What to do with Employee( relative)? long - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

hbelectric · 05-25-2009, 02:41 AM

I took the kid ( i'm his only family in this state) under my wing, been training him for 3 years now. He knows how to do the job, screws up from time to time etc... Refuses to ask me questions or my advice and always makes the wrong decisions. Generally does good work, but lately I have him doing monkey work, because he is just like a lump on a log.

So here is why I am pissed. 2 months ago he totalled one of my service trucks. When he called me, I asked if it was his fault and he yells at me, telling me F8ck no it wasn't his fault. So as expected when I arrive, it's a one car accident LOL. The cop tells me of course he's at fault.

Now last week, he took all his tools to the parking lot after we left the job. He drove away and left all his tools on the ground. Mind you all the tools I bought him, including new set 2 18v Makita drills. So $500+ tools gone, not a word from him. Next time at work he shows up with my spare set of hand tools, from my garage. Doesn't even ask, I guess I'm suppose to buy him a new battery drill too.

He has only worked 1 day in 2 weeks, since then and hasn't called about work. I ussually text him night before , but now I stopped and he doesn't even bother to call to see if theres work. I feel bad, but I think he is on drugs or something and there is no hope. Not to mention he said he had to go to court and missed work. Not sure why , but before he mentioned he had 5 tickets, that's right 5 tickets and only had his license or over just 1 year.

He had atleast 2 tickets for expired tags, said he paid the smog place and thought that was for his registration and he was waiting for his tags in the mail. I told him how stupid can you be.

I know this is a really stupid post, but I'm just so frustrated. In fact this would be 10 pages of stupid sh7t this kid has done, if i had the time.

Mud Master · 05-25-2009, 05:43 AM

Might be time to pull the plug on him.

It's tough having family of any kind on the payroll, and yes most times the family member does get some kind of preferential treatment, from getting the position another employee might deserve, to not getting fired for screwing up multiple times. However with the economy the way things are, no one can afford to keep dead weight around, as he is still costing you money even if he isn't working.

In the long run, you may actually be doing him a favor by letting him go. Chances are he feels he has a free pass to do whatever he wants without consequence, such as leaving tools, not showing up when he doesn't want to, etc..

For your personal relationship and for the success of your business, my advice is that it's time to cut the umbilical cord and let him fend for himself and grow up.

SLSTech · 05-25-2009, 05:58 AM

I have to agree with Mud Master with one small caveat

For business - he's gone until he pulls his head out of his a$$ & even then I would recommend he works for someone else

As for the family aspect - be the big brother, find out what he is into or what the problem really is, new girl, alcohol, drugs - try the hard talk to get it out of him, help him get some counseling if it is what he needs. I will forewarn you, if it is drugs or alcohol & he needs money - never give them cash, buy what they need, or physically go & pay the rent

Cole82 · 05-25-2009, 06:39 AM

I would let him go. Give him specific reasons why you are letting him go so there may be a chance he will think before acting.

When I was working for my Dad he hired my cousin to help my crew of 3 I was the forman. We will call him K. K showed up on time claiming to know what he was doing he has built all kinds of stuff. So I sent him with a box of joist hangers for a small deck. Rims joist and posts already set. He went to work marking out 16oc so went to the other side of the house to work with the guys. About 1/2 hour later I here his car start up and the subs plast. I though maybe he has to go to the bathroom, but no after about a minute of load as music. I relized he wanted a radio. I walk around the house, but don't see him right away. He was taking a break in his car because his arm was tired. Tell him to get to work or go home. He gets out walks with me over to this deck.
I go WTF!!! first those joist hangers are upside down second your spaceing is 4'. What are you doing? He says this is how I have allways done it. Start taking those off I'll sendd another guy over to help you. I send a younger guy over but is a good worker and listens. About an hour and a half goes by, my good worker comes over to me and pulls me over and says. If he is my new boss I am going to quit. I'm flipping mad now I go over and tell him to go home and never come back.
I ask Jim what was K doing. Said he was sitting there in a lawn chair telling him every move to make. Hecouldn't get fird no matter what, because he was the owners nephew. Also that Cole (me) doesn't know it yet but he is going to become the new crew forman.

advanced_energy · 05-25-2009, 07:36 AM

go see him and talk to him; don't ask to talk. tell him the nonsense stops here,you are not playing games anymore and you are sick and tired of him blaming everyone else for his problems. and his irresponsibility.then ask him what is the matter with him lately and you are asking because you care,not to judge him. if he opens up,see what can be done about his obvius problem. keep in mind,it may just be a case of total irresponsibility. that happens in that age bracket sometimes.

We Fix Houses · 05-25-2009, 08:34 AM

Might want to sit down and go over what you agree and disagree about as far as work is concerned ?

If you can spare him and you can't make progress, tell him you would prefer that he found another job in about 90 days. Stress he has a good foundation / training and you'll help him through the hoops of getting another job. If he turns on the jets....he still needs to go. I think you're enabling him ?

If its drugs / alcohol they'll win. Be patient, a good example, don't yell.

**Leo G** · 05-25-2009, 09:03 AM

Give him his walking papers. If he is family he shold at least be considerate to you and not pull all that bullcrap. Show him the door and let it hit him in the a$$ as he leaves. Maybe it might knock some sense into his brains, 'cause that is where they are.

deckman22 · 05-25-2009, 09:18 AM

Fire him without a second thought, sounds like a crackhead. I bet he didn't leave tools in the parking lot either, but hocked them for drugs. Be sure to get any keys of yours he may have to prevent him from stealing any more tools.

willworkforbeer · 05-25-2009, 10:01 AM

I'd through a screaming banshee fit on him, give him one to remember.

thom · 05-25-2009, 10:30 AM

Under most state laws, he already quit. Failure to show up or phone in with a legitimate reason for not working is quitting. I would say nothing to him, make no attempt to contact him. Anything you do at this stage he will view as you "needing" him and things won't go well.

If you owe him money, mail him a check with "final" on the memo line.

If he shows up at the job, politely tell him he is not allowed on the job-site.

He can't be helped until he recognizes he needs help. At that point he will come to you. That pride swallowing event is critical for his recovery.

woodtradesman · 05-25-2009, 11:06 AM

What an ingrate little boy. He should be glad he has job while good, skilled, reliable and coherent tradesman sit at home unemployed with this bad economic times. If you run your busines with your hart you will go under eventualy. You know what to do.

I'd show him the door.

Darwin · 05-25-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbelectric

Refuses to ask me questions or my advice and always makes the wrong decisions. Generally does good work, but lately I have him doing monkey work, because he is just like a lump on a log.

So here is why I am pissed. 2 months ago he totalled one of my service trucks. When he called me, I asked if it was his fault and he yells at me, telling me F8ck no it wasn't his fault. So as expected when I arrive, it's a one car accident LOL. The cop tells me of course he's at fault.

Now last week, he took all his tools to the parking lot after we left the job. He drove away and left all his tools on the ground. Mind you all the tools I bought him, including new set 2 18v Makita drills. So $500+ tools gone, not a word from him. Next time at work he shows up with my spare set of hand tools, from my garage. Doesn't even ask, I guess I'm suppose to buy him a new battery drill too.

He has only worked 1 day in 2 weeks, since then and hasn't called about work. I ussually text him night before , but now I stopped and he doesn't even bother to call to see if theres work. I feel bad, but I think he is on drugs or something and there is no hope. Not to mention he said he had to go to court and missed work. Not sure why , but before he mentioned he had 5 tickets, that's right 5 tickets and only had his license or over just 1 year.

He had atleast 2 tickets for expired tags, said he paid the smog place and thought that was for his registration and he was waiting for his tags in the mail. I told him how stupid can you be.

I know this is a really stupid post, but I'm just so frustrated. In fact this would be 10 pages of stupid sh7t this kid has done, if i had the time.

1. Know-it-all. Must be between 17-25yrs. old. Right? At that age, the little bastage 'knows everything about everything--don't need your crappy effin advice. Right?

2. Everything that happens to this bastid is everyone else's fault. Will never take responsibility for ANYTHING.

3. Is not a responsible person. Who drives off with tools left on th' ground without remembering to check (even after driving off)lol?

4. Sense of entitlement. Doesn't even ask to use your handtools from your garage??!

5. Has a hard time when he gets behind the wheel. 5 tickets and a totaled company vehicle?

Why haven't you cut this weak link a long time ago? If you continue to keep this little bastage around, you deserve everything that happens to you after this!

stevelind7 · 05-25-2009, 12:41 PM

It tuff he's related. So fire his arse. What substance is he on? Your lucky you don't get the hook

skyhook · 05-25-2009, 01:17 PM

Same situation here until recently. I let the relative go and hired another guy who works circles around him for the same price and is glad to have the job.
Business and survival go hand in hand.

hbelectric · 05-25-2009, 07:02 PM

If he continues I think we are going to offer him a pay cut, I can't fire him. But the kid is such a lump, he won't even call for work. Obviously everyone agrees to get rid of him and that would make my wife happy. She has to hear me complain everyday about the stupid sh*t he does.

The truck was sort of a blessing, the insurance paid off the loan and I was just going to buy him a older service truck with cash. I asked him to look around craigslist where ever so I could buy him a new truck and he never has got back with me, so I just said screw it, he's not getting dick.

His tools where stolen, because a lady from the building said she saw a guy take them. It's funny as hell when I go back home and my family tells he how smart and brite he is and he just needs guidance. I always tell them, that they are out of their minds.

woodtradesman · 05-25-2009, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbelectric

If he continues I think we are going to offer him a pay cut, I can't fire him. But the kid is such a lump, he won't even call for work. Obviously everyone agrees to get rid of him and that would make my wife happy. She has to hear me complain everyday about the stupid sh*t he does.

The truck was sort of a blessing, the insurance paid off the loan and I was just going to buy him a older service truck with cash. I asked him to look around craigslist where ever so I could buy him a new truck and he never has got back with me, so I just said screw it, he's not getting dick.

His tools where stolen, because a lady from the building said she saw a guy take them. It's funny as hell when I go back home and my family tells he how smart and brite he is and he just needs guidance. I always tell them, that they are out of their minds.

You have a big heart. I wish I had a boss that supplied me with at least an old beater or even a ryobi drill

HandyHails · 05-25-2009, 07:10 PM

Just curious, WHY can't you fire this kid who is so obviously a liability and likely to get you sued over something completely stupid?

hbelectric · 05-25-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darwin

1. Know-it-all. Must be between 17-25yrs. old. Right? At that age, the little bastage 'knows everything about everything--don't need your crappy effin advice. Right?

21

2. Everything that happens to this bastid is everyone else's fault. Will never take responsibility for ANYTHING. Pretty much

3. Is not a responsible person. Who drives off with tools left on th' ground without remembering to check (even after driving off)lol?

Even after arriving to the next jobsite that day(even after I told him to take lunch), he calls and has me explain what needs to be done. OH BTW I lost my tools, I gotta drive back to the jobsite. So yeah you just wasted 20-30 minutes, bye bye $500 in tools.

4. Sense of entitlement. Doesn't even ask to use your handtools from your garage??!

5. Has a hard time when he gets behind the wheel. 5 tickets and a totaled company vehicle?

Why haven't you cut this weak link a long time ago? If you continue to keep this little bastage around, you deserve everything that happens to you after this!

he has been in my custody since he was 13 and I brought him to cali.

woodtradesman · 05-25-2009, 07:36 PM

I don't get, why are the relatives saying those possitive things about the boy. Maybe you and your relatives know there is no ring of truth to any of the praises. I have personaly witnessed this kinds of things kill a man's business not to long ago. best thing you can do right now for both of you is to send that kid packing, he needs a reality check kick in the @$$.

Does he live with you? at the very least reduce his pay to the minimum wage and cut his hours.

HandyHails · 05-25-2009, 07:44 PM

Also keep in mind, there is a fine line between helping an individual like this and enabling them to continue this obviously self destructive behavior.