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Is it just me, or when you become "the tech guy", family and friends become extremely entitled to your help? (self.casualconversation)

submitted 6 days ago by weeeeum to c/[email protected]

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I wish I never told anyone I worked or studied tech. Especially older family and friends, because their requests for help are relentless.

A lot of friends are chill with it, and I don't mind doing a little bit of help, but sometimes people are who are OFFENDED when you don't want to help. In the same way a contractor friend won't remodel your home for free, I am not going to fix every single issue you have with your computer for free. I'm happy to give advice, but i'm not going to work for hours without pay to fix everything.

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[–] [email protected] 19 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Sounds like you are too blunt. Never tell them no. Listen to their problem and just reply with a 'Id have to look into that', or an 'I can come over when I get a chance'. If they persist, have a couple projects they can help you out with and tell them 'sorry Id love to help, but Im (going to the dump / painting the kitchen / gotta do seasonal yard work / etc). If they offer to help you, then you are kinda on the hook to help them. If they dont follow through... you can subtly bring it up (still gotta move that couch). You dont have to be a dick about it. It can be fun messing with folks.

Honestly I'm tech support for some people, but I need help with some of the more advanced stuff, so I have a tech guy too.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 6 days ago (1 children)

If you really want someone to stop bothering you, botch the job.

[–] techt 4 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Or just make yourself out to be utterly incompetent; let them think you're bad at your job/hobby.

"What happens when you google it? If that doesn't help I don't know what else to try, sorry /shrug"

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 days ago

"Ask ChatGPT."