Work worries
I basically freelance. I had worked for one company, but they give me work at the last minute. Last spring, the hours were way down and I panicked. This year, I accepted work from various other companies and now the first company is mad because I told *them* at the last minute (I just got the other work today.) I appologized and let them know that it was because last spring's hours were down so much and I don't know how much work I will get from them until the last mimute. I asked them what we could do to prevent that from happening in the future.
Of course, I'm anxious. What do they think of me? Will I be on their blacklist now? Was it worth going with other work? I was all Miss Loyalty to them until last year when the hours dropped like a stone.
@fearlessOak3002
You did nothing wrong. You took steps to secure work based on known history of hours reduction. It doesn't sound like you committed to something with the first company and left them hanging.If I'm understanding you right, you simply communicated that your availability would be more limited because of other work commitments.
You are entitled to prioritize your financial security. No one would do any different. If they try to blacklist you, you can simply explain that. It's more than reasonable and people will understand. Don't worry too much about loyalty. Business doesn't work that way. You offer a service and you get paid for it. There's nothing personal about it.
As far as avoiding this in the future, you can go to your company and say, "I want to avoid any more misunderstandings. Please let me know how many hours you anticipate being able to give me in the next quarter and I will commit to reserving that for you."
Or something like that. No blame or emotion necessary.
@Mirea, thank you. It's hard to navigate this type of thing, for me.
@fearlessOak3002
I agree with @Mirea. And I also think it was very great of you to take the steps necessary to secure yourself. If you ever want to chat, feel free to message me. Also, thanks for sharing your story :)
Thanks, @SimpleOwl.
@fearlessOak3002
Hello! I freelance from home due to my social anxiety...and it seems like you did nothing wrong. The meaning of freelance is that you are not an employee who is paid benefits, social security tax, and Medicare for...therefore, they can't stop you from working for other people. This company seems selfish (If I may say so) as it seems that if they really cared about you then they would make sure you have enough hours in to provide for yourself (as you seem to be very loyal to them) or to let you work for other companies. Just like if you work at a place that you have to show up for work, they can't stop you from working a second or even third job. So no you did nothing wrong:)
@patientFriend96, thanks. I don't get benefits from any of the places where I work, but this particular company does take out taxes. Anyway, I ended up taking a job with them that will be VERY challenging. I hope and pray that I am up to the challenge--I know I'll learn a. lot regardless.