I transitioned from a W2 to 1099 (subcontractor) with my employer last year (her choice not mine).

Anonymous

June 28,2022 at 12:34AM UTC

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I transitioned from a W2 to 1099 (subcontractor) with my employer last year (her choice not mine). One of the subcontractors will be going on vacation.. I am anticipating that I will be asked to be the "backup" to his work. Currently my work load and deadlines are keeping me extremely busy and I will not have time to "back him up". How do I diplomatically let the owner of the company know that if I can I will help out, otherwise she needs to? When I am on vacation, I ask the owner of the company to handle anything that needs immediate attention, otherwise, I check email and let people know I will respond when I return. Also, the subcontractor who is going on vacation does not have the expertise that I nor the owner has.. and she always agrees to handle anything that requires an immediate response while I am on vacation. Look forward to your input.

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AnonymousJune 28,2022 at 1:21AM UTC
Give her a schedule/list of YOUR obligations and if time allows, you are happy to help.
On vacation, id never check emails. Assign a referral in your OOO and be on vacation. Let work deal with work. You are a backup for them, they can reciprocate.
If they struggle to help you, I'd move on. It works both ways
Curious, why did you agree to a 1099 status???? It's costing YOU not them as you are paying your taxes moreso as EE and ER.
AnonymousJune 29,2022 at 10:33AM UTC
Great idea to put together a schedule/list of MY obligations and if time allows, happy to help out ! and thanks for encouraging the OOO message which I will do when I go on vacation in August I will do both!. Your question on why 1099 status vs W2 - I had no choice -employed by a small private company and the owner stated she wants her employees as subcontractors....I work for a professional services firm . Yes, I know my best interest was not taken into consideration. . But here are the benefits to me as I see it... and yes I know I have to pay taxes.a) I can bill as much as I want and make additional $$ b) I can subcontract elsewhere c) I am no longer an employee... and I work remote and I am a "subcontractor". so if I have something else to do... I let the owner know I am not available... Setting boundaries. d) Medical coverage is not an issue.... I have coverage with Medicare.... Let me know if you have any other comments... look forward to your input!
AnonymousJune 28,2022 at 2:31PM UTC
Setting boundaries is so important in a work setting- I agree with the other commenter, you need to set an OOO for your email!
Everyone deserves a break!
AnonymousJune 29,2022 at 10:23AM UTC
Thank you for encouraging the OOO email message.. I will be sure to do that when I go on vacation in August!