Unrealistic employment expectations

I've just met with a 'youngish' landscaper this morning who wanted a job. He had relevant credientials so I arranged to have a chat to see what he has done, what he was after etc. The reason for this post was his 'expectations' and attitude. Having been self-employed he had insufficient work lined up, especially for the winter, so wanted to go into 'employment'. Outside, he had a very smart vehicle (read that as "midly expensive"). I discussed his approach to work & was surprised by a totally flippant attitude to the estimating and pricing of his previous work. He mentioned he wanted to carry on with a few 'private' client's landscaping jobs (using our vans/gear ?).....That set the alarm bells ringing for me. The piece de la resistance, was his total inability to understand that his current rate would not be the basis for his employed salary, ie he expected me to pay his houy rate, ie he was looking for > £18 per hour or £150 per day (mmhh quick sum -> 2080hrs * £18 per hour = £37440 pa !), yet we carried all his costs & liability. He said his goal was to earn £25 per hour but couldn't make this rate work self employed, hence why he was looking for an employer. Am I missing something here or what ? I suspect I won't be offering him a job.

Replies

PRO

Geoffrey King October 9, 2010 at 12:43pm

Maybe he should take some time out to read some threads on the LJN, especially yours Gary and maybe he might get a better grip on his reality.
Dan Frazer Gardening October 9, 2010 at 12:53pm

The word 'lazy' strikes me here. He wants a good self-employed wage but is too lazy to work hard enough to get it by upping his image and standard of work. He doesn't realise he'll never get it! Did you mention most employed landscapers tend to get paid £60 a day or so?
Fenlandphil October 9, 2010 at 1:24pm

Did he ask you to supply the Brasso to polish his neck with as well?
PRO

Gary RK October 9, 2010 at 1:32pm

;-))) I think it would have sailed over his head, being so full of himself

Fenlandphil said:
Did he ask you to supply the Brasso to polish his neck with as well?
PRO

Gary RK October 9, 2010 at 1:49pm

He'd had a series of jobs, in the beginning non-landscape related, but had 'worked' for himself for the last two years.

It's hard, someone applies, mentions and hits a few key areas, so you do due diligence and check 'em out.

If he had been suitable I would have asked him to confirm all his 'details' & past experience in a letter or employment form, because you just know that if you don't get it written down by them it will come back and bite you..

In this instance, it was no-goer. I suspect he will bounce from job to job and employer (if anyone takes him) to employer...
Matt October 9, 2010 at 3:45pm

Ask him for a job yerself at that rate!