[Kistle]

Grady,

I would definitely help him get a job. That is something you can do for anyone, especially a friend or someone that you have some level of attachment to. A job is a gift that you can give him, and then watch to see how much he respects and takes care of that gift. I would set that expectation up front. If he demonstrates that he respects and takes care of what you give him, then I would say you have something worth working on. If he disrespects the job (and thereby, you), then you know what the next step is.

As for short-term assistance on housing / living expenses. I would do it with the verbal agreement that it is a loan. You obviously must be willing to lose this money in the event of a breech, but again, you will know soon enough what his intentions are. If he doesn't pay you back after he gets paid from the job that you assisted him in getting, dump him. Either way, he will get a great lesson, and you will have done "the right thing". You will sleep well at night knowing that you gave someone the chance to make something of themself. If he chooses not to, you still did something good by providing the opportunity.

These things are tough, but if you keep the right perspective, you will know you are doing the right thing, regardless of what his choices are.

Either way, good luck.


JA