Mixing employment with neighbor

MisterB · 08-15-2007, 05:56 AM

Sale of my former company has left me unemployed, I have an opportunity to work for my neighbor who owns a small business. I would be the Controller so I would see all the financial information. It offers liberal work hours, casual attire and generous vacation schedule. I am however concerned over doing business with a friend. Both myself and my wife are good friends with them. Our families have gone on vacation together and our children are good friends with theirs. I would hate for this to ruin our current relationship. Who can chime in and offer there 2 cents?

Ed

legion · 08-15-2007, 06:00 AM

Sometimes business with friends/family can be the combination of two great things: something that you love with people that you love. Sometimes it can be a nightmare.

Go with your gut.

onewhippedpuppy · 08-15-2007, 06:03 AM

Good advice above. It can go both ways, only you really know what kind of man you are dealing with. Would he make things personal? Bring work issues into your personal life? Do his philosophies and practices typically agree with yours? Just know that by accepting the job, you are potentially risking the friendship.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

My next-door neighbor is also a very good friend and he and his family are all close friend's of ours and he renovated our home several years ago and all went well. A large sum of $ was involved and everything was great because we each wrote things down. Be sure everything is in writing so it's clear and can't be disputed. Hopefully, this will work out well for you and your neighbor and be a win-win for all!

Joeaksa · 08-15-2007, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

Sometimes business with friends/family can be the combination of two great things: something that you love with people that you love. Sometimes it can be a nightmare.

Go with your gut.

+1 Remember that you cannot get away from the guy, even at home so make sure your gut says that this is a good thing to do.

74-911 · 08-15-2007, 11:24 AM

I was one of 4 equal partners who started a software business in 1978 and we sold it in 2003. When we started out we were all good friends, wives were good friends, we socialized, etc. , etc. Within a very few years all the socializing outside work had stopped unless it was a company function. We had some knock down dragouts at work on occasion but always worked it out for the better from the work standpoint. When you take that home and share with your wife, everything will change.

Point being, in my experience your work relationship will definitely alter your social relationship and that may well alter your work relationship. If he gripes to his wife about something you have done, it will effect your wives relationships and vice-versa. I also believe your having intimate knowledge of the financials will definitely be a negative.

Jamie79SC · 08-15-2007, 11:30 AM

I've worked for my best friend for the last 12 years. It's worked out for me.

gr8fl4porsche · gr8fl4porsche's Garage

I hired a good friend who is still with me after 8 years. Nothing has changed.

I hired and fired a good friend who was with me for 2 years. Had to let him go because he wasn't as good as I hoped he would be. Our relationship has not changed. Our families are leaving together in a few hours for a 5 day weekend at The Lake. The night I fired him, he came to an annual party at my house.

Life and relationships are what you make them. It all boils down to how you treat other people and how you let them treat you. If you do it, make a rule about not discussing work during social hours. Talk in advance about how to handle your departure from the company which will likely happen some day.

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Is the offer that attractive? If there is similar out there, i'd opt for that instead.

Can't undo what's said - that's the problem when you get too close with friends.

If you are to do this - set good ground rules, make sure you both agree the family stays out of it all. Business is just that - business.

rjp

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Get a written employment contract spelling out EVERYTHING. This way there are no misconceptions or wrong assumptions. If this offends him, back away. "fences make good neighbors"

Porsche_monkey · 08-16-2007, 05:01 AM

I gave my retirement investment business to my neighbor. I still regret it. If he weren't a neighbour I would have dumped him long ago. Proceed with caution.

MisterB · 08-16-2007, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RANDY P

Is the offer that attractive? If there is similar out there, i'd opt for that instead.

Can't undo what's said - that's the problem when you get too close with friends.

If you are to do this - set good ground rules, make sure you both agree the family stays out of it all. Business is just that - business.

rjp

I am in need of obtaining health benefits for my family. That's what keeps me awake at nights........