How Do I Quit?

[AmICrazyorWhat2]

This is a work-related question, but I think it falls into the AIBU category as well.

I work as a consultant for a non-profit (been there about five years) and although my colleagues are lovely, passionate about the cause, etc., I'm frequently asked to go "above and beyond" my stated responsibilities and hours "for the cause." My immediate boss is disorganized and will suddenly decide that, for example, we need a detailed report on something...and expect me (who's only supposed to work a limited number of hours) to drop everything and produce it ASAP. This weekend was the last straw as I probably spent 16 hours completing a report for today -but there's no way I can bill the organisation for all that time as I know they can't afford it. I've become part-employee/part-volunteer!

My DH wants me to drop them, but I'm reluctant to in such an uncertain economy and I do need the money. It's I can't be sure I can find another client with all the hiring freezes, etc.

It's also difficult on a personal level as it's a local organization and I'll still see several people socially. I don't want to be open about the real issues, but they're bound to ask why I left!

Would you risk it and leave now, or just stick it out for the time being?

Well, you need to enforce boundaries.

Your next conversation with your boss needs to be ‘I’ve been spending time on my paperwork this week and I’m exceeding my billed hours every week. If you need me to increase hours permanently then we’ll need to agree an increased rate. Otherwise I can quote the extra work piece by piece - which would you prefer?’

Then next time boss says ‘AmICrazy - I need a new proposal doc my Monday’ you can say ‘Sure - but I’ll have to work over the weekend and it will take 10 hours so I’ll have to bill an extra £X - if you want to go ahead can you send me a PO?’

I know, Goat, that's what I'd do in a normal work setting, but I know they can't afford it. Plus, she's always been like this, I've heard on the internal grapevine that she was the same with my predecessor.

I did have a slightly testy conversation with her last week when I explained how much work was involved and she offered to help if she could (she's a nice person), but there wasn't a lot she could actually do, because I have the specialist knowledge.

I'm going to have to slowly bow out, I think. It's going to be awkward, but I don't think the situation will change.

Doesn't that also cause issues with your employment status if you're behaving like an employee, at their beck and call? Or when you talk about "billing" do you just mean timesheets or something?

It's important to bring this up.

Something like 'I have spent considerably more time on the recent piece of work that I have invoiced the organisation for, on this occasion as I had some available personal time. From this point, though, as I need to bill all my working hours I will bring to your attention if a project is likely to go over the standard hours we have set, to ensure you are happy to proceed with the additional hours and therefore cost'.

I don't think it makes sense to fabricate a reason.

Can you schedule a meeting and say what you’re saying here. You worked x hours free and whilst you appreciate give and take it’s not viable going forward. I’d stay but only do contracted work. You know she can’t pay but by not raising it you are not assisting yourself. She asks for report. It will take x hours - how does she want you to do it eg drop all other work or charge extra.

I invoice them for the hours I work and when I started working for them, they estimated how many hours per month they'd need/ could afford. As I support the nonprofit's mission, I don't always charge for every single hour I work for them, which is my choice. I don't mind volunteering a couple of hours per week, but like most people, I can't afford big chunks of time.

The bigger issue is the lack of organisation and the expectation that I'll drop everything to do something for them. I don't want to! Plus I have other business and personal commitments.

I know I need to put my foot down but I don't think she's going to change. It's her (difficult) working style.

Something like the following:

‘I’m afraid I only have x hours a week as you know. I’m happy to write the report but in order to do I’ll have to drop some other tasks. What would you like me to prioritise?’ This makes it clear that your happy to be flexible regarding what you can do, but also that your time is limited.