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I try not to have expectations, but when it comes to hiring someone on your property to do projects (building gate, cutting wood etc.) I expect them to come on time and complete the job in a timely fashion. But no it doesnt seem to happen lately. I am not sure if I am from the old school of work ethics or that these type of laborers have different timing....but again the expectation thing is puzzling.....have anyone experienced this ....? OG
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Don't Worry About Growing Old, It Is A Privilege For Some Of Us.....
A knowledgeable friend once said something relevant to me -- he said, "Most of those workmen are just one stop away from AA." (But many of them never get to that stop!)
It's gotten so that when I find a workman who arrives and works as promised, I hire him as often as I can and recommend him to everyone -- because workmen like that are not in the majority. I'd say the ratio is 10:1 unreliable to reliable.
Omg, why are all day laborers and contracters built from the same mold.
I had a laborer contracter that rebuilt my bathroom , took him forever and once they start the job, its so hard
to get somebody else. Your pretty much at their mercy is my experience.
I have had more than one at separate times, and experienced the same thing.
The finished job though was amazing, but I had to be on him. All the time.
I would say Alanon works for addicts, but not day laborers....lol
I have been wondering this especially this week! Some people definitely come with their own agenda, regardless of the business contract... I think it is normal to have expectations regarding contractors, but I think it's also normal to expect that things can go awry.
I am self employed and most always want a clue about how my client's expectations run. So far so good...I am "self" employed and often you can tell that one of the people I'm out to please is my boss. In the reverse I also have expectations of my clients who often don't or won't meet my expectations...good to have Al-Anon experience and wisdom in these cases. My clients love being treated with the principles of our program...course I love doing it that way also...It works when I work it. Good post....((((hugs))))
You mentioned cutting wood. Our last experience of hiring some of our son's friends to trim up our trees went so well, I complimented them on every aspect. Not sure if they did it out of respect to my son as we were his parents or out of respect for themselves as in just good business practice. Either way, 1) they came on time 2) did a wonderful job 3) had all the supplies they needed with them without having to borrow any of ours or leaving to get something forgotten 4) finished in a timely manner 5) were respectful and kind to us 6) cleaned up their mess completely without being asked 7) were gracious and professional.
Interestingly enough every single one of them was in AA program. Some were relatives by marriage to our son and some came with their son's as helpers to boot.
Rare, you bet. Old fashioned, you bet we are. Grateful, we added it to our list. We took a chance and were proud and pleased with every single one of them.
Well...appointments to get the cable fixed or internet or whatever....or to have furniture delivered or something....They give you like a window from 8 am to 12 noon and then show up at 2. Then if you aren't there, you get spoken to like it was your fault for not being there when they didn't show up and showed up whenever they felt like it. Yeah. Maddeningly common.
I have gotten to the point when I make a date for something done like repairs I ask that I be called one hour before arrival so I can be there. I work for a living too and my time is precious. SO PLEASE CALL: XXXXXXXX
Works 99% of the time. good customer service for any company HELLO DIRECTV
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I think working for a company who schedules repairs is different than the one-person self-employment job you describe. When their "work ethic" is pretty hidden, I figure there's a reason they're not working at a job with a fixed begin time, health benefits and retirement plans. It may be their home situation, unexpected daycare responsibilities, addiction, or any of a variety of reasons. They've decided or learned this pick-up work is their best possible.
If I've been burned by them, I usually don't hire them again.
I wouldn't change places with them.
If the work the perform is acceptable, I might get them again knowing the cost in time for myself.
I've had those same experiences. What's helped me is to ask for estimates from 3 different people - if not more. I figure the one who shows up when they say they will and sends me the estimate when they say they will is the person who is right for me. Usually, they charge more and I'm happy to pay it. I'd rather pay a little more to someone who does what he says then to play the back and forth game of frustration where I end up being "the B" in their mind and still don't get the work done they promised. I let the contractor know ahead of time what I'd like and ask what they need from me. I figure its a two way street. In some cases, when a contractor isn't holding up his end of the contract, I can find a gentle way to fire him without having to spend a whole lot of time and energy releasing him and me from something that isn't working for both of us.
good customer service for any company HELLO DIRECTV