Ex-employer woes - advice appreciated.

[Nibinaear]

I lost my job a while back where I was working as a Web Developer and ever since them my employer as realised that they need me to do the work as they simply don't have the expertise themselves. They keep emailing me with problems they are having from customers with the websites I built, but in all honesty I'm not under contract, I've left the company and I won't do any work under those circumstances.

I feel that if the site I built has problems then surely I have an ethical responsibility to sort it out? But not unpaid! There's also the issue of getting a good reference.

I have an email to them sorted out but I just thought I'd get a second opinion from some other developers about the best course of action to take.

Many thanks in advance.

[PeejAvery]

It is always good to keep relations with everyone with whom you have worked. Remember that they will be references and referrals for you, as well as possible re-employment.

However, if you are not bound by a contract, or clauses within previous contracts which require your fixing of problems in your past work, then your help should only extend so long as you are compensated for that work you do post-contract.

My two cents...Take it for what it's worth. Good luck! :thumb:

[TheCPUWizard]

Assuming you were a direct employee, you have do obligation. If you were a subcontractor, the circumstances could be different.

I would suggest doing some research to find out what Web Designer consultants are earning per hour in your area. [New York City is about $50/hr for a highly qualified individual], then offer your serives to the company with a written contract covering all obligations, liabilities, etc

If they choose to accept, good. If not, you will have a documented trail, that you offered to address the situation in a professional manner.

(Most) future employers will understand if the reference comes back negatively.

Also note that many large employers (at least in the US) are forbiding the giving of references. Good and Bad references can lead to legal liabilities to the company that provides them.

[dglienna]

Branch out on your own, and contact previous customers, as long as you aren't bound by contract. Who can fix the problem better?

[Nibinaear]

Branch out on your own, and contact previous customers, as long as you aren't bound by contract. Who can fix the problem better?

But I don't want to do the work!

[Siddhartha]

People need to be compensated for their work. Companies cant just hire and fire and then expect the fired employee to do the work he did when he was hired - at no expense. It looks like you now have a good premise to re-negotiate a re-employment (if that is what you want) or a temporary contract with the company as it seems that they need you.

If they refuse to give you what you want, or even if they refuse to respond to your proposal then you can actually give them the same treatment.

If you dont want to do the work, then - ignore. ;) :D

[Nibinaear]

Thanks Siddhartha that really helped. I was peripherally aware that I was in a good position with them and that I held most of the cards, though there is still the issue of a good reference.

[Siddhartha]

You are welcome...though there is still the issue of a good reference.One has to draw a line somewhere.

If the employer is reasonable, he will understand your stance and his reference will reflect your actual contribution - whether or not he accepts your proposal. If the employer is unreasonable, then, notwithstanding all the unpaid effort that you might put in (hoping for a positive reference), he might still land you with none or even an unfavorable one.

Bottom-line is that you should do (and expect) what is reasonable and correct.

[dglienna]

Just don't expect the same down the line...

EDIT: Thanks CPUwiz. Cleaned it up after the fact. Could have been worse! :)

[Nibinaear]

Ok thanks for everyone's help.