Why is it that almost the only time anybody other than my wife phones me, it's because they have a computer problem?
>:-(
I came home last night to a voicemail from a neighbor who moved away about a year ago & I haven't heard a word from her husband since. Sometimes I feel like changing my identity. I get home from spending 12 hours in an office, I don't want to fix peoples' problems because their husband can't keep off the porn.
Why is it that almost the only time anybody other than my wife phones me, it's because they have a computer problem?
>:-(
I came home last night to a voicemail from a neighbor who moved away about a year ago & I haven't heard a word from her husband since. Sometimes I feel like changing my identity. I get home from spending 12 hours in an office, I don't want to fix peoples' problems because their husband can't keep off the porn.
>:-(
Be assertive and move the conversation on to personal stuff, perhaps pointing out how long it's been since you have heard from them, and then when they move it back to FREE COMPUTER SUPPORT just say that it's clearly quite a complex issue and you have committed to spending the evening doing X and recommend a few resources that they can use instead.
I have a niceness problem. I think I need to take some mean classes. I just want some relaxation time, especially as it's getting to pretty stressfull time of year at the office.
Just say you'd be glad to help and tell them what your going rate is. A hefty price and they'll probably bother you less...or you'll get rich. :) (I know that's easier said than done.)
My favorite is when the family calls me and ask advice on say cameras or different computer items THEN go and do the opposite and buy some cheap *&* piece of junk. Then call me later asking how to fix it or work it. lol
I have a niceness problem. I think I need to take some mean classes. I just want some relaxation time, especially as it's getting to pretty stressfull time of year at the office.
I feel your pain slip. Neighbors, family etc. call me all the time because I'm the "I.T." guy.
I have a niceness problem. I think I need to take some mean classes. I just want some relaxation time, especially as it's getting to pretty stressfull time of year at the office.
I have a spare room - a shared swimming pool; sunshine and good food and no stress apart from me witering on....and the hubbie says its ok
You ARE nice...and sometimes people take advantage of that. You know...I'd rather be taken advantage of a few times than to become a real jerk, which I've seen some people do when they just get fed up. Nice people I think really LIKE to help. It's more a matter of setting some boundries.
My husband and I have similar problems with his knowledge of computer, electrical and mechanical things and for me with real estate questions, photography, and general "ranting" (I'm a good listener.)
We've learned that, if it is something we can help with, we respond with setting a specific time to help them...usually about a week away because of our schedules. Amazing how often it gets resolved some other way before then! :)
Sorry to hear that it's starting to grate on you nerves. You don't need that.
I used to have the same problem. I started telling everyone as cheap as computers are now if it messes up just go buy a new one. No one calls me anymore.
Slippy, you don't have to be mean or a jerk to be assertive.
Politely explaining that you have plans for your time and offering some alternative resources (free and not) is perfectly reasonable. They might think it mean but really it's just a case of their being pissed off that they can't get something for nothing any more.
THEY ARE USING YOU. Saying no is not being mean, it doesn't have to be nasty, it can be done politely but firmly.
PS I do like jpochard's idea of setting a time when you can help them but making it at least a week away as it allows you to avoid helping right there and then without saying an outright no which you are finding difficult.
BUT if you feel they are really not interested in your friendship at ALL other than to use you as free tech support then even this is unecessary. It's certainly an easier way of getting out of it but what if they then call you back at that time? You still end up wasting your time on people who are no longer even true friends...
Hey Slippy, since we're on the subject, can you pm me your phone #?, I have this computer problem you see ! ;-P
Seriously though, jpochards advice sounds good. You don't have to feel bad about saying no, but you can do it at YOUR convenience, and yeah, in the meantime they might find someone else to help them out.
And I have to admit, I'm guilty of this (I'm sure many of us have been). I have a good friend that KNOWS 'puters, he's helped me out many, many times. Difference is though, for one thing, we're good friends. We interact all the time, not just when I need help, and I've helped him out with stuff before. Also, when I would call him for help, I always explained the problem and asked him when would HE have the time to give me a hand, I never expected him to drop everthing and come right then. Also, when he did help me, I didn't just watch tv and tell him to let me know when it was done, I got involved and helped him, and learned a LOT of stuff, so now if I have a problem, he can usually just talk me through it on the phone! Also, when I was managing the moving company, and we had problems, I had him come out and I insisted on paying him his 'going' rate, plus travel compensation. He liked that :-)
We've learned that, if it is something we can help with, we respond with setting a specific time to help them...usually about a week away because of our schedules. Amazing how often it gets resolved some other way before then! :)
I like this idea. I think I'll throw in a case of beer as a friendly fee.
I can't believe that chick even called! How rude to call for help after not talking to you guys for a year! Heeeyyy... you didn't call her back did you??? ;0)
Why is it that almost the only time anybody other than my wife phones me, it's because they have a computer problem?
>:-(
I came home last night to a voicemail from a neighbor who moved away about a year ago & I haven't heard a word from her husband since. Sometimes I feel like changing my identity. I get home from spending 12 hours in an office, I don't want to fix peoples' problems because their husband can't keep off the porn.
>:-(
Is the problem with the computer's hardware, or the husbands? :-)
