Working World

Dear Jewish Fairy Godmother: Last month I helped a friend with her resume and cover letter. Now she’s referred a different friend to me for the same thing. I work with resumes all day as an HR manager and I don’t want to take the hours out of my personal life to do it. What do I say to this friend and others lurking in my future?   —Exploited

Dear Exploited:

You need answers ready. Say that your life has gotten busier, and because more people are asking for help you’ve had to take a closer look at how you spend your time.

If you’re approached by people you don’t know (or like), refer them to a pro. For people in your social circle you dearly love, do it gratis and assume you have future favor chits. Tell them you usually ask for payback but you’re explicitly waiving it for them. That’ll help keep them from spreading the word too far that you’re a soft touch.

For others you’d help for recompense, tell them your next standing fee is a gift certificate for two tickets to an upcoming show at the local performing arts center, theatre, symphony or ballet. That’ll keep the trade honest and you from feeling exploited. It may also cut down on requests.   

YourJewishFairyGodmother.com: What does she do? What do you need? Motivation. Inspiration. Support. Problem-solving.