Good day ladies and gents.
That’s my situation in a nutshell. I had my only employee call me just after lunch yesterday to let me know he was leaving early to go help a friend finish a painting job.
Now for some details. It’s just myself and him (journeyman and 4th year apprentice, and a friend for the last 17 years). We are absolutely swamped right now with a few houses on the go. I worked through my weekend because I’m trying to get us caught up. I have him working another jobsite, and I’ve already been getting rode pretty hard to hurry up and finish rough-ins so drywall can start.
I let him know on the phone that I was not happy with this decision, but I’m hesitant on what my next step should be.
What say the masses?
Agree with top comment on having another guy in place. But I also understand the challenge around finding qualified people these days. Clearly there is incentive for him to leave and go elsewhere, what is it? Better pay? Under the table? Pay on day? Regardless figure that out and decide on whether you can offer better since he is so valuable to you. If he is a friend and loyal employee he should be willing to have this conversation with you
His incentive ism he’s the only employee, OP is screwed without him and he wants to earn a big extra, so is pretty much doing as he pleases.