Back in December I took on a new client. My contact for them was a neighbour (the one who actually caused that big water damage two years ago) who’s part owner in the business.
I’ve met the men and conditions were agreed upon, etc. One part of the duties I have to do for them, is working relatively well. I think there are too many chefs in the kitchen and chaos is eminent.Since I’ve been doing them, I feel flustered. It’s not a good feeling. I thought it was (and it might very well be) related to the time of year, my being busier, etc. but I’m wondering if it is really that or simply the fact that my brain is telling me that something isn’t right.
About three weeks ago I basically told them to get their act together or I would ditch them. Hubby is fully being me on this, he’s even been telling me this for a while now. These men are not businessmen, I don’t think I’ve ever seen people so disorganised. Can you believe they actually misplaced a whole month worth of invoices, receipts, etc? I couldn’t. I feel like I’ve been doing forensic more than anything else. It’s almost as if I’m doing puzzles; I try to figure out if this piece would work better there or there… it’s ridiculous.
It’s been eating at me. I’ve been in a funk and it is due in part to this situation. I feel like I’m letting them down, and I really don’t like this feeling. Last week I composed a message to them in which I was informing them I was done basically. I haven’t sent it yet, so I’ve been wondering if I am/was taking the right approach about this situation. I know that moment of certainty never arrives, but a little less fog would surely show me the path to take a bit better…
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9 comments:
One thing I've learned as both a teacher, and as someone who often deals with people who want to do something they have no idea of how it works, is that some folks simply insist on being screw ups. You can try, and try, and hold their hands, and even drag them kicking and screaming toward the 'right way', but ultimately if they decide to choose to fail all you can do is wash your hands of them before they drag you down with them.
During my long years as a public accountant in Denver, there were some real nightmares. Actually, there were quite a few nightmares.
When I had that gut feeling like yours or I knew for a fact that the client was dishonest, I resigned from the job--one time, for a very large monthly fee.
I don't pretend to be Mr. Clean, but I wasn't about to be slapped with a negligence penalty from the IRS or, worse, accessory to a crime. I was looking out for me and my livelihood.
I think you made the exact right decision to resign.
Not knowing the details, perhaps it is "ultimatum" time. Give them a drop-dead point - Sh*t or get off the pot.
Yeah, sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen. You don't want to be held responsible for their negligence.
offer to help them get their act together by creating a structured process for them to follow. and for creating it, you will bill hourly. everyone wins.
If you get the feeling something isn't right, it probably isn't. That's what my husband always says and so far he's always been right.
Marius: That's my intention, and yet... I haven't done it! argh.
Charlie: I resigned in my head so far!! I haven't told them yet...
Robert the Skeptic: You are right, but I feel like I'm suppling them toilet paper or something...
lizgwiz: I sure don't and that's what I fear the most.
kara: In a way I just want out of any (and all) dealings with them.
I think you should probably go with your gut. You're an intelligent woman and it's warning you for a reason.
Meg: :-)
greenduckies: Thank you.
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