work/friend

mykillokneel

Hi, hoping to get a few thoughts. I have a friend who already does work for me on a sub contract basis, we were originally work mates then friends but I've hired him on and off when busy. He has his own business also and i help from time to time but not half as much.
Problem is he keeps letting me down by not showing up sometimes. I would ask a few weeks in advance what days/weeks his around so I can organise my work around it when he's needed. The problem is I will organise jobs and then when it comes to it he won't show up or answer phone. Hell text saying not around this week have to do my own job. It happens on 2 or 3 jobs out of 10. He's a good friend and a brilliant worker when he's there we really click work wise and I've no problem with him if he tells me when he's not around as he's growing his own business its jus not telling me that the problem. I've lost work and looked a fool at times. He knows that I need him more than he needs me. I don't have enough work to employ someone and we really do work great together.
Should I cut my losses or just put up with the few times he let's me down for the good work he does outside that.
I don't want to lose him as a friend. We talk most day on phone if not in person about work and other stuff. Except when he doesn't want to work he won't answer!!

Thanks

Swanley

mykillokneel wrote: »

Should I cut my losses or just put up with the few times he let's me down for the good work he does outside that.

I think you should put up with whatever you're putting up with, personally. He's his own man doing his own thing, too. You sound like good friends. Good friends are hard-come-by. I think you should tell him non-confrontationally that you REALLY appreciate his friendship but you deserve & would appreciate more effective communication - for the benefit of you both, of course.

Just my 5 cents.

mykillokneel

Thanks, I've told him as nicely as possible that I've no problem with him doing his own thing, it's the not letting me know that's gets me. He's doesn't answer when it suits but when I say it to him after he rings he just laughs and says that's him. Not laughing at me he's knows he's wrong but also knows that I'll put up with it.

I should say I don't expect to be told what he's doing and when it's not my business unless he tells me. My point is he pulls out after me organising work.

Swanley

mykillokneel wrote: »

Thanks, I've told him as nicely as possible that I've no problem with him doing his own thing, it's the not letting me know that's gets me. He's doesn't answer when it suits but when I say it to him after he rings he just laughs and says that's him. Not laughing at me he's knows he's wrong but also knows that I'll put up with it.

I totally get you. Totally.

LegacyUser

Well business is business and sometimes business and friendships don't work out. If you can't depend on this guy for jobs then in the long run it will cost you money no? You mention there have been a few occasions you've booked jobs and he hasn't turned up, as a result you a look a fool, not only that, but that is not a good image your company either. Personally I think you need to phase him out as he's unreliable. If it was any other job he would have been let go along time ago, but because you are friends he seems to think it's ok to treat you like this which is a bit nuts. I mean that's not a nice way to treat your friends either.

Dee01

So you're both working for yourselves and building your own reputation and client base (and word of mouth recommendations) trying to make a success of yourselves. Well done to you both. He is a good worker and great to work with..... but he's letting you down 30% of the time.

Business and personal life is separate and should be kept that way. Have a chat with him again and reinforce how important it is that he arrive when arranged. If he burns you again, you just don't use him again.

No confrontation, no hard feelings and nothing to do with your friendship. You have let him know what you need and if he can't deliver, you find someone who can.

Your career is important and to become successful, you will need to build on your reputation. Anything negitive will hinder your progression.