The Computer Guy's Moral Dilemma

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Solid Fro

Solid Fro

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I'm currently have my manager's computer in for repairs. Since I'm such a techie, I agreed to fix it for her. Nothing unusual, format the drive, repair power connections, set Primary and Slave drives correctly, install Windows 2000, etc. The problem I have is that she asked me how much she should pay me.

Money? I thought I was doing this out of the goodness of my heart?

This is where the dilemma comes in. How can I ask for payment for something I can do for free easily? Other than a few hours of lost sleep and a one inch gash in my index finger from a poorly designed mini-ATX case, there isn't much pay to be due. It's just another day's work.

If it comes down to her insisting that she pays me, how much should I ask? It's the first time I've done an all-out repair, I'm stumbling in the dark about this.
 
Yeah i guess $50 tops, that's not too much to ask.

At the end of the day, just because you're good at doing something it doesn't mean you should always do it for free, even if you don't mind. That would mean that people would be exploiting your talents.
 
It's your manager, keep it as low as possible; win over some brownie points. I wouldn't ask for anything but if she INSIST then I would ask for a good $20. If you're daring, ask for sexual favours 👍 .
 
I actually did the same thing a while back for my supervisor. I actually did it for free, but he also helped me get a raise. So, I guess it's up to you.
 
Viper Zero
I'm currently have my manager's computer in for repairs.

[snip]

The problem I have is that she asked me how much she should pay me.

Money? I thought I was doing this out of the goodness of my heart?

This is where the dilemma comes in. How can I ask for payment for something I can do for free easily?

[snip]

If it comes down to her insisting that she pays me, how much should I ask? It's the first time I've done an all-out repair, I'm stumbling in the dark about this.
Click to expand...

Are you doing this during working hours? If so, no charge (she's already paying you).

If not, consider asking for an amount that's related to your salary. In other words, if you're an unskilled worker, ask for something that's roughly double your hourly rate. If you're a skilled worker, ask for something in line with your hourly rate.

Since she's your manager, she'll know what you're paid. She will then see how the work that you have done for her privately relates to the work that you do for her professionally.

Either way, you should definitely charge her if you're doing the work in your own time.
 
I agree, but if she starts expecting you to keep fixing things, you need to put your foot down and ask for money.
Click to expand...
Don't ask for money, just say things like, "I'm really busy at the moment, family and all, so I don't know how much time I'll have."

She might just say ok and walk off or she might tempt you with cash. Depends how big her purse is.
 
It turns out that she insisted and paid me $20, of course, I kindly accepted. I doubt the raise idea would have worked. I'm already first in line for a promotion with a 15 cent raise.

I rather see people enjoy their computers instead of making a profit from their incompetence. If someone wants me to totally overhaul their system, then yeah, we can work out a deal. But, for simple spyware removal, proper Windows configuring, installing software, then it's free of charge.

I want brownie points. :)
 

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