Well, it depends entirely on the situation dynamics ... there are those I've worked with in the past that I'd still consider colleagues and friends, and would attempt to provide help and advice for free, just like happens here on this list quite often ... Once it goes beyond providing information and advice (relatively quick) and becomes work, the the facet of consulting would come in, but not before. Beyond simple job references, the concept of collegial alliance can be compelling. I don't know if I feel any loyalty at all for some of my past employers, but I do still feel a loyalty to some of those I used to work side by side with. just my two cents
Erik Goldoff IT Consultant Systems, Networks, & Security _____ From: John Hornbuckle [mailto:john.hornbuc...@taylor.k12.fl.us] Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 1:47 PM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: RE: Supporting former employer The number of responses from folks recommending against charging surprises me. I fall into the pro-charging category. I'm not saying be a jerk about it, but there's nothing at all unreasonable about viewing your time as being valuable. What *is* unreasonable is for a former employer to expect you to work for free (not saying yours expects this-I don't know). If I left my organization, but boss would never DREAM of asking me to help out for free after the fact. If my services were needed, she wouldn't hesitate to get a purchase order processed for my time. I wouldn't charge for answering a few e-mail questions or for spending a few minutes on the phone. But beyond that, I would be inclined to charge for my time just like any other professional would. Any former employer who would begrudge you of that is (A.) someone you probably wouldn't want to go back to work for and (B.) likely to come up with some other reason to give you a bad reference in the future. John Hornbuckle MIS Department Taylor County School District 318 North Clark Street Perry, FL 32347 www.taylor.k12.fl.us ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~
