Presumptuous or Not; aka I can't give everyone a job

[va32h]

I will try to sum this up as quickly as possible.

I work for a company that conducts live auctions. The auctions are a blast to work, the pay is good, and it's basically a nights and weekends job, so a great 2nd income.

From time to time I need extra people to help out, and I have a limited amount of freedom to hire such people.

Well last week, I put the word out that I needed an extra person, and the husband of an acquaintance volunteered. He did a great job, so I asked if he would like to be added to the regular roster, and he said yes.

So I have some new auctions coming up, so I emailed him with the dates/times and asked if he was free. He answered back yes, and could his wife also come and work the auction.

Now this was yesterday...and I didn't write back because I wanted to think over my answer, and find a nice way to say no. Because I really don't need an extra person, and my home office does not want me to schedule my friends over the staff they've hired and trained.

So I hadn't answered him, and this morning I get an email saying that he and his wife will be there, just give him directions.

I was kind of flabbergasted. Wasn't that sort of presumptuous? Because I hadn't even answered the first email yet, and it hadn't even been 24 hours. And now I have to go back and say "she can't work, but you can", which will be even harder to say in a nice way.

 

[WishingOnAStar]

I would just e-mail him back and say that you have only been given the authority to hire one person. You hope that's not a problem and to let you know if he'll still be able to do it.

He shouldn't have made that assumption and you shouldn't feel bad about telling him no.

 

[mickeyboat]

I agree with Wishing. Tell him you can only hire one person this time, but you will keep her in mind for the next time. He probably thinks he is doing you a favor by providing another reliable person to work.

Do you work for Barrett-Jackson?

Denae

 

[tjmw2727]

I would just e-mail him back and say that you have only been given the authority to hire one person. You hope that's not a problem and to let you know if he'll still be able to do it.

He shouldn't have made that assumption and you shouldn't feel bad about telling him no.

I agree, except I would probably call at this point to avoid any more confusion, just be honest and to the point. Perhaps offer to keep the wife in mind for the next time you are authorized to hire an extra hand.

Although I don't think he meant to be presumptious after the way you described hiring him, he may think this happens every weekend so why not he and his wife?

Either way I would clear it up now - in person or via phone. Good Luck
TJ

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Discuss it via telephone -- emails have a way of being misinterpreted and while on the telephone you can answer any questions or provide any clarification needed.