My Kindness is My Weakness

Have a client. For how long, I don't know.

Let's write one blog post a week. Long term. Great. I can't wait to start.

It's WordPress. Can you upload what you write? I mean, it's a simple copy/paste. You know how to work in WP. So, I say, I know some basic things. This shouldn't be a problem. I have already written my post in word, it shouldn't be a problem just to copy/paste it in WP and hit the publish button. Great.

Can you please upload the picture, as well? I mean while you are here doing all the job. That's only a few more clicks. Is that a problem? No, it's not. I will do it.

Can you please look for the most suitable pictures instead of me on these websites I provide the links in my email? That's only a couple of minutes. If we need to buy or pay a membership fee, no problem. Just say it. I will do it. You don't have to do all the work. I'm like being kind. Sitting and waiting how far he's willing to go. The list with the additional assignments keeps growing, and yet not a single word about the additional payments. I wait.

Can you please get in touch with the guy who manages my website? You are already doing all the job. This is the best way to keep in touch. I don't have to be a middleman. You can ask him directly. Here's his email and Skype. Is that a problem? You are so great. I'm so lucky I have found you.

We just updated our website. Some of the blogs are lost. Can you please have a look and upload these posts again? This should be hard for you to do because you have a backup folder in Dropbox. You're a smart guy, I knew I should've listened to you.

That was the moment when I said to myself, you aren't being kind, you are stupid. Some people think that kindness is the sign of weakness. Obviously. They are taking the advantage of the situation shamelessly and restlessly. I have waited for a client to say, wait I should be ashamed of myself. I should offer some in return. No, the way I see it, he was thinking, as long as he isn't complaining, I'm asking, I'm winning.

I know what you are going to say. You should have said something when he gave you the first additional assignment. That was the right moment to discuss the new situation. New work. New payment. I know. Yet, I didn't want to, what's the right word for it? A huckster? Is that the right word? I wanted to show that appreciate both the client and the work given. What did I get in return? Unpaid hours. So, I think it's about time for me to write an email or have a Skype call. What to say?