I work for two wonderful people and they are generous beyond belief.

12 Comments

1. Jana MaclellanFebruary 6,2024 at 9:38PM UTC

   This person sounds like he is on the spectrum. You have to let him know that there is a limit to the amount of calls, emails and texts he can send. Give him a limit, make sure to tell him, write it down, and remind him often. Sounds like the limit should be at most, once a day. Then when he has that down, limit it to a couple times a week. You just need to tell him and let him know.

   I wouldn't feel bad about how he overspends and puts himself into debt, it was his decision to do and you are not responsible for his errors. You just have to tell him something like, "Sounds like you have a problem, maybe you need a financial consultant and that is not me."

2. AnonymousFebruary 7,2024 at 1:06AM UTC

   What is there to suggest this person is on the spectrum?

3. KatFebruary 7,2024 at 2:54PM UTC

   I agree. This person sounds like a pushy, entitled jerk. There's no indication that the person is on "the spectrum". I'm tired of that term being overused and misunderstood. Every type of bad/inappropriate behavior, social awkwardness, and/or over stepping boundaries is not due to being on "the spectrum". It's most likely due to a lack of manners and because certain behavior types get the person what they want.

4. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 9:45PM UTC

   Simply tell him you are unable to assist him.
   Repeat until he gets the message.

   He needs to realize ONLY HE can fox his finances.

5. KatFebruary 6,2024 at 10:09PM UTC

   Is this person an employee, family member of the boss, client or a member of the community? Does the boss give in when they get hits for money? Is this person the only one that tries to use your boss like an ATM? You need to discuss this with your boss. They are putting you in an uncomfortable situation by having to deal with this person's demands for access to the boss and their money. You need to be taken out of the role of gatekeeper/middle person. There are only two options here. The boss can cut them off and give you the authority to tell them no when they call. Or the boss takes you out of this by telling the leech not to contact you ever. You can manage the leech's behavior even if the boss caves and keeps giving him money. The leech shouldn't have your personal phone number. Get a Google Voice number and give it to the leech. That way you don't have to answer his calls. Answer his emails once a day at most, maybe once a week. When his number pops up, let it go to the office voicemail. When he knows he can't get to your boss through you, he should stop calling. If not, at least you will be dealing with him less. If he keeps bothering you, let him know it's harassment and the police will be notified.

6. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 10:17PM UTC

   Forward the messages and ask that they speak directly. Do not become the messenger.

   K

7. AnonymousFebruary 6,2024 at 10:37PM UTC

   My question, why is this person calling you and not the bosses? Are you typically their go-between? I agree with another commenter, forward the messages to them. I would stay far away from this topic, even though this person is contacting you repeatedly, it's none of your business (unless it's your $). And if the bosses ask you to manage this, I'd convey you're uncomfortable with it and would like to stay focused on the business task at hand.

8. KatFebruary 7,2024 at 3:08PM UTC

   You don't indicate if this person is a friend/relation/connection of yours or the boss. If it's someone that you know that is trying to take advantage of your access to your rich boss, then you have to say no. Cut them off. Tell them not to contact you (phone or email) during work time and that you will not put him through to the boss ever. See my other advice below about limiting interactions with him. You may need to cut this person out of your life entirely if they persist with the harassing behavior.

   If this person is a connection of the boss, then talk to your boss about this. The boss shouldn't be using you as a gate keeper/intermediary to avoid dealing with this person. They either need to deal with the person directly or give you instructions on how to handle their requests (say the boss is not in, send their calls to voicemail, respond to inquiries on a set schedule) so you can get on with your work day.

9. AnonymousFebruary 7,2024 at 3:33PM UTC

   This person is a connection of my boss. He is considered a contractor and he is very specialized in what he does. But he is (self proclaimed) not good with his finances. I am the business manager for the two that I work for, so all calls come through me. I use my cell for work so that number is given out more than my desk line, since I am on the go a lot for these two. This particular person makes my job hard to do. I try to set the boundaries, but he just doesn't get it. Yes, I am direct with him. He has been told not to call me after hours as well.

10. KatFebruary 8,2024 at 5:16PM UTC

    Definitely get a Google Voice number for your work contacts. It's free and gets forwarded to your phone. That way, you still get the business calls but they're separate from your personal cell number. Also, talk with your boss about how difficult this person is making your job. Obviously, you can choose not to take his calls and only respond to emails when you want. But if it's possible, see if you can find another contractor to replace this one. It sounds like the boss and you could benefit from finding someone more competent and easier to work with than this person.

11. AnonymousFebruary 8,2024 at 3:23AM UTC

    Simply tell him you are no longer willing to help him with this. I would send him a list of community services that can help, like utility assistance, financial planning, etc in your area and then tell him if he needs additional assistance he should reach out to other avenues or contact your bosses direct.

12. AnonymousFebruary 10,2024 at 4:01PM UTC

    Not the OP’s job to come up with solutions thus this guy’s money mismanagement!