Should I continue on this work? / myLot

Argentina

September 5, 2010 1:35am CST

Hi MyLoters I have this situation recently. I was working on a small software development firm as a freelance programmer (that is, programming in my free time, with no fixed schendule). Everything seemed to be working well, I was working peacefully, delivered my work on time and shape, and being payed every month. Everything well. But, some months ago, they simply "dissapeared", I sent by email a job I've done, and asked they to test, as it was usually. They never replied. I've sent emails, called them, and nothing, no responses at all. So, how was the result of my hard work? And where is my payment? Some months have passed since then, and I forgot about them (and my money). Until now, a few days ago, I received an email from them. They asked me to continue the relation, apologizing for the long time passed, and giving me the missing payment from that time. I have meet them, and apologies appart, they give me my pending money, and asked me to continue working. I still not confirmed them anything, so I'm asking you, MyLoters, what should I do? Continue or not? Sorry for being too long, but it was a long history after all. Happy MyLoting

1 person likes this

9 responses

thebest1

@thebest1 (658)

• Romania

5 Sep 10

Hi,RamRes and welcome to myLot! Maybe they have some problems for few months(but be honestly...at least they can be give you an answer to your e-mail).If you earn enough money from them...why stop here?Coz they don't answer you?Maybe you can negotiate with boss and ask him to get a % in advance or a weekly payment...i don't know,something like that! Good luck and all the best!

mimining

@mimining (203)

• Philippines

6 Sep 10

I agree. They've paid you but only after several months. Something happened out there that you know not of. The reason they got back to you is, they still need you. Just be wiser this time and ask for an advance or send them the job in a staggered fashion, so you get to be paid as you work, and not on a one-time pay or no pay scheme. Besides, they've already known you and your work, so it should not be a big deal to assert your stand.

RamRes

@RamRes (1723)

• Argentina

8 Sep 10

Thanks you for your comments. The only "excuse" they gave me is that they has problems with some customers and the project was temporarly suspended due to lack of customers. They are now returning to it and asking me to continue, and even are testing the last changes I've made. But, I can understand that they may have financial problems or lack of customers, everyone may have that, but what I can't understand is the lack of responses, it's not too hard to send an e-mail asking me to wait a few months. At least I know what's happening. I don't know for sure what I'll do, but of course a change on my own policy is needed, maybe not send anything before get pay or something like that.

phaitn

@phaitn (13)

• Hong Kong

5 Sep 10

Hello RamRes, I think you should ask them the reason why they disappeared like that?I their reason is acceptable to you, you should continue your work if you still like doing that work. Otherwise, you can refuse if you feel that they are dishonest.Goodluck to you.

RamRes

@RamRes (1723)

• Argentina

8 Sep 10

I've asked and they responded me, but the explanation was not too clear, they said they has problems with customers, so the project was stopped, and they called me after the problems were solved. All that don't explain, however, the reason for they "forgot" to at least e-mail me in all that time.

sona22

@sona22 (1430)

• India

5 Sep 10

It's unethical. But I think you should continue the work with a little change in your software. I know a man who develops software and delivered it with a key in his hand. After a certain period the software will not work properly. He modify it only after getting the full payment. So no one can cheat his payments. You can think on this line if your job nature suits it.

RamRes

@RamRes (1723)

• Argentina

8 Sep 10

Thanks for your comment. I've thinked of that, but it don't apply to my work. What I do is to modify a program that is already made by them, they have the full source code that gave to me to make the changes, but the program is theirs. What your friend did is for sure the best, but i can do it only if the soft is mine and I sell it to them. But it's not the case, I'm their employee and work on their program, not their vendor that give my own program for they to use. But a very good advise to have for the future if I got another job type.

Iequate2

@Iequate2 (280)

• United States

5 Sep 10

Hello RamRes, I hate when that happens. You seem to very conscientious about your work too. I would not continue. However, if that is your only income at this point, perhaps you can get a retainer up front to continue. I am certain that as a programmer you will find more work. Best Wishes :)

priyayogi

@priyayogi (222)

• India

5 Sep 10

ya,i should continue my work.when i m getting mood upset that time i m in silent mode and then i go and do my work again.this is the eality of our life.so everyone take our life be very cool.and they can do our work properly so that they can get our blessings into god.

cinjhoxmyltc

@cinjhoxmyltc (334)

• Philippines

5 Sep 10

For me, I think I'll continue working with that work. Even there were problems sometimes with the payments but still you should hope that this work will push through. As a friendly advice, you should not focus more with this one, instead, you will work for more earning oppurtunity.

@sona22 (1430)

• India

5 Sep 10

candyfairy21

@candyfairy21 (2039)

• Philippines

5 Sep 10

Seems so unethical for them to just drop off from the face of the earth! My personal opinion is that after you get your pending payment do not transact with them again. It could be at the next time around they will no longer contact you and pay you. Just to be on the safe side though.

jailo12

@jailo12 (332)

• Philippines

5 Sep 10

Don't do it, they failed you once then they can do it again to you. You better not continue your relation with them. You have no security that they will do their part and pay you as they have to. Take time to think, after all it depends on you if you want to continue your relation with them or not. Be wise.