How can I do with all these requests?
@Sarahliuliwen (300)
China
February 28, 2013 12:42am CST
Ever since I became a English major, especially after I became an interpreting and translation learner, I have been asked for help by so many friends and relatives!
They think of me only when they are in trouble. Like when they need to translate an abstract of their thesis, their personal statement, some product instructions and whatsoever.
Some of my friends often ask me for some suggestions to study English grammar, listening, reading comprehension and so on. And my parents often push me to teach some kids in the neighborhood or those of my relatives FOR FREE.
All the help, the teaching, translation, study advices are for free, and it seems that if I refuse to help, our relationship is impaired, but sometimes those requests or tasks really consume my time and energy, depriving that of my own to concentrate on my own business.
Friends, how can I do with this kind of requests? If you were me, will you turn them down?
3 responses
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
1 Mar 13
On the one hand, I have to say that I would not be able to turn the requests down because of the fact that fulfilling these requests are something that will help you to get experience that will come in very handy in the future when you are looking for employment in your field.
However, if you are fulfilling these requests at the expense of your own study time and things like that, then I would think that you should ask people that ask you to do these things to at least pay you a little bit for your time.
1 person likes this
@Sarahliuliwen (300)
• China
3 Mar 13
Thank you for your advice, that sounds very reasonable:) Currently there are no requests and I'll just enjoy the leisure time;P
@Sarahliuliwen (300)
• China
3 Mar 13
If my friends and family ask me in the future, I'll try to make some difference. Actually helping them with the translation and tutoring does waste my time, but how I'll respond them depends on the situation, and who they are. If they are very intimate friends of mine, I'll help them without asking for anything, anyway:)
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
28 Feb 13
You really have the option to accept or refuse. But if obeying your parents weigh more, then I suggest that you tell them that you can only be available on a specified time. Beyond those times, you need to concentrate on your own thing.
1 person likes this
@Sarahliuliwen (300)
• China
28 Feb 13
That's a good point, thank you Jenny. But I'm thinking about refusing all the relatives, which might seem self-centered, but I really prefer making my own time meaningful.
@Raine38 (12250)
• United States
28 Feb 13
Maybe you can turn these requests to business opportunities? Let them know that you will set up an appointment with them, give them your business card and maybe, put a little subtle hint of how much you charge. Of course you can always do it for free on the first request, but for succeeding ones, especially if the time to be spent with them will eat your money that should have been spent to doing other work, then I think it is but fair that you start to charge them. Make them know that since you're family or friends with them, it will be discounted a lot.
1 person likes this
@Sarahliuliwen (300)
• China
1 Mar 13
Yeah maybe I'll choose to turn it into business opportunities in the future, and give them discounts, but right now I'm thinking, why don't they find some translation companies to translate for them, or find some tutors for their kids, since the price is not much, and why would they prefer to bother their friends and owe others something...
