Doing personal work for your boss after hours?

Dear Deb:

My nightmare boss asked me to set up his home computer network last month.  I did it at no charge and he gave me a $20 Amazon gift card for the two hours of work.  Now, he has asked me to set up his brother’s computer network and media system.  My wife said that I should charge him my normal hourly pay rate.  Since you are writing my resume, I hope to have a new job really soon!  In the meantime, I don’t want to make my boss mad. He may say bad things about me if called later for a reference.  Should I just do it?

Thanks,

J.P.

Dear J.P.,

It is always good to be helpful as someday someone may help you with something.  However, he is crossing the line by asking you to help his brother after work hours.   It makes you feel like your time is not valued. 

Here’s the bottom line.  People will treat you the way you allow them to treat you.  Within the scope of your work, he is your boss. In this case asking you to work on the weekend for free is not right.  I would very kindly tell him that you are very busy with your family for the next several weeks, so you won’t be able to help. 

If you try to charge him, that can be uncomfortable. He may want to quibble over the price. It may take longer than you estimate. Your nightmare boss’  brother may be a difficult person too.  There are just too many things that could go wrong.  Better to politely decline.

Yes, I am very happy to be working on your resume so you can find a new boss!   In the meantime, check out this article, Job Search Support and Career Inspiration, to kick off your job search campaign.

Deb