Techie Rant...

[SuperSet]

Playing devils advocate... how hard can it be when you have kids outta high school working the Apple bar and Indian call center agents not even making $10 an hour being asked to fix computer problems? It's because having some computer skills is undervalued due to the number of folks who can do the job. Mechanics are asked to do this kind of stuff all the time.
People still see lawyers and doctors are professions that require long years of education and top dollar by the hour. And still last week, I sat on the same row with a spinal surgeon who kept getting peppered by the Jewish lady about her back problems. I bet he was sorry he ever opened his mouth!

[drkphibr]

Just hope one of your neighbors is a dancer; then maybe you can trade out work....

LOL, funny you mention that. I have a hottie neighbor who is a CMT and I fixed her computer once years ago and she offered to give me massage in exchange. Considering the value of a massage and the work I did, it would have been perfect/equitable compensation. Being a business owner, she completely understood the value of the service I provided and her offer would have been quite acceptable...except I just didn't want to go there if you know what I mean. I've thought about that decision more times that you can possibly imagine.

[Databyter]

When I meet someone in a profession different from mine (tech consultant who used to be very hands on), I don't immediately ask for a freebie within their field.

For example, when I meet:

• a doctor, I don't ask for a free exam/visit/medical advice
• a lawyer, I don't ask for free legal advice
• a mechanic, I don't ask for my car to be fixed for free

So why is it that when someone (especially neighbors) learn your have technical skills, the first thing they say is "oh, you'll have to take a look at my computer"? (or something pretty close to that). But they are quite serious. Seems that the technical skill set does not get the same courtesy or professional respect as other fields.

I now just refer to my profession as a consultant an leave it at that. Unfortunately, some folks (back to the neighbors), never seem to forget the one computer fix you did for them as a polite favor and now assume it's an open door for any issue.

I've done favors in the past, as they are usually relatively simple fixes. Simple, however, does not necessarliy (or usually) mean fast and many folks just don't understand that and instead think you issued a command or installed a pieceive of software by clicking "setup" and all is good. After all, time is money.

A recent lesson has forced me to change my approach to a win-win. I never liked the thought of charging friends or neighbors for technical help. But the number of request has grown along the the proliferation of technical devices we can't seem to live without. Most of the time it's a "thank you, what would we do without your help?" and a few others have been "you'll have to come over for dinner as a thank you". Dinner? Really? Do you actually have any idea what even a discount retailer (think white shirt, black pants and a black tie) would charge you for the simpliest of fixes?

My final straw on "favors" was what I thought would be an exchange of skills. A repeat (trying to be polite) neighbor needed help. I needed something fixed as well and his wife had the skills fix an item I was looking to have some work done on. So I suggested we trade. Win-win. Or so I thought. A month after fixing his latest computer issue, I went over today to request the return of my items I needed worked on as I had decided to have a third party do the work for a fee. The one-sidedness should not have surprised me, but I was hoping for some upside finally. Wishful thinking.

I now have a go forward solution for any technical requests. If I had to visit a doctor, lawyer or mechanic and could save 50% of whatever my cost would ultimately be, I'd be a happy camper. As such, I will now tell anyone seeking my technical help that not only can I help them, but I can save them 50%. I'll have them call a retailer with a squad of technical folks and have them ask for an estimate on the work. I'll do the work for 50% of whatever the estimate is. Whatever that number is, it will be 100% more than what I currently earn and everyone wins. My time isn't spent in vain or taken advantage of and my neighbor doesn't pay full price. The freebies and favors door is now closed.

"oh, you'll have to take a look at my computer"

"Sure thing, just set aside some time for me to get your particulars for my business records. and my rate is XYZ just so you know, but I'll give you a 10% discount just for neighbors and friends <smile>"

Problem solved.

Maybe you should look at these niceties as business opportunities instead of social requirements. Stop being shy and tell people that your time is valuable. They will not be offended, quite the contrary, and some will give you business. If it is too small for you, tell them so and recommend the Geek Squad.

[Kyle1886]

It's not limited to "techie" fields, handymen, cosmetologists, mechanics, yes, even doctors and accountants get hit up as well. We don't "give away" work but may trade skills---within reason. ...and don't ask to borrow my tools of trade!

Respectfully
Kyle

[akoba]

One reason i always tell that i don't know anymore of those issues. Ask a professional, and their problem is solve. Im tired of those people who only wants a freebie forever. During my college years, its ok for me to fix electrnoics item and computers for free, but they keep coming back for more free repair and didn't bother to pay me a dime. When i start working i realize its time for me to charge them on the service if not just say it "No".

[sfwdiy]

Relevant: http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-app...trations/388b/

--B

[bg]

This was happening to me a couple of years ago at work. Finally wised up
and told those who were interested in getting their pc's fixed that it starts at a certain
price to take a look at it and then goes from there. I don't charge very much, so
I guess that's why I've been paid various amounts of money for services. I guess
I've fixed around 20 or so co workers units. It's not a lot of money but I get
something every few days and now times, all incoming dough counts !

Plus I get to learn about various bugs and how to get rid of em. I like that
the most.

[blakdawg]

It's not limited to "techie" fields, handymen, cosmetologists, mechanics, yes, even doctors and accountants get hit up as well. We don't "give away" work but may trade skills---within reason. ...and don't ask to borrow my tools of trade!

Respectfully
Kyle

I get this all the time as an attorney - some people even think there's some sort of entitlement to a "free consultation" and get pretty ticked off when they find out that's not true. When I get softhearted and break my own rule about that, some jerk shows up to teach me that unpleasant lesson all over again.

I did IT work before law school - my best dodge was to ask what kind of computer they have, and then just say "oh, I don't work on those, I have no idea how they work." If you can convince them you have no idea how to solve their problem, they won't want you anywhere near the computer.

[iamgbot]

I understand the frustration you are all talking about. I deal with this by sharing my profession to certain people. Such as doctors, mechanics, dentist, other skilled professions (I find helpful) and business owners. Typically because these are the type of people who go through what we as techs go through. They all understand that time is money. And I've never been taken advantage of by them. Usually we can help each other out, and it can go hand in hand. If I do help others out, I explain to them that your not taking my time, but your take my daughters time from me. So please just tip her. And then I make sure I have the friend or family member sit with me as the work is being performed. I want them to sit there and realize that its not always a quick 10 minute fix. They usually tip pretty well after they see how frustrating and time consuming it can be. And they quickly learn that its easier said than done and don't bug me much. And it works pretty well when they have a friend that needs help. Cause they feel they got a great deal, I usually tell them I charge $100 an hour. The friend usually says no thanks or ok! It weeds out the freebies. I don't mind the extra money at times.
But sometimes I do help families in need. Because my family was once there when we had absolutely no idea how to fix our own computer. I remember when my father tried to find help and was willing to pay. But only encountered cocky techs. So I became one and promised to never be that "a-hole cocky tech" I try to explain things in layman's terms, as if my dad was seeking help. If I see they have a teen, then ill pull him to the side and show him how to start, and then point him to YouTube. I tell the kid that he can learn this just like me. Because I was self taught. They get encouraged and try it and fix it. Then guess what, usually the father comes back with a tip, or lunch for my techs. Happy that i helped their son to help them. Everyone wins. Father saved money, my techs were fed. All smiles.
I just would still like a lawyer for a friend who needs computer help! But only for advice if I ever need it.

[Nose Nuggets]

I'll do side work, no problem. Its $100/hr with a 2 hour minimum.

the worst is my mom, good lord. she peddles my tech skills to her friends all the time.

"Take it to the geek squad, that's what they're for!"

every desktop support issue can be solved with this flowchart.

[Fatstackz]

Why do people have such a hard time just saying "No" nowadays? So the self important nieghbor doesn't get the free service he thinks he is entitled to, so what?

[Coded-Dude]

I'll do side work, no problem. Its $100/hr with a 2 hour minimum.

the worst is my mom, good lord. she peddles my tech skills to her friends all the time.

"Take it to the geek squad, that's what they're for!"

every desktop support issue can be solved with this flowchart.

haven't seen that one before. thanks for the laugh nose.

[monk]

I actually had a neighbor's daughter ask me about fixing a virus-infested system. I told her, "sure, it'll be $60/hr with $50 minimum. " She never called lol.

[john.t.singh]

I get hit up all the time, but I never charge. I feel like family will feel I'm petty and I rather not ruin any relationships with friends or neighbors, despite them trying to use and abuse...

I will however say stuff like, "Hey, Sorry I would love to help, but I am really busy." or "Hey, just Google it. That's all I do anyways." or "Sorry, I don't have the tools I need to fix your stuff. I leave it all at work and I can't check them out... my bad."

always works...

[Nose Nuggets]

I get hit up all the time, but I never charge. I feel like family will feel I'm petty and I rather not ruin any relationships with friends or neighbors, despite them trying to use and abuse...

I will however say stuff like, "Hey, Sorry I would love to help, but I am really busy." or "Hey, just Google it. That's all I do anyways." or "Sorry, I don't have the tools I need to fix your stuff. I leave it all at work and I can't check them out... my bad."

always works...

so you just lie instead?