Questions about job responsibilities

[nunder]

<long post follows>
From 98 through 2001, I was doing what most people now are calling 'riding the dot com wave', and really having a good time of it. I was a young guy, making pretty good money, and getting a couple of calls per week from head hunters offering me more. IT was king, and so was I. Life was good.

The last 'dot com' shop that I worked for suit me, it wasn't the most money that I had made, nor was it the most money that I could make, but it was enough, and it was a good place to work.

After 9 glorious months, a meeting was called between me, the Director of IT, and the CEO. In the meeting I was advised that the company was in a downward spiral, and that I would only be employeed for 2 more weeks. I started searching frantically for work, but to no avail. I ended up working as a laborer for a grading company for almost a year when I was told of a possible opening at a small, family owned (<- this will be important later) company.

They weren't offering anywhere near what I was accustomed to making, and had 3 job descriptions rolled into 1, but it was more than I was making, and it would get me back in the game. That was 2 years ago, and I'm still here. After starting, I found out that the owner had 2 other companies, and outsources the support of their IT work.

Well, after I was hired (for 3 jobs, at well below industry average, which I was thankful for at the time because it was more than I was making, and got me 'back in the game'), I was asked to go over to the other company to 'take a look at something right quick'.

Suffice to say, my responsibility to the other companies has grown dramatically, and I'm now being asked (read:told or strongly advised) to also provide support for the company owners personal machine.

I'm just curious to know how may others have found themselves in this position? How have you handled it? Is this just the way things are now? Are accountants also being dragged to the company owners home to handle their personal checking accounts, or are maintenance people now in charge of unclogging the toilets at the owners home?

[nunder]

I read over my earlier post, and wanted to add a little bit to it. I realize that it may sound ungrateful (after all, there are a bunch of folks that haven't got jobs yet), but I'm just wondering if there is a line that I failed to draw somewhere, or if this really is just the way things are right now (for how long?).

[hlrguy]

I have never had this happen to me, but all I can say is, the boss is the one paying your salary. You piss off the boss, ...well, you know the rest. Your boss should never put you in a position where you feel uncomfortable in that way. Actually having to go to his home to maintain would be rough though. I guess the only thing I can say is that it sucks but have no useful advice except keep your ear to the ground and move on when you get the chance.

hlrguy

[nunder]

I appreciate the response. I've actually been to his house, and his sons house thus far. The guy that was 'the computer guy' before me (he was actually the 'DataCAD' guy, but he 'knew about computers') had warned me about it when I walked in the door. He had been asked (read: told, strongly advised) to do many of the same things, and even ended up building computers for the owner, his son, and his brother (for which he didn't receive as much as a thank you). The first time that I was approached about the personal computer issue, I tried to be polite and politically correct, etc., and said that it just wasn't good business. That as soon as I looked at his personal computer, it was my responsibility. The office workstations are MS Win2k Pro, so I can lock them down, and prevent most of the users from doing things that will hurt them. His personal machine is 98, which he has full reign over. To make a long story short, he politely thanked me, and walked away. I found out that that afternoon, he called all of the managers together for an 'emergency' meeting in which he told them about how awful I was (I'm leaving out the vulgarity), and that I just didn't understand that he owned all of these f***ing machines, how dare I.....

[sharth]

well, hopefully the other managers will calm him down, but otherwise, good luck in the job search.:(

hope you find something better!

[nunder]

Funny you should mention the other managers. I was called into the CEO's office later that day (the day after). He sat men down (he's a really good guy, I can't help but think he's in much the same situation), and reassured me of what good people the owners were, and how it'd be better just to do it (I couldn't help but hear "it's better to just take it, it won't hurt but a little, and it'll be over really quick" :eek: ), and I report to the CFO, who grew up with the owners kids.

[Alredneck]

If the situation persists then ask them what your charge code is? Also, if after hours what's the minimum time you can claim/charge? Yes, it sounds tacky but it will remind them that your time is valuable too.

[jsbrusty2]

Well... I've worked for an 8 person family owned company, a 6000 empl company and among the world's largest and haven't come across someone with an attitude like your bosses yet, may happen though. That is pretty darn UN-professional. Obviously he has power and control issues.

I am assuming you are salary. Expansion of responsibilities is not uncommon, but regardless there are only so many hours in a work day and you may need to draw that line that keeps your work day reasonable. Although his day may mean 10+ hours. Which is fine if it's of YOUR choice. Some casual overtime is to be expected. The servicing of personal property on company salary and equipment could be an issue for him and the IRS.

Using company employees to do his personal work is over the line professionally. I'm guessing he's the sole owner and therefore he feels/expects he can what he wishes with the company property/personnel. You shouldn't have to put up with that in your job. Good luck in your job search!

[nunder]

I really do appreciate the feedback. I'd been contemplating this post for a couple of months, but had almost talked myself out of it by saying that I should just be happy to have a job. I hadn't even thought about the charge code idea, or the IRS angle, though. Just to answer the questions you guys have posed, though. It is salary (at this point, I'd love an hourly gig, "Sure, you want me to work some extra time to do XYZ, that may take a while :cool: "). It's owned by two brothers, one (the one I've talked about) does have some authority / power issues (we all balked when he waltzed through the door bragging that he'd just fired some guy at one of the other companies). The other is a very good, and genuine guy, but he's definately the Type B personality of the two. The sister works here too, as an employee (she makes it very clear up front that she's not 'in the club').

[DMR]

I was put in your postition in my last job. The company was "tightening it's belt", which meant pay freezes, hiring freezes, more responsibilities, and much longer hours. I put up with it for almost a year. In the end though, I got tired of being taken advantage of and quit (without another job lined up). You have to make your own decision, but you also shouldn't stay at the job if it's making you angry and resentful.

:(:)