Side Jobs

[aruddick]

How do you feel about side jobs? Does your boss allow

[markettech]

I can see this thread heading south in record time.......................:eek:

[aruddick]

The reason I brinng it up is I have an installer that wants this freedom and just curious as to the positionn of others It doesn't have to get ugly. We are all adults.

[comfort comando]

ask any business owner if thy did side work before going out on there own. most will say yes, if there being honest. i think all will discourage employees doing side work. typically the boss is unknowingly supplying something to the side job ( tape, screws, a ladder, ect...) and not in on the money.

[crackertech]

:eek:Who has time for side job's.

[markettech]

:eek:Who has time for side job's.

Spoken like a true market man:cool:

[oil lp man]

The boss alows it.
I don't have time.
I make enough without scrounging.
Typically if someone wants someone to work for them who is uninsured they are stupid AND cheap.
Two of our installers do side work and the boss doesn't even care that some of the work is the companies customers.
One of our other service techs does side work too but mostly for friends and relatives.

[conky]

A friend of the family, was doing a fair amount of sidework; a few years ago. He had a very good friend of his working with him.....
They had a drop light under a house, they were working at; the cord shorted out across the duct work. His freind died.

I am not saying that it was because of this being a side job that his friend was killed just one of the worst cases, of what could go wrong at the worst time / situation...

Stay Gold,:)
Conky

[BaldLoonie]

Not allowed here, you're fired if you are caught.

Started after a customer came after the boss because a moonlighting tech driving a company truck hacked in a system then wouldn't make it right. From an employer's point of view, some healthy liability. We started a house on fire, $25K to clean up paid by our insurance. Suppose that was done by a moonlighting employee who probably has no insurance. If there's no way to tie to the employer, fine. But often there is a tie somehow. Vehicle, wearing a uniform, or worse, the employer's customer.

Now we do have 1 tech with his own biz and the boss allows it. He knew when hiring the guy, totally different part of town and this guy is licensed & insured.

[framehvac]

I can see both sides to this. If you don't do sidework you will always work for someone else. Just don't take your company's business or supplies. Your job must come before sidework. If your company don't want you to do sidework then you need to ask for a raise. Just remember hvac is a career not a job you should always be looking ahead to improve your career. Help's should become Installer's, Installer's should become service techs & at some point you may want to think about Management or Owning your own company. No one has a monopoly in the hvac world. So if you are working for a company that is taking care of you then you should take care of them. But if you are just a # with bad pay.Then keep doing sidework.But the main thing to doing sidework is to make sure you know what you are doing first.;)

[MichaelPaladin]

Personally I will only do side work for family or friends. And never for a customer of the company I'm with. For Friends I tell them up front if the repair is minor, like a relay, contactor, fuse, etc. I'll fix on the spot. Anything larger like large refrigerant leaks, bad compressor, bad fan or blower motors and change outs, I have them go thru the company and set up a regular service call.

[refer guy]

A guy that works here with us says that he makes a killing, he hooked up with some contractor that has him install air conditioners in brand new homes, he also fixes refer stuff for some of the restaurants in his area. What he makes is not bad, Ive thought about doing that myself especially around the winter time, at the same time it kind of has to be a pain too.

We had this other guy who was doing side jobs aswell, he got caught using massive supplies from the van, the office caught on real fast when they noticed he bought two jugs of 404a with in a week and half of each other. The owner looked at all his job work orders between that time and saw that he had not used one drop, when confronted with this the guy could not give an explanation, they had him turn in his van and when he turned his van in. as far as refrigerant, all they found in his van was one of those brand new jugs, empty. You can tell the guy just did not care.

[makinmoney]

I only do it for friends and family.

We do this crap all week, I don't want to be doing this on my days off also. By the way, it's not a side job when your married to it for the rest of your life. We all know what that means.;)

[william antley]

Personally I won't do side work. I do enough legit work every day of the week and get paid well. I have at times helped a friend with very minor fixes, motors, caps, relays contactors, etc. but, they paid for the part I just installed it.
I get asked by some of my employer's customers if I do side work, I tell them no and if they press I tell them what my rates are. :eek: They don't want me doing side work for them then! The usual response is "My brother in law would do it for a lot less!" and I say "Have your brother in law fix it" and leave them be. They never bother me again.;)

[amickracing]

I hear ya! My rates are typically 2x what the company charges.

I'll help close friends and family out, but that's it. I have a hard enough time not getting burnt out doing this for a "job" much less for side work.

[Twilly]

Twilli has side job, gigolo

[dirtyboy103us]

well, you will get a difference of opinions here, thats for sure


after getting into the trade i did them as often as i could but did not take them from my boss or his customers,just friends of friends or family freinds

now i own my own company and here's my take on this

my future son inlaw works for me so i give him stuff to do side jobs, like used fan motors or used compressor's or condenser's but he has to warranty the units not me and its done on his time of course with my truck but hey throw a twenty spot in the tank for gas and if you need a disconnect or what ever replace it.... my rules are easy to live with and its like a bonus for him that i dont have to pay and he also gets the old equipment to scrap for bonus money..... life is alot easier when you have money for a little R&R on the weekends

[oil lp man]

well, you will get a difference of opinions here, thats for sure


after getting into the trade i did them as often as i could but did not take them from my boss or his customers,just friends of friends or family freinds

now i own my own company and here's my take on this

my future son inlaw works for me so i give him stuff to do side jobs, like used fan motors or used compressor's or condenser's but he has to warranty the units not me and its done on his time of course with my truck but hey throw a twenty spot in the tank for gas and if you need a disconnect or what ever replace it.... my rules are easy to live with and its like a bonus for him that i dont have to pay and he also gets the old equipment to scrap for bonus money..... life is alot easier when you have money for a little R&R on the weekends

I hope his customers know he's installing used parts. Otherwise its considered FRAUD.
I'll bet its hard to beat his prices though. Lowest prices in town?
Meet your new low ball competition, installing used parts.:D
Sounds like another reason to explain to your customers why you're more expensive than the guy working out of his pickup truck.

[dirtyboy103us]

I hope his customers know he's installing used parts. Otherwise its considered FRAUD.
I'll bet its hard to beat his prices though. Lowest prices in town?
Meet your new low ball competition, installing used parts.:D
Sounds like another reason to explain to your customers why you're more expensive than the guy working out of his pickup truck.


most of these customers are people that have no money but are down and do under stand what they are getting and are told this is a temporary fix to get them by for a short period, so start saving, but when a new systems is wanted its all ours, when income tax time comes its all ours just have to keep them running for a while and save them initialy or they run to HD or SEARS where they have credit cards and pay thousands extra

[jeremy-lvhm]

Yeah I think we were all guilty at some point of doing them. But like a few have said it's usually because we couldn't make enough working for them so we had to pick up little jobs here and there.

However I do see the problem and understand especially now that I have my own business. You have to set boundaries with someone and make rules. Otherwise you could be liable for something severe because they decide to use parts off your truck, your truck, tools, etc. Insurance companies will go after whomever they think will have the money to pay the bills. It wont be your uninsured employee if they can find a way to come after you. I would suggest if you do allow it with employees that you require them to go get a million or 2 in liability insurance. It's not that expensive. And then make sure they aren't funding the parts out of your warehouse or trucks.:D

[digital686]

The reason I brinng it up is I have an installer that wants this freedom and just curious as to the positionn of others It doesn't have to get ugly. We are all adults.


I would explain to said installer that under no circumstances are they to do side jobs. If they don't like it then you fire them or let them go somewhere else. There is too much liability involved for your company for you to even consider allowing someone to do side jobs.

[wolfstrike]

when it comes to the relationship of side work and the employing company, i believe in "don't ask, don't tell"

:)


(don't be doing that stuff in the company truck though)

[JBM1000]

Twillii, if you look anything like your avatar stick to your day job! Of course my family turned me into a small dog with glasses!:eek:

[okieair]

I have done side jobs in the past for friends and family only. I normally seem to be paid back in meals and baby sitting. I never use company truck or tools. I do however get every piece of material and equipment through my company. I keep a detailed list of every item used, going as far as listing the number of zip ties used not just putting down zip ties. The company has a full awareness of the situation and doesnt mind doing it. I get everything at cost plus 10%. I know what my time is worth and there is a lot of money to be made out there. But after hours its not going to be done by me. I have been with my co. for 10 years now and we are all alot like family in our small community. They don't have to worry about me because I am always upfront with them and it goes both ways. However there have been others that have taken advantage by stealing. They are no longer with us and a couple are in jail. I guess it just depends on the situation whether side work is acceptable.

[Tech Rob]

I don't do much side work, because I'm just too damned nice (or too stupid) to charge people. :D My free time is much more valuable to me than the 100 bucks I could make off of someone by going out and replacing a contactor.

Usually, if something comes my way, I call the other guys at the shop and see if they want it.

[glock36]

Our policy is it is okay for family, but not more than 3-4 jobs a year.
I agree with the other posts...who has time?

My concern is liability, most people that I know don't have their own insurance for side jobs. To me the risk out weighs the benefit.

[Wild]

As a business owner I have a zero tolerance policy for doing side work, period! The company liability is the big issue here. There’s enough risk as it is being a business owner in this trade. Not to mention the wear and tear on the company’s invested tools and equipment, and all the little things that will get taken off the van to complete the job such as fittings, Freon, etc. I spend a lot of money keeping my fleet well stocked and for my employees to be ripping me off behind my back just isn’t right. How ungrateful, they should be happy that I’m giving them a job!

As an employee I do as much side work as I can get away with. If someone gets referred to me and I can go make a G on a Saturday putting in a new a/c, it’s a no-brainer, I tell em my name is Cash. Sure I could make twice as much as a gigolo if I wanted to, but that’d go against my religion. Doing a side job doesn’t. Sure I use a few things off the van but I’m buying the big stuff and besides the boss will never even know those little things are gone. They pay me just enough to keep me around, push off yearly reviews as long as possible, so why should I feel bad about putting some extra cash in my pocket on my own time? As far as risk goes I’ve done hundreds of installations and know what I’m doing, there is no risk. If there was a problem I’d go back and fix it.

I don’t suffer from multiple personality disorder. That’s just the way it is.

[m singer]

My boss doesn't allow it unless it is for family. I am OK with that as long as he has work for me which he has plenty of.

I think that it is reasonable for the boss to prohibit side work as long as he keeps his employees busy and pays then fairly. I would never tolerate being sent home early due to lack of work and then told that I cannot do side work. No boss has a right to stand in the way of a guy making an honest living.

[dad211]

0 tolerance policy where i werk boss feels we are compensated enuff

[aruddick]

After discussion I think we are going to make it no side jobs unless for family. It can only be a distraction from thier real job

[subzerori]

A person that does side work, do they fill out credit apps. do they have insurance, do they have a business license, do they pay taxes, do they carry all the overhead? So if you buy the part from your boss, he bought that part what like 30 days ago. You use it on Monday and get paid Tuesday and pay your boss next week. The boss man has to carry that overhead when in fact you are paid for it shortly. Nothing out of your pocket. You get paid up front then pay for the part without any of the hoop jumping. An honest living was mentioned. So if the job pays cash do the side jobbers claim that on their taxes? So how honest is it really? Just my take on it.

[jimj]

No, but I do. Do not post this again.
(No emails allowed in posts and this is a competitive mag. John was contacted by me about this)

[artman934]

now to all of you that do sidework, whether you skeem parts/ refer/ tools off the company truck, or buy everything yourself.
whether or not you have permits or insurance

if there was some way for the IRS to know you did a sidejob, and make you declare and pay taxes on that..... WOULD ANY OF US DO SIDEWORK AT ALL, unless we absolutely needed to

[artman934]

now to all of you that do sidework, whether you skeem parts/ refer/ tools off the company truck, or buy everything yourself.
whether or not you have permits or insurance

if there was some way for the IRS to know you did a sidejob, and make you declare and pay taxes on that..... WOULD ANY OF US DO SIDEWORK AT ALL, unless we absolutely needed to

the only incentive i can see for sidework (provided you get your 40hr week and make reasonable money for you and your family) is that its extra tax-free cash in your pocket

[jimj]

[
QUOTE=jimj;1685229]No, but I do. Do not post this again.
(No emails allowed in posts and this is a competitive mag. John was contacted by me about this)[/QUOTE]
:o Sorry i did not know you could not talk about a competing mag. In the furture i will only talk about your mag. What was the name of it?

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I thought this is what i was doing. SORRY!

[softtail]

I agree with WILD.

[mustardman]

1

[y7turbo]

since i work for a commercial company, the policy is no commercial side work. I do 1 commercial place on the side though but its for my brother. I dont care what any policy is, i am going to help my brother out.

I dont use anything from the truck, i keep a small amount of parts with me and I even buy my own refrigerant. I use my personal car to go to places, if i need to use the truck, i ask.

i dont see what the big deal is, if you cant trust the staff to not rip off your truck stock, maybe its time to replace some people.

[aruddick]

Its not a matter of trust with us, Its just we buy everything on that truck and I find it hard to believe that everything used on a side job would get reported. weather it is intetional or not if it is not permited then problem solved.

[Wild]

I agree with WILD.

Me to! :D



Just a thought but if you have a tech that does a lot of side jobs (like almost every weekend) is that really such a bad thing? It shows me that this is a guy who is motivated. And hopefully you hire your techs on talent so this person has got some skills as well. And this tech must be a fairly personable person to be able to land so many side jobs. So you have a personable, talented, and motivated employee who makes you money, how is this a bad thing?

I would think you’d want to hold on to this person rather than terminate them with some zero tolerance policy and making them feel like a dishonest scumbag. Instead why not give them the beater in your fleet that’s on its last leg? This way they’ll be using it on their side jobs on weekends and no longer putting wear and tear on your good van or using company gas. And they’ll love you for it! Plus now that they have their own van they’ll no longer be digging for those unexpected needed parts in yours because that one will be parked back in their driveway. Instead it’ll turn into a trip to the supply store where they buy more than they need and start stocking their own van whether they intended to do so or not.

Another thing that gets brought up are tools. But have you looked in the back of one of these vans of guys who are like this? They are using top of the line tools they bought themselves to use not only on their jobs but yours as well. Because having the best tools makes your job easier no matter whom it’s for. And trust me if you show me a guy who is making around 30 some bucks an hour plus benefits and spends his weekends doing side jobs, then I’ll show you a guy who has some extra money in his pocket and an obsession for buying tools.

As long as they’re making you money and not crossing the line too far then I see no problem with it. Just turn a blind eye, which won’t be hard if you’re running the show as there are so many other things on your plate. Like keeping this guy busy with work. :D I know it’s easy to be envious of people who seem to get the best of both worlds but that will get you nowhere. I’d rather embrace it and find a way to use this person in a way that we both win. And if they ever decide to go out on their own with the van, tools, and small customer base they have then I wish them all the luck in the world. Cause things are about to get a little bit tougher for em. ;)

[aruddick]

Ok wild
How many people are in your head and do they ever all talk at once

[phosgene]

:eek:Who has time for side job's.


...really at the end of the day, week, whatever, who has time. If you have time, then you need a family.

[jeremy-lvhm]

Me to! :D

And hopefully you hire your techs on talent so this person has got some skills as well. And this tech must be a fairly personable person to be able to land so many side jobs.



Maybe he can land them so easily because he has no overhead and the savings on parts, vehichle, insurance, etc allows him to make the easy sale.

[a/c-harris]

My boss allows side jobs and I do them. He will even sell me equipment out of the warehouse. I have to use my own supplies, tools, and personal truck to perform the work. The owners basic rule is dont steal his customers, then its not a problem. He started his business by doing sidework for family, friends, and friends of friends, and that is how he got a customer base. Of course my main job comes first, but one day I want to own my own outfit and I will need customers. I am not a threat to my company because we mainly market rich people. I am not rich, and neither are my friends. They honestly cant afford the prices my company charges so they wouldnt call them anyway. I prefer the middle class, they are always more reasonalble to deal with.


If I worked for someone that would have a problem with letting me live out my dream, then I am at the wrong place. He cant honestly believe that I want to work there the rest of my life.

[acjoe]

NO NO, not with my truck, if an employee wants to do side work then they can get there own equiptment, got a call the other day, my brother saw one of my trucks working in his neighbor hood, was news to me, confiscated my truck and fired the tech, right in the middle of a Install.

[bustawrench1]

NO NO, not with my truck, if an employee wants to do side work then they can get there own equiptment, got a call the other day, my brother saw one of my trucks working in his neighbor hood, was news to me, confiscated my truck and fired the tech, right in the middle of a Install.

Typical.

[citywide service]

I have always wondered why there isn't a couple of guys who have a god rep for sheetmetal work go on their own and just contract out to the local companies for ductwork installation! I would think that two guys that were good could start a company and stay busy all the time!

There is a couple guys in my town who are brothers, they work for the same company and do install side work with the company knowledge/blessing and they even use the company vehicles and stay busy to the point of having a back log.

They work everyday and take care of the companies customers first but work like dogs at night as well.


Why don't you guys just contract out some of your installs to the techs who want to do side work? You get the installs and backlogs taken care of and the techs earn extra money. Just pay them say $500.00 for every extra install they do that passes your inspection - The above price is just a number I threw out there so don't jump me on price please!

Just a thought...


CW.

[softtail]

Me to!

Just a thought but if you have a tech that does a lot of side jobs (like almost every weekend) is that really such a bad thing? It shows me that this is a guy who is motivated. And hopefully you hire your techs on talent so this person has got some skills as well. And this tech must be a fairly personable person to be able to land so many side jobs. So you have a personable, talented, and motivated employee who makes you money, how is this a bad thing?

I would think you’d want to hold on to this person rather than terminate them with some zero tolerance policy and making them feel like a dishonest scumbag. Instead why not give them the beater in your fleet that’s on its last leg? This way they’ll be using it on their side jobs on weekends and no longer putting wear and tear on your good van or using company gas. And they’ll love you for it! Plus now that they have their own van they’ll no longer be digging for those unexpected needed parts in yours because that one will be parked back in their driveway. Instead it’ll turn into a trip to the supply store where they buy more than they need and start stocking their own van whether they intended to do so or not.

Another thing that gets brought up are tools. But have you looked in the back of one of these vans of guys who are like this? They are using top of the line tools they bought themselves to use not only on their jobs but yours as well. Because having the best tools makes your job easier no matter whom it’s for. And trust me if you show me a guy who is making around 30 some bucks an hour plus benefits and spends his weekends doing side jobs, then I’ll show you a guy who has some extra money in his pocket and an obsession for buying tools.

As long as they’re making you money and not crossing the line too far then I see no problem with it. Just turn a blind eye, which won’t be hard if you’re running the show as there are so many other things on your plate. Like keeping this guy busy with work. I know it’s easy to be envious of people who seem to get the best of both worlds but that will get you nowhere. I’d rather embrace it and find a way to use this person in a way that we both win. And if they ever decide to go out on their own with the van, tools, and small customer base they have then I wish them all the luck in the world. Cause things are about to get a little bit tougher for em.



I agree with WILD 100%, again. Well stated.

A mechanic that doesn't do side jobs concerns me more - a lot times, but not all, they may be lazy, lack ability, lack confidence, and/or lack customer/sales skills.

Recently, I've noticed a trend that the side job kings are buying their own truck/vans and stocking their own tools, materials, and parts, so they can work more efficient. They drop off the company truck at home and get in their own van to go do a side job.

The same guys buy good insurance because they know it's easily paid for and know they can't afford not to. Smart move.

Some operate legitimate businesses so they can start to write off expenses.

Some actually have more work than some of the "scabby" shops in the area. I'd rather see the side job king have the work and make the money, than the low rent shop that treats their employees like shi& with low wages and low/no benefit package.

The side job guys don't hurt or hinder the companies that pay their employees well and provide excellent benefits, ie, shops that pay $30.00/hour plus full benefits. The side job king is the check and balance against the lousy shops that don't pay the rate.

[temp rise]

though I no longer do side jobs when i did do them i told my boss and gave him 20% after all i did use his truck gas tools some materials etc. etc. that way there was not a problem between me and my boss and we both made money and i still had a job come monday morning.

[aruddick]

[COLOR="Navy"]Me to!


A mechanic that doesn't do side jobs concerns me more - a lot times, but not all, they may be lazy, lack ability, lack confidence, and/or lack customer/sales skills.

Recently, I've noticed a trend that the side job kings are buying their own truck/vans and stocking their own tools, materials, and parts, so they can work more efficient. They drop off the company truck at home and get in their own van to go do a side job.

The same guys buy good insurance because they know it's easily paid for and know they can't afford not to. Smart move.

Some operate legitimate businesses so they can start to write off expenses.

Some actually have more work than some of the "scabby" shops in the area. I'd rather see the side job king have the work and make the money, than the low rent shop that treats their employees like shi& with low wages and low/no benefit package.

The side job guys don't hurt or hinder the companies that pay their employees well and provide excellent benefits, ie, shops that pay $30.00/hour plus full benefits. The side job king is the check and balance against the lousy shops that don't pay the rate.

The only concern is what keeps him from taking the companies customers a few at a time.Then he leaves with 100;000 dollars of your revenue!

[hvacbear]

My boss (Uncle Sam) allows side jobs and I do a choice few. Mostly to help out contractors who are behind or friends/coworkers.

[m-cooling]

My last boss called me to the office to fire me for doing sideline work . He thought I was doing side work . All it did was make him look like an ass because I wasnt doing any sideline work.He said if I find out your lying you are fired . I said w.t.f. Im sitting here telling you to tour face it wasnt me. They were very greedy people. I dont have any employees now that are smart enough to do side jobs.Especially full cuts.

[m-cooling]

I also said who gave you this information,he fumbles around,oh I cant tell you that. All this at 6am . Lets just say they didnt get theyr moneys worth from me for a few days.remember that bill b.?

[bittan]

My buddy does sidework, install ONLY. Guess where this is leading to----if something doesn't work or work right he's stuck. He never learned service. Always phones me and asks if I could take a look at HIS "problem child". Why the heck would I want this abuse? He has burned a lot of friends, neighbors and family members. Just wants the quick buck for an inexpensive install.

[troyorr]

Hopefully you aren't "bailing" your buddy out.

[softtail]

The only concern is what keeps him from taking the companies customers a few at a time.Then he leaves with 100;000 dollars of your revenue!


If someone takes 100k of company work, they deserve it and so does the company, the company is running too "loose".

If you're worried about an employee stealing company work, the employee needs to be gone now, not later, when something bad happens. If you can't trust your employees, then you have the wrong guys working for you. Whose fault is that?

I'm not talking blind trust. There should be enough checks and balances to keep everyone honest.

Even if a guy "gets over" a couple times, it will catch up soon enough. Every dog gets his day. And if it does, the offending party knows it will affect his job, reputation, and relationship with the parties involved. The smart guys won't cross the line. The dumb guys might, but then again, the dumb ones shouldn't be working for you, should they?

If you can't trust your employees, either you have hired the wrong people, or maybe you're not paying a living wage so they have no choice to pay their bills and feed their family.

Personally, I respect the guy that goes the extra mile to make a buck. There's guys I know that put their kids through college with side jobs. What could be wrong with that?

The guys I really respect are the guys that at this time are working for a "scabby" shop not paying a living wage and benefits, or getting a steady 40 hours a week. Can't blame them for doing side work to make ends meet, can you?

[aruddick]

If someone takes 100k of company work, they deserve it and so does the company, the company is running too "loose".

If you're worried about an employee stealing company work, the employee needs to be gone now, not later, when something bad happens. If you can't trust your employees, then you have the wrong guys working for you. Whose fault is that?

I'm not talking blind trust. There should be enough checks and balances to keep everyone honest.

Even if a guy "gets over" a couple times, it will catch up soon enough. Every dog gets his day. And if it does, the offending party knows it will affect his job, reputation, and relationship with the parties involved. The smart guys won't cross the line. The dumb guys might, but then again, the dumb ones shouldn't be working for you, should they?

If you can't trust your employees, either you have hired the wrong people, or maybe you're not paying a living wage so they have no choice to pay their bills and feed their family.

Personally, I respect the guy that goes the extra mile to make a buck. There's guys I know that put their kids through college with side jobs. What could be wrong with that?

The guys I really respect are the guys that at this time are working for a "scabby" shop not paying a living wage and benefits, or getting a steady 40 hours a week. Can't blame them for doing side work to make ends meet, can you?

No employee deserves any of their bosses customers! If he takes them he should be in jail because it is stealing. That should be no different than tools, material or cash. I know we don't own our customers but If an employee on company time is soliciting their bosses customers it is wrong!

I have met a couple guys that make more doing sidejobs(new construction) than their regular jobs, They both work for low-pay companies that don't care enough to take care of employees. And no I don't blame these guys at all. I wouldn't live at the poverty level!

We don't fall into that category. We pay well, good benifits and treat employees with respect. What started this discussion is we have an installer that is doing more and more sidejobs (he uses that money to put his daughter through college). He is usually upfront and gets material through us, but since it seems to be growing we thought about banning this practice. The risk is that he will leave. He does a great job, so the decision to make is; Is the risk worth it and how many of those people will pay the high price of a service/replacement company anyway?

[troyorr]

If you are afraid of losing the technician, because he does a great job, offer him more money. If he needs the money to provide for his family, and the only way is to work "side" jobs, make it worth his while to stop.

[softtail]

No employee deserves any of their bosses customers! If he takes them he should be in jail because it is stealing. That should be no different than tools, material or cash. I know we don't own our customers but If an employee on company time is soliciting their bosses customers it is wrong!

I have met a couple guys that make more doing sidejobs(new construction) than their regular jobs, They both work for low-pay companies that don't care enough to take care of employees. And no I don't blame these guys at all. I wouldn't live at the poverty level!

We don't fall into that category. We pay well, good benifits and treat employees with respect. What started this discussion is we have an installer that is doing more and more sidejobs (he uses that money to put his daughter through college). He is usually upfront and gets material through us, but since it seems to be growing we thought about banning this practice. The risk is that he will leave. He does a great job, so the decision to make is; Is the risk worth it and how many of those people will pay the high price of a service/replacement company anyway?


If he's hitting on your customers while he's employed by you, you need to fire him ASAP. What taking so long?

If he has his own customers, what's the issue?

Good pay and benefits are relative. What's good pay and benefits exactly? Some companies think that paying half for a guys health care is great and $20.00 per hour is top rate. Everyone I know would quit in a heart beat, if that was just mentioned.

I'd let him do as much side work as he wants with his own customers, as long as, he's as good as you say he is. What's his contact info?

[aruddick]

If he's hitting on your customers while he's employed by you, you need to fire him ASAP. What taking so long?

If he has his own customers, what's the issue?

Good pay and benefits are relative. What's good pay and benefits exactly? Some companies think that paying half for a guys health care is great and $20.00 per hour is top rate. Everyone I know would quit in a heart beat, if that was just mentioned.

I'd let him do as much side work as he wants with his own customers, as long as, he's as good as you say he is. What's his contact info?
sorry its been a while on my responce, out till after 8pm all week and then X-mas stuff has had me busy.
He has way too much integrity to hit my customers. He's not that type
In southern IN there is noone that will pay an installer 20per hour.It just don't happen and trust me i'd love too we are already more expensive than most. I am leaning towards leaving this the way it is as I mentioned earlier I honestly think that the people he does work for are too cheap to pay us so it really is not a conflict. Sometimes owners can get a little shortsided and greedy I guess.

[Milk man]

If you are afraid of losing the technician, because he does a great job, offer him more money. If he needs the money to provide for his family, and the only way is to work "side" jobs, make it worth his while to stop.

Now that's just plain good advice.

[aruddick]

If you are afraid of losing the technician, because he does a great job, offer him more money. If he needs the money to provide for his family, and the only way is to work "side" jobs, make it worth his while to stop.

I dont know if money would make a guy stop. Its almost like a desire for the "good money". We all should make atleast 3x on sidejobs than our reg jobs. As far as his regular job' he makes real good money (compared to other shops in our area). He said when hie daughter is out of college he will do no more. He will prob still be here so we will see. At this point I think I can't and don't blame the guy. We all like the gravy money.

[phoenixfitter]

As long as its doesnt interfere with the companies market segment, isnt considered competing for business, and the extra hours doesn't conflict with their employment (working long hours or refusing overtime), or using company trucks and tools we let guys do it.

[m-cooling]

Ive always made what I could on the side. The difference being alot of people steal the tools,materials,etc. from the company. I didnt do that.

[softtail]

sorry its been a while on my responce, out till after 8pm all week and then X-mas stuff has had me busy.
He has way too much integrity to hit my customers. He's not that type
In southern IN there is noone that will pay an installer 20per hour.It just don't happen and trust me i'd love too we are already more expensive than most. I am leaning towards leaving this the way it is as I mentioned earlier I honestly think that the people he does work for are too cheap to pay us so it really is not a conflict. Sometimes owners can get a little shortsided and greedy I guess.


If the guy is making less than 20.00 per hour, how does he provide for his family without doing side jobs?

Try making it on that kind of pay anywhere in the US. Not sure how they do it. No wonder the trade has problems attracting the right people.

This kind of guy is the guy that ends up starting his own outfit to just make ends meet because he can't working for some one. Then we'll complain he's our competition. Who's fault is that?

Seems like a catch 22 that the trade can't break away from. Maybe just the way it has to be.

[marter]

I can understand the bosses point of view BUT how would anyone start their own company, not many people can just up one day and say Hey i want to start an HVAC Company.. with no customer base. Besides you need money to make money right, somehow you need $$$ to fund this new business start up

[Fabrk8r]

I've been in the trade for 20 years, 18 with the same company which closed 2 years ago. The company I work for now bought the old shop and equipment and hired a few of the original shop guys and installers.
The old boss and the new one never had a problem with moonlighting as long as it didn't get out of hand. This is mainly because we do commercial HVAC so our residential side jobs don't detract from his customer base. If anything it probably helps our commercial business because we are able to help some of our commercial customers out with their home heating and cooling dilemmas.

I helped a fellow employee do an emergency install two nights ago for a friend of his who had no heat after the blower motor went south on a 25 year old furnace. Most of my other moonlight installs have been for friends. They know they can call if there's ever a problem with the install or the equipment.
I don't go looking for side work, but take it when it comes as long as it doesn't interfere with my leisure time or if it's an emergency. I prefer to limit my side jobs to friends and relatives.

I keep a list of any parts or materials used from the shop and charge everything out so it comes out of my check. I never use company vehicles if I don't have to, and if I do I ask the boss first (never turned down yet). I always use my own tools and always make sure the job is done professionally and the customer is well satisfied.

[Milk man]

There really is no good answer.

I'm employed, not an employer. I've seen jobs lost to sidejobers. It doesn't matter if the install is put in strictly by the numbers by qualified people.

No legitimate company can compete with someone that does not pay permit fees, business insurance and overhead to run a shop.

And in my area, a guy is breaking the law by not pulling a permit to install equipment. This is black and white. And only legitimate business can pull permits.

I can also see why many want to/ have to fatten their bank accounts by putting in systems on the side.

[Milk man]

Friday I got a call from a single mom that had just had a system installed on a double wide. It worked okay for the summer, but now the blow is amping out.

The home sits on a basement, but still has the high static duct work. An Armstromg furnace was installed by sidejobbers with no warranty. (As a favor since they where her "friends").

I told her I wasn't going to touch the thing, call her friends back.

[marter]

Friday I got a call from a single mom that had just had a system installed on a double wide. It worked okay for the summer, but now the blow is amping out.

The home sits on a basement, but still has the high static duct work. An Armstromg furnace was installed by sidejobbers with no warranty. (As a favor since they where her "friends").

I told her I wasn't going to touch the thing, call her friends back.

single mom ehh
"friends" ehh
she may have wanted to trade

[aruddick]

If the guy is making less than 20.00 per hour, how does he provide for his family without doing side jobs?

Try making it on that kind of pay anywhere in the US. Not sure how they do it. No wonder the trade has problems attracting the right people.

This kind of guy is the guy that ends up starting his own outfit to just make ends meet because he can't working for some one. Then we'll complain he's our competition. Who's fault is that?

Seems like a catch 22 that the trade can't break away from. Maybe just the way it has to be.

Like I said I would love to pay more , But I already charge more than anyone except the one hour guys and they don't pay any better than we do. If there was a way to solve this problem I would be first in line. One problem we face is no license required in Indiana so we have a bunch of cheap companies. Average installer makes less than 15/ per hour. That is sad. FYI we are about 18.

[DragRag]

Being in and around the business for many years I would say a very high percentage of employee's side job. I own my own company now, and used to side job to. You can get a real hacked up, junk system hiring guys like this I must admit. I have seen some of the stuff guys I knew had installed, the home owner can get what the pay for in some instances for sure. I think most homeowners know they are taking a chance on getting a good system for less money when going with an unlicensed installer. On the flip side, no license equals no recourse around these parts if a homeoner doesn't pay you. I got a license pretty early on in my career just to cover myself against just that. I digress, anway, a good guy can still do a good job on the side and stand by it. Question is, do you want your employees moonlighting or not, I never mentiond it to my employees when I had any. It was known amongst my guys that you do not take my truck/tools to another job and use it, that is the way it should be. I never personally used my company rig to side job, ever. Letting your employees do this is just asking for more materials invoices for you, and liability for there mistakes. BTW, I am new here as of about 8 hours ago, just thought I would throw in here for a while and give my $.02.
I run a shop of one, me and my truck, I no longer wish to baby sit another employee.

[durussel78]

Side work is in the eye of the beholder. Busy or not if the boss or company pays enough the employee will usually not seek "side work". 8 out of 11 employees will work on the side for "extra income" if they cannot make it with their regular pay check. I work for a large HVAC company in Michigan and guys will work 20-50 hour weeks. If you work a short week or are laid off I think it is a no brainer on what a skilled individual has to do. Unemployment pays a third if your lucky, and a second job at Meijer pays 11.00/hr. That is fine if you live in a cheap apartment but if you have kids and a decent house than I think the decision is easy. One thing I discriminate against is "side work" in a companies business radius or working on the side for a past/ present customer while working for a given company. Individuals that do that are viewed as direct competition and should be terminated on the spot. I just believe that if you have a skill god gave you than you should use it to the max just do not get in the way of your company!!:rolleyes:

[Wild]

I keep a list of any parts or materials used from the shop and charge everything out so it comes out of my check.
If everything you posted about yourself is true then your boss would have to be insane to have a problem with you doing side work. And since he’s been able to attract and keep such a great employee I know he’s not insane.

Your truthfulness is a breath of fresh air.

[tazzman1945]

I have been it this business for over 30 yrs and have done a few side jobs for family and friends. I have a question for all side jobbers why would you put your 60k-100k job on the line for a few extra bucks? Is it really worth it? Not to me even if I had the boss' permission. Insurance,truck,supplies,equipment,and permits, not worth it too me.

[Milk man]

I have been it this business for over 30 yrs and have done a few side jobs for family and friends. I have a question for all side jobbers why would you put your 60k-100k job on the line for a few extra bucks? Is it really worth it? Not to me even if I had the boss' permission. Insurance,truck,supplies,equipment,and permits, not worth it too me.


Because here in the midwest they are making $31,200 to $35,360. Many would not if they where making 60K

[y7turbo]

Because here in the midwest they are making $31,200 to $35,360.

damn i would never do this trade for that unless its starting pay.

[agentphelps]

NO NO, not with my truck, if an employee wants to do side work then they can get there own equiptment, got a call the other day, my brother saw one of my trucks working in his neighbor hood, was news to me, confiscated my truck and fired the tech, right in the middle of a Install.

I'm sure they love working for you.....Not.
I'm sure your business is doing fine.....Nope.
Dope! :mad:

[agentphelps]

Because here in the midwest they are making $31,200 to $35,360. Many would not if they where making 60K

There it is !! Bottom line if you pay your Employees well, very few will seek out side work.:)

Fewer and Fewer people want to do this for a living so sooner or later your going to have to pay top dollar to keep a tec.
otherwise your going to sell your business, because you can only do so much by yourself :D

[alltexaspride]

i had a boss who stated if you get side work you bring it to me and i will pay you 18/hr to go do it. yeah thats fair i do the leg work you make the real money. if he had said to me, bring the work, you get a piece of the overall action (bonus) that seems more fair. i too would like to retire one day.

i will do side work (licensed and insured) with own vehicle and parts
my main goal in life is not to make someone else rich. that might sound greedy but so is someone telling you not to do side work unless you bring it to them and not give you anything for it, considering you probably found it on your own time.

of course i am not talking about doing sidework for his clients, that in my opinion is wrong. i would also say that most owners, well in my opinion, did it, i mean that they probably had a customer base going when they decided to go on their own. thats like me smoking in front of my kid and then telling them not to do it.

[alltexaspride]

I have been it this business for over 30 yrs and have done a few side jobs for family and friends. I have a question for all side jobbers why would you put your 60k-100k job on the line for a few extra bucks? Is it really worth it? Not to me even if I had the boss' permission. Insurance,truck,supplies,equipment,and permits, not worth it too me.


maybe if more companies offered this or some great benifits and profit sharing instead of trying to line their own pockets off of others sweat than side work would probably not happen. try doing it all yourself. and to be honest some side jobbers can do a better job than some well formed companies. because they don;t have the same cost issues the same issues such as as time and pricing

face it, the so called hacks who are doing this on the side probably have jobs working for someone else. a hack is hack 24-7 if they don't take pride in their work on their own the same probably goes when they are working for you so why are they working for ya in the first place.

[crackertech]

I still say who has the time.:eek::eek:

[dirtyboy103us]

i had a boss who stated if you get side work you bring it to me and i will pay you 18/hr to go do it. yeah thats fair i do the leg work you make the real money. if he had said to me, bring the work, you get a piece of the overall action (bonus) that seems more fair. i too would like to retire one day.

i will do side work (licensed and insured) with own vehicle and parts
my main goal in life is not to make someone else rich. that might sound greedy but so is someone telling you not to do side work unless you bring it to them and not give you anything for it, considering you probably found it on your own time.

of course i am not talking about doing sidework for his clients, that in my opinion is wrong. i would also say that most owners, well in my opinion, did it, i mean that they probably had a customer base going when they decided to go on their own. thats like me smoking in front of my kid and then telling them not to do it.

i agree totaly and you may have enough money and customers to go at yourself someday

good luck trying get these points across to some here, where they think they should make 5 times what thier employee's make because they took all the risks and some how your are not on thier level your a hack

[aruddick]

I couldn't agree more.

after a discussion with our installers we decided to not restrict them from side work, We laid down the rules (not our customers, not our stuff...). We as owner shouldn't keep our employees from extra money. I make more than they do (although I work more. When you own it it is your life) so they can go try to make what they think is "the big money". I did it to get started it sure beats delivering pizza:)

We even sell them equipment and will warranty it for a fee.

[allstar08]

The big question here is what are you guys who are doing side jobs claiming on your taxes? Are you putting the money in your bank account or your mattress? Watch out I have heard of guys getting a 1099 misc. at the end of the year from people they did side jobs for. The best thing to do is ask your employer about bonuses. For example my boss gave me 2% of the total sale price, $200 on a $10k sale, plus I got paid for bid time and to do the job. We all made money and I kept my weekends.

Learn how to work smarter, not longer.:)

[alltexaspride]

I couldn't agree more.

after a discussion with our installers we decided to not restrict them from side work, We laid down the rules (not our customers, not our stuff...). We as owner shouldn't keep our employees from extra money. I make more than they do (although I work more. When you own it it is your life) so they can go try to make what they think is "the big money". I did it to get started it sure beats delivering pizza:)

We even sell them equipment and will warranty it for a fee.


good to hear, you are a rare breed. more than likely, those guys will follow the rules and stay away from your stuff. i know i would....would not bite the hand that feeds in this situation... and would make sure you would get 110% from me when i am working on your time all the time.(of course i do that anyway. never know when you are gonna run into that customer again and its a small community...our trade that is)

[82F100SWB]

I would do side jobs, but, I don't have the tools to do it(Company supplied tools in the van) or the money to invest in buying my own and keeping my own parts inventory(I get 21/HR, but, due to lack of hours, usually only make 34-36K net.) I do a bit here and there for friends and family, but, usually nothing more than a basic nozzle/filter change(I pretty much only do oil heating, no gas here and I don't have any cooling training or license, so I refuse to touch the stuff) with them providing the parts, or maybe a no heat, provided I don't need any parts, if I do, I go through the company and go get my van, and I damn sure don't accept cash for doing it if it isn't done through the company.
With my current finanical situation, I should, but, that isn't how I was raised.
I like my employer and my job, but, I'm either going to have to leave the field or move unless things don't change pay wise in the next year.

[HVACSvc08]

I think that most ppl have different reasons for doing or not doing side work. IMO, if you buy the equipment, supplies, etc. and don't use the companies things or customers what's the problem. Most of us would like to have their own business and most of the ones that have their own did some type of side work at some point. I know the company that I work for most of the customers that we deal with they are "high end" customers and can afford the work but what about the customers that can't afford 5k-10k for a new system, that person that does side work for less money sounds like a winner to me. I guess what I am trying to say is that you have to put yourself in different situations from the owner, employee, customers that can and can't afford the work and then come up with your own conclusion. If you think about it, all of us in this HVAC community, when the smoke has cleared, we make alot of ppl happy heating and cooling in homes, businesses, resturants, etc.

[strotd]

This is a tough question. For years I turned down side jobs as both a plumber and an hvac tech. I work for a mom and pop business now, and my boss is a great guy. we do only residential h&a installs and service. I owe my boss a lot and I am a loyal employee, but the truth is 19/hr in mpls isn't enough to live on. I do a lot of side jobs, a lot! and no my boss doesn't know, at least I don't think so. I came from a very strict commercial background and have only a few credits left for an engineering degree(Electrical) with 20 years of experience to back it up. So I solved my moral problem like this... I do commercial control and chiller work on the side. I have my own truck, tools, inventory, insurance(It's really not that expensive!) and my own website, accountant, etc. Some of these business owners make it sound like owning your own business is the equivalent of parting the red sea, it's not. I make more in 2 hours some days then I make all week with my "real" job, but the day job gets me health ins. and I like working for this guy. I have to laugh now when he tells me, Yeah, we charged 5*** for that furnace and air you put in in 3 hours, but we didn't make that much money. And yeah, I know, advertising costs money too, I have my own.

[coolestacman]

friends and family are the worst people to work for, they expect lifetime warrenty.

[local602]

friends and family are the worst people to work for, they expect lifetime warrenty.

Man is that the truth!:rolleyes: This is the biggest reason I don't do side work for anyone anymore. When I did do some reidential side work, often times it wasn't worth the aggravation. I am one of those guys that can't stand clock watchers and customers who stand over your shoulder. Hence the signature!;):D

I do 100% commercial work and I am paid well, so I don't need side work anymore nor do I have the time. I can't believe some of the rates I'm hearing on here. How is anyone supposed to live off of $20.00 an hour? I personally do not blame anyone making that kind of money for doing side work. However, I do believe that no side job is worth losing your day job.

So, I would keep everything out in the open with my boss. If your boss doesn't allow sidework, but you can't survive without it, then either ask for a raise or find another shop.

[Wild]

I have to laugh now when he tells me, Yeah, we charged 5*** for that furnace and air you put in in 3 hours, but we didn't make that much money.
A furnace and air conditioner installation in 3 hours.




Nice.

[allstar08]

This may not be the case in every situation, but I have found that side work for the most part looks like crap. The people that usually want or ask you to do it are cheap, unless they are family, then they think that they are doing you a favor.:rolleyes: You are better off, letting your shop do the work and get pat on the back, or may be even a bonus, for bringing in the work.

[aruddick]

This is a tough question. For years I turned down side jobs as both a plumber and an hvac tech. I work for a mom and pop business now, and my boss is a great guy. we do only residential h&a installs and service. I owe my boss a lot and I am a loyal employee, but the truth is 19/hr in mpls isn't enough to live on. I do a lot of side jobs, a lot! and no my boss doesn't know, at least I don't think so. I came from a very strict commercial background and have only a few credits left for an engineering degree(Electrical) with 20 years of experience to back it up. So I solved my moral problem like this... I do commercial control and chiller work on the side. I have my own truck, tools, inventory, insurance(It's really not that expensive!) and my own website, accountant, etc. Some of these business owners make it sound like owning your own business is the equivalent of parting the red sea, it's not. I make more in 2 hours some days then I make all week with my "real" job, but the day job gets me health ins. and I like working for this guy. I have to laugh now when he tells me, Yeah, we charged 5*** for that furnace and air you put in in 3 hours, but we didn't make that much money. And yeah, I know, advertising costs money too, I have my own.

Lets see.
Hide your other HVAC job from boss
Laugh at boss behind back
Think you know more than your boss and the rest of us
Yeah loyal. Glad your not mine!
And yeah I know, employees know it all too!

P.S. If you can make that much money then you can afford health insurance. Its only 700 per month

[coolestacman]

three hours for a furnaca and air.

in a union shop that would be dropping it off in the customers garage

[newbeetech]

i would , if it came down to it...... i mean for exsample if i had couple kids in collage sh^&&ty wife and a low paying job. i would. and i do have the above situation. working all day tired just want to get home and relax and all the sudden i get a call from the store down the road , where i buy beer all the time notice what i do for a living and is willing to pay me $60 in cash just to look at his system, loose wire on a t-stat... heck yeaw i would .

[coolwhip]

i would , if it came down to it...... i mean for exsample if i had couple kids in collage sh^&&ty wife and a low paying job. i would. and i do have the above situation. working all day tired just want to get home and relax and all the sudden i get a call from the store down the road , where i buy beer all the time notice what i do for a living and is willing to pay me $60 in cash just to look at his system, loose wire on a t-stat... heck yeaw i would .

Then the store burns down because it wasnt the loose wire on the stat you thought it was and they sue your ass and the company you work for.:rolleyes:

[2hot2coolme]

Furnace and air in 3 hrs...someone's full of $hit.

[Milk man]

A friend was sent to service a boiler. Changed the thermocoulpe and oiled the pump in a little HydroTherm. Everything looked good and left. Boiler was on a wooden floor and been that way for 20 years or more.

The HO smelled smoke and now there is no floor under the boiler. That fast, that simple.

The question is, who would pay for the repair if it was a side job? My friend is covered by his companies liability insurance.

[desroches]

I have done very few and plan on keeping it that way, its just to much of a pain in the *** besides i spend enough time working to be working when i don't have to.... i guess i fall into the i don't have time category.
how ever if it was a nice install, sometimes i find them a nice way to clear my thoughts and really enjoy doing them.
i don't know how many i did this summer on saterdays for the compney i am with just for somthing to do, nice to get away from service for time to time and just do somthing brainless "no offence to anyone".
is it weired that i find a/c installs relaxing?

[orangejohn]

Wow. I left this site years ago after arguments with people about this. I took the side of there is nothing wrong with a guy doing side work and I was beat up on nobody sided with me. I actually had a State license I applied, tested, and earned where alot of company owner where grandfathered into. I've noticed a big difference in the consensus now. Something I see that keeps coming up in the arguement against side work is paying taxes. I find that funny, I've never known a business owner that didn't claim a little personal expenses here and there as business expense. What's the difference in cheating the IRS 30-40k in deductions and just not reporting 10-15k a year in sidework?

[Kelly T]

How do you feel about side jobs? Does your boss allow

The company I'm with now does not allow it, the company before used to give his employees side work.
Personally the last thing I want to do when I get off of work is to go back to work:eek:

[hvac-master]

The general consensus of business owners is to prohibit side jobs. They will provide many reasons and nearly always claim liability and theft among the top reasons. The problem I have is with the contractor that stated that an employee should be happy that his company has provided them a "job".

The problem in our industry is very simple. Many contractors began their business performing side work out of frustration with their employer. They did not agree with how their employer ran a business and assumed they could do a better job. The fact is they make the same mistakes there employer made because neither have been educated in business management.

Provide your employees a CAREER and you can solve your own issues.
1) Pay the employee a living wage!
2) Provide access to the best possible benefits package!
3) Educate your employees!
4) Make the employee feel valuable to the company and realize that JOBS are a dime a dozen.

Provide your emloyees with a rewarding career and lose the "I gave you a job" mentality. This will provide increased productivity, employee retention, and overall satisfaction of your employees.

[dec]

And you will still want to be doing it :D

[freonjohn]

hvac-master What are you doing, trying to screw up this trade?

[desroches]

m

[dec]

Well that coments pretty arrogant :D

[second opinion]

Well that coments pretty arrogant :D

And which "coments" would that be?

[beachtech]

I have done very few and plan on keeping it that way, its just to much of a pain in the *** besides i spend enough time working to be working when i don't have to.... i guess i fall into the i don't have time category.
how ever if it was a nice install, sometimes i find them a nice way to clear my thoughts and really enjoy doing them.
i don't know how many i did this summer on saterdays for the compney i am with just for somthing to do, nice to get away from service for time to time and just do somthing brainless "no offence to anyone".
is it weired that i find a/c installs relaxing?

thats not wierd. i find them relaxing as well, and its something that can be done without thinking the entire time. mind is idle and the sense of accomplishment is there at the end of the job too :)

[sabre11134]

Side jobs, would rather go fishing than do a side job any day of the week.

[Frostie]

The reason I brinng it up is I have an installer that wants this freedom and just curious as to the positionn of others It doesn't have to get ugly. We are all adults.

Uhm... you are FREE! Your boss has no business what you do when you get home at night, PERIOD! You just can't use any of his customers, material, tools or truck because you have to respect his right to the use of his property. If you respect their property, then they should respect your freedom to do as you want.

[Frostie]

Not allowed here, you're fired if you are caught.





Allowed? Do you live in the USA or China?

[Frostie]

Personally I will only do side work for family or friends.

Friend and family don't pay enough.

[beenthere]

Allowed? Do you live in the USA or China?
Companies have the FREEDOM to fire employees that compete against them.

[Roscoe]

Companies have the FREEDOM to fire employees that compete against them.



+1...........;)

[allstar08]

If you have an employee handbook read it and see what it says. If you don't ask your boss. What I would say is I would be afraid of my employe using my tools and parts to install work that may have been stolen from me. If you are in a company van and someone asks you if you moonlight, and that starts a side job rolling, that is stealing work. If your in Lowes getting some parts in a company uniform, the same implies. Family and friends are a different story, because they have known you a lot longer then your employer has.

[fzr600r]

The general consensus of business owners is to prohibit side jobs. They will provide many reasons and nearly always claim liability and theft among the top reasons. The problem I have is with the contractor that stated that an employee should be happy that his company has provided them a "job".

The problem in our industry is very simple. Many contractors began their business performing side work out of frustration with their employer. They did not agree with how their employer ran a business and assumed they could do a better job. The fact is they make the same mistakes there employer made because neither have been educated in business management.

Provide your employees a CAREER and you can solve your own issues.
1) Pay the employee a living wage!
2) Provide access to the best possible benefits package!
3) Educate your employees!
4) Make the employee feel valuable to the company and realize that JOBS are a dime a dozen.

Provide your emloyees with a rewarding career and lose the "I gave you a job" mentality. This will provide increased productivity, employee retention, and overall satisfaction of your employees.


Almost all the companies in the county where I live at pay their techs low. Benefits for my daughter and I were 245 every two wks. Now you can see where everyone (who does side work) is coming from. Remember this: My family will always come 1st thats because who I am. I love my family not my boss.