Employee offers to fix store's computer, boss refuses and calls a professional, only to reach the same employee and pay X4 the rate: ‘You fool, I am the professional’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Dec 26, 2024 1:00 PM EST

There is something about having a hidden talent that just makes you… better than other people. And even though it is called a 'hidden talent', who doesn't love it when they get the chance to reveal that talent, and even get something out of it?

For most people, this hidden talent is not that beneficial, it's more of a party trick, like being able to juggle, or knowing how to solve a Rubik's Cube (guilty of both). For a select, more superior group of people, that talent can actually get them further in life, like the person who wrote this Reddit story. 

OP (original poster) was working in a video store, and their 'hidden talent' was tech-related, as they were also working for a local IT company. One day, the video store was having computer issues and OP offered to fix it for a low rate, but their boss refused, claiming they wanted a 'real professional' working on the problem. So the boss calls the local IT store, and who do they send? None other than OP, this time charging X4 than what they offered the boss initially.

Keep scrolling to read about the fallout, and how the boss reacted. After you are done, scroll back up and check out this story of an employee who confronted their boss about their lack of leadership.

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    ' -I -! -1 -│ │ 1000
    via Elnur

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    IT - wasn't good enough... OK.
    via Defiant-1-
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    Way back when, i worked at a video store (think blockbuster). Great job for a kid going. through uni. I also worked work a local IT company doing business call outs/ fix issues.
    via Defiant-1-
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    We got some new owners at the video store. Eventually something went wrong with the cash drawers connection to the PC. I offered to look at it, for normal video store pay rates
    via Defiant-1-
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    ($15 hr or so back then). I was quickly told, no. We will get a professional. Fine, no issue.
    via Defiant-1-
  • 06
    By now, you know where this is going. They call the local computer store. They say sure we will send our guy around straight away. The computer store calls me, I answer, in front
    via Defiant-1-
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    of the new owners, and accept the work. I turn to them and say, sorry, now it's computer Job rates, $70/hour.
    via Defiant-1-

  • I wish my ability to solve a Rubik's Cube could have gotten me a side gig like that, but as I said above, some people actually manage to use their skills for good, and for profit.

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    Edit: (fallout) They accepted the rate and i fixed the issue. Going forward, we agreed to pay me directly at a higher rate, but not as much as they paid via the computer store.
    via Defiant-1-
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    Edit 2: A few questions are about the money. All numbers are in my local currency ($ Australian). The rates of ~$15, 20 years ago is correct.. and taking personal calls during slow periods were fine..
    via Defiant-1-
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    obviously I wouldn't normally in front of the owners, but i knew the caller was going to be about the job they just called in. Hope that clears it up a bit.
    via Defiant-1-

  • While the boss ended up paying much more than they would if they accepted OP's initial help, it's great to know that the boss didn't let this experience affect their relationship with OP. Even better, they got to an agreement that works best for both of them, which is something I wish we could have more of in the workplace.

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    TigerGnome 2d ago. I evil cackled at this... thank you. Were you on the clock at the video store when the IT place called? Cos that would have been extra delicious revenge lol
    via TigerGnome
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    Defiant-1- OP.2d ago To be honest, it was about 25 years ago. So i don't remember... But as I was at the store at the time, I assume I was working (person calls were fine during shift).
    via Defiant-1-
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    donnacus •2d ago • The really sad thing is that while the store owners were now paying $70/hr, OP was probably still only making $15
    via donnacus
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    Defiant-1- OP • 2d ago • Actually the computer store was really new, and I already had some small clients fixing issues. So, it was a subcontractor deal. As the store was new, they just wanted to be able to provide the service. So I
    via Defiant-1-
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    negotiated that i get everything for the first hour, and $50 (out of $70) for each hour there after. Later, they hired more people which replaced me.
    via Defiant-1-
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    Tamalene 2d ago • Did they try to bargain with you?
    via Tamalene
  • 17
    Defiant-1- OP • 2d ago They asked if they can just go back to the previous provided price (video store rates). But as it had been registered through the store, it had to be at their rates. They accepted and paid the invoice.
    via Defiant-1-
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    After that they paid me without involving the store at a higher than normal rate, but not as high as computer store rates.
    via Defiant-1-
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    NoConfusion9490 • 2d ago • Should have been somewhat more than that because you're responsible for it now. If an error of yours cost them money you'd be the one they'd sue.
    via NoConfusion9490
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    Defiant-1- OP • 1d ago I was young (and dumb). Insurance and liability weren't even thought about.
    via Defiant-1-
  • 21
    RealUltimatePapo • 1d ago. Top 5% Commenter "We don't want your help. Find a pro, and pay him 5x the money" OP spins in place "Hi there. More money, please! $ II
    via RealUltimatePapo
  • 22
    SamuSeen 16h ago • You fool... I AM THE IT PROFESSIONAL
    via SamuSeen

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boss workplace-stories tech support employee manager job malicious compliance tales-from-the-workplace technology it reddit story workplace Tech Reddit company funny
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