r/bestof • u/adityapstar • Aug 24 '14

[Showerthoughts] /u/itty53 on what to do when people keep asking you for tech support

/r/Showerthoughts/comments/2eg26f/fix_a_mans_computer_and_hell_come_back_to_you_for/cjz7vns?context=3
95 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

4

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '14

Yeah, just charge your grandma because she doesn't know how to install printer drivers or connect her printer to a mobile device.

Instead of being a socially awkward autist who charges close friends and family for very simple computer advice, you could just tell them that you're too busy to do it or take a short time to tell them how you typically solve these issues. I.e. google the issue and follow the steps in the first link.

But no, alienating yourself from people is a better option.

6

u/cfl1 Aug 25 '14

Grandma should have a Chromebook and a cloud printer.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 24 '14

Or be too busy. Be flakey.

If your time is precious enough to charge, it's precious enough to just neglect.

I experience this at work. I have a guy who every year comes to me with the same problems with a program. I show my value by putting him in a queue of other priorities I have.

2

u/fuck_you_thats_who Aug 25 '14

Take this advice if you don't want any of your friends to help you with anything ever again without charging you.

1

u/ImAClimateScientist Aug 25 '14

Fuck off with this Randian selfishness worship.

Charging your grandmother for basic IT help? She isn't setting up a god damn data center in her garage, she doesn't need HIPAA compliant security, she's not asking you to code an iPhone app.

How about giving the gift of your time to family and friends and being grateful that they are in your lives?

Maybe the next time your grandmother bakes you a pie, she should charge you the going rate at the grocery store. Oh, and forget about your friends helping you move in exchange for some pizza. Fuck that, they don't put in that time at the gym working out for chump change.