Not-so-new hire STILL wanting me to help her

[AmICrazyorWhat2]

I'm wondering what I should do in this situation - I don't want to be unkind, but I also don't want to be taken advantage of.

I've worked for my current organisation for a while and have very good relationships with my managers. Last year, when my Dad's health took a major downturn, I realised I needed more flexibility and asked if I could step down from a project that has frequent deadlines, in case I need to take leave at short notice to care for him

They agreed to this change and hired someone else for the project, beginning last January. I made the transition as easy as I could, covered for her when she had the 'flu, and after a few months, I assumed she was getting the hang of things. Then today I get an e-mail asking if I can help her out as she's way behind on the current deadline.

My kind side wants to help out; my grumpy side thinks that she's being paid to do this (I'm not anymore) and after 8 months, she should be on top of things.

WWYD?

Let her get on with it, it's not your problem.

It would depend upon

1. when the deadline was
2. how much help/how many hours were needed
3. whether I would get any credit
4. whether I would be scapegoated if shit hit the fan
5. how much of my own work I had to do
6. whether she needed a handhold/guidance/encouragement or was expecting me to write the whole damned thing!

Was anyone else copied/blind copied on the mail?
Has she missed other deadlines?
Why is she behind/what has she been doing/can she not do the job?
Will your line manager know or is she wanting you to cover her arse covertly?
What is the difference in salary/kudos?
Is she a temp/will you have to work either with her or for her in the future?

In other words...what's in it for you?!

I don't see any reason for you to help, frankly it's not your problem. Why has she waited so long to reach out to someone?

don't get sucked into this....if you help her it shows that you're still capable of handling the job and it's deadlines despite the reasons you gave.

your bosses won't be happy to know that after accomodating your request in good faith - and expense to themselves - that you are able to do the job.

I would have a discussion with the relevant manager about her not coping with the work.

Mention to the manager you received this email from her, have the discussion and then forward the manager the email.

They are paying her to do your job but she isn't doing it.

And yes I've done this a few times.

Advise her that if she needs help and support then she needs to speak to her own manager (I’m assuming that’s not you?)

Then if her manager feels it right, they can find that support from yourself or someone else. I think she’s behind and chancing her arm with you as she doesn’t want her manager to know or think she’s not capable

Agree with PP she should be discussing this with her manager, not you.
Also the vagueness is concerning, what does 'help' really mean? How many hours would she expect you to be doing? How much input?
I think I would politely go back and say you don't have capacity to provide any support on this project, and suggest she speak to her manager about the extra resource need. She can't really argue with that.

Thanks all. She's an independent consultant who has several clients, so I'm assuming she's got too much on her plate ATM and wants me to help her out - I was the only person on this e-mail, unless she B'CC someone else.

I ended up saying I could help with a couple of things, just to be nice, but that's it. I'm not getting sucked into it!

If she asks again I'd bounce it upwards. "Of course I'll help you, but would you just ask my line manager and make sure she's OK with me spending my time on it, since I won't be able to do as much on my current project?"