Awkward Situation at work.......help

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Combat squirrel

Combat squirrel

Combat squirrel

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As title, im in a tricky situation at work.

Long story short, I Have recently become an established full time photographer and setup my photo business with a proper studio, this is supported by another local business where it mutually beneficial for me to be in their building and beneficial for them I am there, and who I do photos for also, they have given me very very reasonable rates of rent for the studio setup.

Situation is the manager of this business that's been very kind and let me setup shop here just mentioned that his brother, who is just abit younger than me.......wants to come in and shadow me, see how i work etc and all that......like he told me, he is coming in soon and didn't ask if I was ok with that. His brother is 'well into his photography and digital imaging'.

The awkward bit is .......im not ok with it ...........I have only just setup, im not 100% on all the things and want to find my feet a bit 1st, im also not ok with it as, frankly I worked my ass off for years refining and learning and teaching myself techniques and don't want to 'give them away for free' to a guy I don't know, who is also into what im in to...........i'd imagine given his age (late 20's) and what bits of info I can pick up, he is fairly competent, frankly I don't want to teach others my skills, defo not while im trying to get a foothold on the market around here.

Obviously I could just word nicely what I have written here......but obviously I don't see how it could go down well.

Pickle.

Help.
 
Just say you are too busy or something, you said it is beneficial for them to have you there, so don't feel forced into accepting this kid.
 
:(

Yeah I Just tried to find him to let him know the situation, but has gone (work til very late normally), so I sent this txt, I hope it wasn't a stupid idea :( :

'Couldn't find you in regards to bro/shadowing, I remember you mentioning it but wasn't sure what was happening with that. All it is, im at the very early stages of getting this business moving, and still finding my feet abit, and so concentrating on that aspect of things, so it would be best to leave shadowing for now, but when I get a more established business throughput/work flow sorted, ill be in a better position so will let u know then - thanks'

Did I just end my career? :(

lol
 
Combat squirrel said:
:(

Yeah I Just tried to find him to let him know the situation, but has gone (work til very late normally), so I sent this txt, I hope it wasn't a stupid idea :( :

'Couldn't find you in regards to bro/shadowing, I remember you mentioning it but wasn't sure what was happening with that. All it is, im at the very early stages of getting this business moving, and still finding my feet abit, and so concentrating on that aspect of things, so it would be best to leave shadowing for now, but when I get a more established business throughput/work flow sorted, ill be in a better position so will let u know then - thanks'

Did I just end my career? :(

lol
Click to expand...

Sounds like a perfectly reasonable message to me.

If he gets pushy, let him shadow but just do everything in a different way :D
 
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Should have just said no, flat out - and gave the reasons you did in your OP here. You started off well with your text but weakened by the end!

You're not an employee of theirs.
 
I'd start collecting customer information if you don't already btw so you can inform them of your new arrangement once he boots you out and sticks his "bro/shadow" in the shop instead
 
I'm self employed and dilemmas like this come up all the time. Not exactly like yours, but I mean situations which can put you on the spot without an easy solution.

The fact is you will often face hurdles like this. The best thing you can do is be honest but strong and stick to your initial instinct. It's just good practice to do. Usually it won't lead to long term problems (maybe the occasional short time moment of awkwardness) but honestly, it's better to learn to be strong and stick up for yourself as quick as possible, you'll have to do it again I promise.

Plus, many of the people out there working are as ruthless as sharks and won't / don't give a **** so you'll need to get thick skinned.
 
I think you've said the right/diplomatic thing in this situation. He'll take the hint in his own time and that's always a better way to get bad news :)
 
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Ridiculous for the guy to expect this without asking. You are a business and time looking after him could be money lost.

Tell the guy that your brother is coming in for work experience with the studio and watch his face. It's the same thing.
 
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