This is great. Years ago I left a job due to the fact that they were starting to outsource to India. Years later, they are still having problems and still emailing me with questions about quotes they are receiving from India, and if I think they are reasonable.
The latest estimate they asked me to look at was for 3 months work and a huge chunk of change. I told them it could be done in about 30 minutes.
That about summarizes what they are up against... =)
Anyway... on to the main point of my story... so besides my old employers constantly hounding me for help... I am now starting to get emails directly from developers over in India asking for help! No offer of monetary value... they just state that they are in dire need of assistance on a project and know (from my history) that I can help them... and want me to basically do their job for them... for free.
Here is one of my latest emails:
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Hi XXXX
This is Ravi from Bangalore , i got your reference from SDN.
XXXX i have a serious situation here , well i am really expecting some guidance from your side.
I need to work on a with IPC 5.0 with External Web Project ( instead of Internet Sales ) where Back end remains the same CRM 5.0.
Can you guide me , is it possible ? & if yes what things i need to concentrate on , so that i can come up with some clear idea.
------------------
Regards
Ravi
********************************************************
What the hell? Since when do you take my job and then feel it is okay to turn around and ask for free help since you have no clue how to do your job or my old job?
To all the companies outsourcing overseas... have fun... I know I am... =)
POST A COMMENTBPFH(10/01/2007)
The proper response, of course, is to reply to the email with your consulting rates. 8-hour minimum, and the minimum must be paid up front (as in, verified in your account) before you'll consent to look at their problem.
SouthernProgrammer(10/01/2007)
You have to admire their boldness. They probably think some people will actually help them and then they have someone working for free! I left a job after a pay dispute and got a call a few MONTHS later from my old boss asking me would I mind coming in and helping them with a major upgrade...for FREE. I simply said "I don't work there anymore" and hung up.
Kazzo(10/01/2007)
Serves these companies right, eventually they'll see that these third world employees are not nearly as efficient as Americans. Maybe jobs will start coming back with more pay offered once they realize what we are worth, we can only hope!
anonymous(10/01/2007)
I would ask for an exorbitant consulting fee, unless you really want or need the work. Still would name the highest range of fee and add a few dollars since the dollar is falling to new lows.
dumber than a catbox full of sh*t(10/01/2007)
I wouldn't help even if I was offered a huge amount of money--I don't believe in perpetuating outsourcing.
I would introduce these people to the people in Africa who e-mail claiming I have won millions....
CK(10/01/2007)
Yea ... you are giving them advice for free. My advice is to STOP! You tell them that there is a charge for your consulting services. Until you have a signed contract in your hands there is no work - period. That also includes your hourly rate and the minimum amount of time. Have the contract good for a year. Do NOT have them give you a verbable "We'll give you the contract if you help us now." Until you have it in writing then there is no deal! Stick to your guns!
twiz(10/01/2007)
Thanks for all the feedback... I did actually have the thought that I would reply and say my rate was like $300/hr and they had to pay me 8 hours in advance... =)
But alas... I realized I didn't care that much about helping them... and just ignored the email. Maybe I'll forward his email to some spam sites... ;-)
labtech(10/02/2007)
Ravi there probably thinks you still work for the company...he wasn't told what ruthless rats your previous bosses were. Let him find out the hard way, and drop his email at the Spam sites.
avid reader(10/03/2007)
Oh this is RICH! I forwarded this one on to other friends whose jobs have been outsourced. I can't believe they have the nerve to ask you!!!
Personally, I like the replying with your rate. =)
the confessor(10/04/2007)
Great fun! After one former employer started asking for help after I had left the Radio Station from Hell, I replied that I was under contract to a new broadcast group and had their lawyer take it from there.
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