without power (he had power) for 5 days. He called me one Sunday morning and told he happened to find one cheap and bought it for my Birthday/Xmas gift. Within days, it was locked away and he had the only key.

I was paid to work for him through the end of August (2 weeks more than the other staff members to close books, etc.) He now wants/expects me to come in and work for him as needed to continue closing the books through year end at his home. He is willing to pay me but it would take me 30 minutes each way to get there and I'm only compensated for the actual time worked.

I feel like he really screwed everyone over doing what he did when he closed the business. Now I feel even more angry since I got this email. What would you do---would you go ahead and help him out and get paid or would you just walk away and say "sorry I don't have the time to help out?" What would you do about the computer? Should I just walk away from it all and let him fend for himself? It's not my personality but at the same time this guy is only out for himself in the long run.

What would you do?

 

[mamacatnv]

I don't think I would be in any hurry to help him out. You answered your own question,,,,,,he is only out for himself in the long run. What do you gain?

Where is that computer at the moment? Why not move it to your house?
It's a computer, how big can it really be that he can't move it himself.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

Well do you have another job lined up? Will it be the same pay?

Is he willing to pay you for your help?

I wouldn't be so quick to burn this bridge, I don't agree with how he handled the business but in today's times as you can see from the stock market, this man could not continue to keep this company afloat.

See what he is asking you to help with and how much he is willing to pay you, when I was out of work for 2 months I was willing to do anything for income and I truly mean that. I am still now trying to get back on track but the bills just keep on coming.

If you don't have another job lined up just yet, I would help him out, within reason of course. I also would have him sign something so at least if he does really try to screw you over you have something in writing and signed by the 2 of you.

Good Luck

 

[disneyfanatic60]

I am working. I was fortunate that because I knew the financial affairs of the business I had already been looking. I started almost immediately at another position. He is offering to pay me cash per hour at a decent rate. As far as the computer goes, it is in the office right now but he has to clear it own by the end of next week. Thus, that is why he is moving it to his house. He still has to finish closing out this years records, etc. He just "assumed" I would make myself available to come back when he needed me to close out the books. He never asked me. He just began telling everyone I would. He told me he's tried to do stuff himself and messed it up and needs me to clean up his messes. I am working 3 jobs to compensate for the income I lost there. I would truly have to squeeze in time for this. Since he went back on his word with the computer and other things, I'm just not sure my heart is in to helping him any further. I have a sound position with a good company five minutes from home. I truly am torn on whether I should just bite the bullet and help him or just give him back my office keys and say I'm sorry but I don't have the time to help you any further.

 

[Loverly]

Make him pay your traveling time

 

[phorsenuf]

Could you tell him to move the computer to your house and you'll work from home. Is that an option?

 

[Goofy05]

Hi! Wow, that really is awful that he dumped on his employees in such a way. Sad that he lacks ethics and morals. However, I understand your position in that the extra income would be welcome. Here is what I would suggest you consider.
First, agree on a rate of pay you like, not just take what he offers. At this point, he needs you more than you need him. Then, tell him you'll do the closing books in your home. He pays to have everything you need delivered to your home, including that computer he said you could have. Let it be known up front that you will only be able to work for him on such-and-such days for specific times, and no more. Be firm about that, or you'll put yourself in a position of overwork and stress. If he needs those books to be in the office, then he can pay a courier service to pick them up from you each day and deliver them back to you the next day. This would eliminate your travel time AND expense, that you say he won't pay for. If he doesn't agree to your terms, what have you got to lose?
Good luck!

 

[DisneyMissy318]

WoW! It takes all kinds!

Since you really don't NEED him - or his job anymore - I would take this opportunity to let him have it!!

He knows what he has offered you in the past - then not followed through - but you weren't able to pursue his "indian giving" - he has had no consequences - since you needed your job. Now that you don't - I would make a list of those things - the generator, the computer, etc. Seems as if he made out - liquidating his company - leaving his employees hanging - I would give him just a little bit back - to work on the miniscule conscience that he has!

In any event - I wouldn't let him continue to use me - let him figure out the rest!

Good Luck!

 

[Ilovemylife]

I'd burn the bridge and completely walk away. No way you need to make yourself available for him.

Tell him, "I'm sorry, I'm too busy, I can't help you out." It's his problem now, NOT YOURS.

Don't feel guilty and do not let him manipulate you into doing it. You have moved on and don't need him to yank you around anymore.

Good for you!