People On The Internet Are Impressed By The Response Of An Independent Contractor To An Exploitative Client
The Twitter user also encourages others to stand up for themselves.
Some independent contractors learn quickly that freedom comes with a catch, especially when a client starts acting like a boss instead of a customer. One freelancer recently shared how he handled an unreasonable request, and people online loved the way he pushed back.
The story centers on BirdRespecter, a Twitter user who is also building his own PC game and runs a hot sauce company. When an employer tried to treat him like a regular employee, he responded in a way that struck a nerve with a lot of people who have dealt with the same kind of pressure.
The post took off fast, and the replies show just how familiar this situation feels. Here’s how the exchange unfolded.
One Twitter user shared his responses to a manager who required him to attend a meeting.
It wasn't required for him to do so. In fact, nothing in his contract states that he should attend those meetings.
Marc van der Chijs (not the actual photo)The post that started it all
BirdRespecterThat response set the tone right away.
How the conversation went
BirdRespecter
It's this employer who needs to adjust his ways.
BirdRespecter
The context behind the messages
BirdRespecter
People online were quick to side with him.
This is accurate.
BirdRespecter
His posts were also shared on Reddit.
BirdRespecter
The people on Twitter are curious about what will happen next.
BirdRespecter
He's been added to lists.
BirdRespecter
The post clearly hit a nerve.
This is the same kind of after-the-fact mess as the snowy cleanup that turned a $600 deal into unexpected follow-up drama.
The Twitter user didn't expect his post to blow up.
BirdRespecter
Every independent contractor has the power to refuse.
BirdRespecter
The huge takeaway from what happened
BirdRespecter
He's getting job offers too!
BirdRespecter
More people are interested in hiring him.
BirdRespecter
AlexMonson21
Tax fraud committed by employers
jennelikejennay
Another instance of unfair treatment
Stinkie52810949
What 'Please call me' means
TSemanticore
An employer who doesn't understand what freelancing entails
notbeforenoon
What refusing to 'Please call me' felt like
CaliTheHeart
Others are lucky to have an understanding client.
Gramtasm
Exactly.
MegMcA
A short and sweet clapback
NoTixNoLaundry
Intimidation didn't work. And when you think about it, contractors should not be intimidated by such a client.
weinercasanova
Saying no can be satisfying too!
Cpt_Core
Micromanaging much?
daemonite
Middle management is so good at this.
FferrerUdillo
He has been an independent contractor for years. Unfortunately, there are working environments where contractors are expected to behave like regular employees.
Caleb (a.k.a. BirdRespecter) also mentioned that managers usually don't know the distinction between the two. He was able to respond in such a manner because of the position he was in.
However, not everyone is in the same situation. If they want to respond to a manager in the same manner, they must be ready to face the consequences.
He knew exactly where to draw the line.
Wait, it gets weirder: see the coworker who demanded access to a custom tool.
