Another need for advice...

[bouncybouncy]

I think I will start with ground rules...

I am, for whatever reason, scared to death to approach them with demands! They have always been great bosses, never crossing any lines, always giving me excellent raises without me asking, were a great support through a difficult personal issue (divorce)...so standing up to them is so scary for me!

I am just not sure how to approach it....the work environment is so casual calling a "meeting" is weird. I will definitely be discussing this with hubby when he wakes up...he works in the corporate world and may know exactly what to do (besides, it involves him too!)

Thanks for listening...comments are always welcomed!

[Irulan]

plus, if DH has done his job right, it should be pretty difficult to get a virus as there are very good ways out there to protect your system. Maybe they need personal computers for the off hours eh?

[bouncybouncy]

plus, if DH has done his job right, it should be pretty difficult to get a virus as there are very good ways out there to protect your system. Maybe they need personal computers for the off hours eh?

No doubt his job has been done right (I really doubt there is a viral issue! But I know nothing about this and it is hubby that can remote in to see what the pop-up window is really saying)...things as little as a cookie notification causes my boss to call! I have to say though, the boss does click on anything and everything even with all sorts of instruction not to!!! Stubborn and set in his/her way is an understatement!

I posted mainly because I have an overwhelming feeling of guilt for trying to enjoy my weekend...have for years! Needed assurance that what I knew was the right thing to do is the majority thought...

[channlluv]

D*H is also an IT guy and his mom calls with computer questions all the time. He finally had her bring her computer here for an overhaul and found nearly 400 malicious hoo-hahs on it. The woman clicks on everything. And she's got grandkids who use her computer to visit, let's just say sites that aren't especially into user security.

He set her up with some antiviral stuff, but like your bosses, she's still allowing all sorts of video and attachments and whatever. He actually threatened her with not taking her calls anymore if she keeps doing it.

I think ground rules are most appropriate. As a self-employed person myself, I know I don't have regular office hours. If I had an employee, I might need them at 7am on a Sunday, and without anything telling me not to, I might be tempted to call if I've got a history of off-hours calling.

I might suggest a troubleshooting education poster, too, to put up near your bosses' computers. "If the error message reads..., do this..." kind of stuff.

Good luck.

Roxy

[Mr. Bloom]

I am, for whatever reason, scared to death to approach them with demands! They have always been great bosses, never crossing any lines, always giving me excellent raises without me asking, were a great support through a difficult personal issue (divorce)...so standing up to them is so scary for me!

I am just not sure how to approach it....the work environment is so casual calling a "meeting" is weird. I will definitely be discussing this with hubby when he wakes up...he works in the corporate world and may know exactly what to do (besides, it involves him too!)

Thanks for listening...comments are always welcomed!

Being a bit contrary to the consensus, I think you should simply go with the flow...you can feed them a fish or teach them how to fish...a virus scan is so easy, simply teach them how to do and move on without any controversy...

[Irulan]

I've been self employed out of my home for 15+ years, and let me tell you, if you don't set boundaries people will walk all over you as far as you let them. The stronger boundaries you have, the more professional you will seem.

[ilima]

Being a bit contrary to the consensus, I think you should simply go with the flow...you can feed them a fish or teach them how to fish...a virus scan is so easy, simply teach them how to do and move on without any controversy...

Agree. Since it sounds like this is the first time they've really gone out of bounds, roll with it.

Yea, they're being a bit jerky. But they'll think you're a jerk if you point that out. And given you're in an asymmetric relationship in a really bad economy...well, just act wisely.

[bouncybouncy]

Being a bit contrary to the consensus, I think you should simply go with the flow...you can feed them a fish or teach them how to fish...a virus scan is so easy, simply teach them how to do and move on without any controversy...

Oh Mr Silver...I wish it were that easy! These folks are not teachable...not making excuses!!! been with them for over 6 years now, I have tried everything!!! Although setting boundaries might work...especially if I ignore the phone! They also are workaholics that do not know how to have a weekend...

Had a great pow-wow with hubby to work things out...I have a plan!

Thanks again for letting me vent y'all...

[Irulan]

They also are workaholics that do not know how to have a weekend...

ultimately this is not YOUR problem. What would they do if you were sick, out of the country, away on personal business?

I got call ID years ago, it's saved me lots of grief since I don't have a business phone line.

[ItchyBits]

Communication! I would tactfully but firmly communicate to them that you are willing to help them with IT but at the same time you are not the 24 hr help desk. Come up with ground rules for "out of business hours" communication.

[Brandi]

I agree with most you need to set GROUND RULES! No matter what! Caling that early on a weekend is just down right rude!

[Mr. Bloom]

Oh Mr Silver...I wish it were that easy! These folks are not teachable...not making excuses!!!

I get the picture...sounds like you have it under control, but all I'd suggest is taking the approach of saying "let me show you have to do this so next time you won't feel an urgent need to get us out of bed at an early hour..."

[uforgot]

Can't you just say that he's sleeping and you'll have him call when he wakes up? I never wake up anyone in our house unless it's an emergency.

Oh, and whatever happened to "You don't call before 9am or after 9pm"? You just don't make calls to people's homes other than these times unless they are expecting it, or it's a REAL emergency. It seems inconsiderate.

[sundial]

Can't you just say that he's sleeping and you'll have him call when he wakes up? I never wake up anyone in our house unless it's an emergency.

That reminds me of a story. Mr. Sundial the pharmacist has a couple of patients that abuse the emergency after hours phone number. At midnight he received several call from a customer who NEEDED Tylenol and could he deliver it?

[bouncybouncy]

Can't you just say that he's sleeping and you'll have him call when he wakes up? I never wake up anyone in our house unless it's an emergency.

I did...the annoying part was I was asleep too!!!