My buddy keeps asking me to check his circuit breakers after hours

Part of me wants to help a friend out, but another part feels like it's work that should be paid. It's getting awkward to say no every time. How do you handle situations like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

daniel_morgan392mo ago

Ugh that's such a classic problem. What finally worked for me was being super direct and saying, "Hey man, I have to keep that stuff as paid work to make a living, but I can swing by Saturday morning for a quick look." It sets a clear line but still helps a friend. If he pushes back, you'll know he just wants free labor.

anna_flores962mo ago

How'd he take the Saturday offer?

benflores1mo agoMost Upvoted

I told my neighbor last year I could give him one free Saturday morning to check his subfloor. He respected that limit and even bought me lunch for the trouble. Setting a clear time boundary upfront really does help.