How can I get a coworker to stop asking me for after-hours home help?

Question

Hi there - I work in the IT Dept of a firm. Recently a director in another dept asked if anybody in our dept could help her set up her home computer. Everybody in my dept told me they never offer that kind of help because it always turns into calls all the time. Stupidly I noted that she lives literally a block from me, so I offered to go. Spent Sunday afternoon there and Monday evening after work. Today is Thurs. She called last night (Wed) at 8:00 for a simple matter wanting to know if I could come over and fix it (I let it go into voicemail). How can I politely tell her I was fine for a one-time visit but I am not interested in being on-call for her home computer all the time? (I do it all day at work--my off hours are very important to me.) I don't want to make her mad or be rude but I can already tell it's getting out of hand. Sunday (the first visit) after I left her home, she had called my dept's emergency after-hours pager (for work-related computer EMERGENCIES only) to get my home number. Help me get out of this!! Thank you!

Answer 1

You already know the answer and this person is being rude for putting you in such a spot even if she owns the country.   The next time she called you on you non-related work issues I would kindly say, "I apologize, but I have been warned that I can only resolve work-related IT issues, if you wish, you can speak to the IT manager or my supervior."  If that does not work I would just say "I'll get back to you when I am not busy - and we both know IT is always busy and after you leave the building you are off limits

Answer 2

Wow that's a tuffy. You are just going to have to be completely honest with her, but polite. Tell her you came by the first time as a nice gesture, but you can not fit it in to your schedule to be on call all the time. If that doesn't work stop taking her calls. Eventually she'll get the hint.  

Answer 3

I would tell her that you have done all you wish to do that she needs to call the GEEK squad for computer related questions.

Answer 4

Just keep letting her calls go to voice mail and if she asks you, just be honest.  Tell her you didn't mind helping once, but she will have to find someone else to call for her minor problems and concerns!

Answer 5

Tell her that you will have to begin charging for every phone call that you receive outside of normal working hours, 100 bucks an hour plus travelling expenses.  If that doesn't work, your going to have to break down and tell her, look, I was willing to help you once but I am not yor personal pc repairman.  Make sure you document when you've assisted her, when she's called and when and what you told her when you told her to get lost.  Oh, and make sure you tell your boss what is happening.  Just in case she tries to get ugly at work.

Answer 6

sometimes you cant be afraid to hurt someones feelings. in all honesty i would imagine she would understand. but you do need to put a stop to it or it will continue to happen. rookie mistake ;) i would continue to ignore the calls and if she confronts you then you can tell her how you really feel.

Answer 7

The next time she calls you for help say "I'm sorry please call a professional".    

Answer 8

be blunt, just tell her. e-mail  her what you posted here.  alot of times when you do favors for people, you end up being an @ss because something didn't go right.

Answer 9

Yeah, sometimes it just doesn't pay to be nice, does it?  I work in a different area, but if I ever once offer to help someone with something, it becomes non-stop.  I've learned to pretend to be stupid and never offer.  

I think you're probably just going to have to level with her or tell her that you're going to start charging her for your personal time.  And make the fee really high.  You'll probably run the risk of making her mad, but what's more important to you?  Her anger or your time?

My best to you.....

Answer 10

What a cheeky woman she is!  

I would avoid her calls - she'll get the message.

It's easier said than done to actually tell her to her face, particularly when she's a director where you work (albeit another dept).

It's such a shame you were so nice to help her and now she's trying to take advantage.    

Answer 11

send her a bill in registered mail for about $6 for each hour

you dont have to make her pay but it will get the point across

Answer 12

Send her an invoice for the work.  Billed by the hour.

Answer 13

what does she do for work? come up with a list of things she can do at your house. is she a good cook? let her make you dinner!