Advice needed

I work sometimes for an elderly man (my ex boss, he closed his business) teaching him how to use a computer and sometimes helping with his taxes.

For about 2 weeks he has been on my back trying to get me to come to his house because he got a new computer and doesn't know how to work it, that new Vista program. I'm not against helping him but he doesn't understand that my business comes first. Anyone can help him learn the computer but only I can run my business. I have orders coming in and with the holiday season and a lot of orders I have to work nonstop all day everyday to get these orders out.

Not to mention that he lives 20 miles away and the gas money to get to his house is hardly worth what he pays me.

He started calling me and leaving me rude messages. The last message said that I have to work around his schedule and not the other way around! He knows I'm busy!

He's also a very hot headed person. He gets mean at times. I'm not the kind of person to just tell him "look, I'm busy and I'll be there when I can get there". He calls me and faxes me daily now.

What would y'all do?

Maybe you could fax him back saying that you can't come help him right now. That way you don't actually have to tell him.

I'd tell him to take a long walk off a short pier!

You are right your business is how you make your money therefore, it comes first. Unless you are under contract for him, tell him now is not a good time and he needs to find someone else because your business has taken off and you don't have time anymore. If he is a mean person sometimes when you are trying to help him anyway....... tell him NO NO NO. Stand up for yourself. I have seen what you make and how hard you have worked to get where you are...... tell this jerk to get lost and bring his hot temper with him.

I would call him and tell him, "Look, I'm busy now. I can't help you until after my holiday orders are complete."

That simple.

If he keeps calling, ask him to no longer call you until you call him.

If he gets threatening, call your police or sheriff's department.

Quote:
I wish is was that easy. He faxed me Wed. and said "I need you to work for me this week". I faxed back "I have to make 200 bars of soap Thursday but I can come by Friday"...he faxed back and said "I NEED you for a least 2 hours on Thursday". It's like he doesn't understand that he's not the only person with stuff to do. He selling Christmas trees for "something to do". He can't stay retired. So today I get a fax, "I need you at 9 am". That's a big no go. I already told him I can't be there until 10:30. I don't understand why he thinks that I just sit around the house waiting for him to call me and give me some work. He has to work around MY schedule.

Honesty and being direct is always your best bet. Remember, he is your EX boss.

I would call him and simply tell him that your schedule is booked until January. If he can not wait until then he will have to find another company. If he get mean or rude simply tell him you no longer want to do business with him. Period.

I find it hard to stand up to people. Especially elderly people. He's 72 years old.

I thought you said he was your ex boss, sounds like he is still your boss.....tell him no.

I would call and tell him that your busy at the moment with your Christmas orders and when you find time later on when it slows down you will be more then happy to come show him how to work his new computer. If he gets rude then tell him you won't be spoken to like that and he can find a another person to show him the ropes! Don't let him bully you I've put a few people in their place and wouldn't have a problem doing it again. Some people don't get the hint that the World doesn't revolve around them!