I got this email from Louise a few days ago:
I wanted to get your advice.
I recently made a new hire through your site.
I employed a lady and I’m happy with her work.
The only problem I am having is that she is constantly asking for loans and early payments.
This is her latest message:
Good morning, Louise! I’m so sorry for the early message, but I’m in a really desperate situation right now. I just found out that if I can’t settle the apartment payment today our things will be removed by the landlord tonight and we’ll have nowhere safe to keep them! I feel so overwhelmed and have no one else to turn to and I’m running out of time 😭🙏🏼 I’m truly sorry for putting you in this position. I know my personal life shouldn’t be your burden, but if it were just me, I could endure it. It’s my daughter I can’t bear to see suffering like this. If you could please allow me to take a loan, I’d be forever grateful! I can pay it back by having it partially deducted from each payout. I’ve already tried applying for a loan so many times, but it’s really hard to get approved here as a VA since the employer isn’t registered in the country. I know I already owe you a lot and I hate that I’m in this position again, but I’ve asked everyone I could and no one’s able to help! I’m still trying to recover from all the medical expenses, the typhoon damage, and just recently paying for my daughter’s school fees. I’m doing my best to get back on my feet but it’s been so hard! I honestly don’t know what else to do. This is my only bread and butter. Please help us! Im so scared! I dont know what to do anymore. Im so sorry. 🙏🏼
I just don’t know if what she is saying is true. I am worried this will go on and on. She is asking for a loan of $500. I had another VA before for 3 years, paying the same salary, $800 per month. She was a single mum with 2 kids, she never once asked me for a loan or an early payment. My new hire is a single mum with one child in her 30’s.
I mentioned this in a newsletter a few years ago. The same advice still applies: you have to use your judgement.
But I would like to give you a few more thoughts about this topic.
1. If this happens right off the bat when someone is new, say NO.
A brand-new OFS (brand-new to you, not necessarily a newbie VA) asking for money or for a new computer is likely a scam.
2. If you’ve just hired a new VA and they’re asking you to pre-pay for work, say NO. Never pre-pay for work. That’s also a red flag.
3. We’ve helped lots of OFS over the years.
But when we do, it’s because we have a relationship with them. I know them and trust them.
4. If someone is newer (like a few months), you need to use your judgment. How much are they asking for? How good have they been for you?
Sending money when they’re down can really buy you more loyalty.
Plus, $50 to you is different than $50 to them. Same with $500 (even though it’s a lot).
5. Just be careful that this doesn’t get out of hand. If they start asking for more and more money, maybe have a conversation with them about their financial situation. I’ve done this a number of times with my people. Things like, “Why are you struggling so much financially?”, “Where is the money going?”, or “Can I look at your income/expenses? I want to make sure I’m taking care of you.”
I’ve reviewed their entire finances with them. What I’ve found is they’re usually budgeting pretty well….sometimes they just need a little extra help. One time, I found that I just wasn’t paying them enough.
It’s possible this new VA was in such a financial hole before finally getting a job that she’s just desperate and it will subside with a little help. But if it continues, it’s time to really assess their financial situation and financial management.
You don’t always have to help. We haven’t always. But when you do/can, you make a world of difference.
I’ll repeat: NEVER do this with a new hire. A new hire asking for an advance or a loan or pre-payment is a problem.
John