Working Pro Bono (for free)

[Yehuda25]

I do a decent amount of computer work, and I am constantly being asked by friends and family to do a "favor" for them and fix their computers and other devices, to which I generally comply and fix it. Which got me thinking, would I ever go to my barber (who is a friend) and ask him for a free haircut ? Or to my doctor ?  I wouldnt dream of it !!! That is his parnossa !!

So why do I do it then ? And why aren't people embarrassed to ask me ?

Does anyone else have this quandary ?

[ChAiM'l]

Just to clarify, do you do it for a living?

[Crazy tools]

I do a decent amount of computer work, and I am constantly being asked by friends and family to do a "favor" for them and fix their computers and other devices, to which I generally comply and fix it. Which got me thinking, would I ever go to my barber (who is a friend) and ask him for a free haircut ? Or to my doctor ?  I wouldnt dream of it !!! That is his parnossa !!

So why do I do it then ? And why aren't people embarrassed to ask me ?

Does anyone else have this quandary ?

Is the computer work your official parnasa?
Or do you just do work here and there.

[etech0]

I've had similar issues. You have to learn how to say, "I'd love to help you but I just don't have the time". Some people will say okay and move on, and some will offer to pay you

[Yehuda25]

Just to clarify, do you do it for a living?

Yes

[Yehuda25]

Is the computer work your official parnasa?
Or do you just do work here and there.

Yes, although it used to be "here and there", doesn't everyone start like that 

[Yehuda25]

I've had similar issues. You have to learn how to say, "I'd love to help you but I just don't have the time". Some people will say okay and move on, and some will offer to pay you

Thanks for the advice, that sounds like a good strategy.

[robbie]

I have the same problem, with booking airline tickets for my entire family and friends.

[clear thinker]

Yes

I've already asked ppl to do me such "favors" but I would be sooo happy to pay them! I anyways need the work done I might as well get a relative/friend a little business.

[Yehuda25]

I have the same problem, with booking airline tickets for my entire family and friends.

+1 i know the feeling  "do you mind just helping me with..." 

[Yehuda25]

I've already asked ppl to do me such "favors" but I would be sooo happy to pay them! I anyways need the work done I might as well get a relative/friend a little business.

Well, now you know how they feel   

[ah]

I have the same problem, with booking airline tickets for my entire family and friends.

+1 and add to that hotels and finding them deals on everything they need

[etech0]

+1 and add to that hotels and finding them deals on everything they need

And ordering the deals, and keeping track of all the addresses in my amazon account

[ah]

And ordering the deals, and keeping track of all the addresses in my amazon account

are you then asked to deal with returns also? Huge pet peeve of mine!

[etech0]

are you then asked to deal with returns also? Huge pet peeve of mine!

B"H hasn't happened yet!!

[jj1000]

I do a decent amount of computer work, and I am constantly being asked by friends and family to do a "favor" for them and fix their computers and other devices, to which I generally comply and fix it. Which got me thinking, would I ever go to my barber (who is a friend) and ask him for a free haircut ? Or to my doctor ?  I wouldnt dream of it !!! That is his parnossa !!

So why do I do it then ? And why aren't people embarrassed to ask me ?

Does anyone else have this quandary ?

Doctor's, Accountants, Lawyers etc. all get asked all the time for free advice in shul. It's up to the individual how he deals with it.

Maybe drawing a line between advice and manual labor makes sense.

[Centro]

In fact I know of Photographers and Computer technicians who offer their precious time and advice to complete strangers....

[TimT]

In fact I know of Photographers and Computer technicians who offer their precious time and advice to complete strangers....

Very true, but they chose to help. When a friend asks you face-to-face you don't always have a choice.

[etech0]

Very true, but they chose to help. When a friend asks you face-to-face you don't always have a choice.

I'm much more likely to want to help a friend than someone I know who I never talk to except when they need a favor

[Centro]

Very true, but they chose to help. When a friend asks you face-to-face you don't always have a choice.

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