Being the family "expert."

M_Six · 11-29-2015, 02:31 PM

Who here is the family "expert" on IT, financial planning, automotive stuff, health care/veterinarian issues, etc?

I happen to fall into the IT/photography category and often get asked to "recommend" a system, or someone sends me a link to a really cheap system and asks what I think of it. I cringe at these requests because all too often I end up owning the future problems associated with the system. Companies like Dell throw out these super cheap, underpowered systems and by the time you make it usable, it suddenly costs 3 times as much.

I'd imagine it's the same with anyone who is considered an expert in their field. I can see financial planners getting buried in requests from family/friends about which mutual fund or stocks to buy.

Luckily I know of no one getting married in the near future, so I haven't been asked to be the wedding photographer, a job I'd never voluntarily do.

Axius · 11-29-2015, 03:06 PM

I used to do all the family car repairs. Then I moved, now I don't get bothered with it when I go back home on trips.

RJ_ · 11-29-2015, 03:22 PM

As an engineer/gearhead, I'm the go to "can you fix this" guy.

I don't really mind it. I'm good at these things because I like them. As for doing work, it's limited to immediate family, which is always free. I'll help diagnose problems for friends, but only a couple times have I turned wrenches.

It's kinda the same with friends or family in banking, law, pharmacy, etc. I have no problem asking them basic advice in their area of expertise, but I don't expect them to solve my problem for me. Just give them the same respect that I would expect.

Lups · 11-29-2015, 03:31 PM

My mom keeps calling me to help her to install Skype.

She is using Skype while tormenting me.

C5driver · 11-29-2015, 03:44 PM

I'm the SME on things that go pew pew. Thankfully, I have a small family and most are antis.

shoei · 11-29-2015, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C5driver

I'm the SME on things that go pew pew. Thankfully, I have a small family and most are antis.

Good ole Republic of California...

F30lolz · 11-29-2015, 04:25 PM

I get asked by family members/people at work about car related stuff whether it be what's wrong, used cars to avoid and how much it would cost to fix their blinker fluid leak.

C5driver · 11-29-2015, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoei

Good ole Republic of California...

We're #1!

wdb · 11-29-2015, 04:31 PM

My answer:

M_Six · 11-29-2015, 04:35 PM

I can see it being especially hard on financial gurus. I'd imagine any recommendation or advice that results in a loss brings immediate repercussions. And yet refusing to offer advice must bring its own set of problems.

RABAUKE · 11-29-2015, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ_

As an engineer/gearhead, I'm the go to "can you fix this" guy.

I don't really mind it. I'm good at these things because I like them. As for doing work, it's limited to immediate family, which is always free. I'll help diagnose problems for friends, but only a couple times have I turned wrenches.

It's kinda the same with friends or family in banking, law, pharmacy, etc. I have no problem asking them basic advice in their area of expertise, but I don't expect them to solve my problem for me. Just give them the same respect that I would expect.

, you're an engineer? That's so cool, I always wanted to drive a train.....

ezndo · 11-29-2015, 05:41 PM

I've got dentistry, car, vet and engineering areas covered in the family. Need plumbing, electrical, lawyer. Applications being accepted..........

RJ_ · 11-29-2015, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RABAUKE

, you're an engineer? That's so cool, I always wanted to drive a train.....

Close. Sanitation engineer... I drive garbage trucks.

C5driver · 11-29-2015, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJ_

Close. Sanitation engineer... I drive garbage trucks.

Nice. I'm a part-timer with the county sanitation district.

PoorLurker · 11-29-2015, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C5driver

Nice. I'm a part-timer with the county sanitation district.

OCSD?

UncleWede · 11-30-2015, 09:33 AM

Where's ideliver on this one?????

upstatedoc · 11-30-2015, 09:37 AM

I'm always being asked to diagnose over the phone or through a text..

CANGRKE70 · 11-30-2015, 10:28 AM

I get all the Credit, Banking and AML/Fraud questions...down to your card not working someone calls me. Fuck off!

CANGRKE70 · 11-30-2015, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

I'm always being asked to diagnose over the phone or through a text..

Do people send you pics of their balls or vag and be like "Is this normal?"

C5driver · 11-30-2015, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANGRKE70

Do people send you pics of their balls or vag and be like "Is this normal?"

My gaydar just pinged

davis449 · 11-30-2015, 10:44 AM

IT in my family. I often consult for their respective employers (with no fee, of course

) in these matters, as well.

CANGRKE70 · 11-30-2015, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C5driver

My gaydar just pinged

people who have gaydar...usually have had some gay in them.

11-29-2015, 02:31 PM	#1
M_Six Free Thinker 16806 Rep 7,454 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	Being the family "expert." Who here is the family "expert" on IT, financial planning, automotive stuff, health care/veterinarian issues, etc? I happen to fall into the IT/photography category and often get asked to "recommend" a system, or someone sends me a link to a really cheap system and asks what I think of it. I cringe at these requests because all too often I end up owning the future problems associated with the system. Companies like Dell throw out these super cheap, underpowered systems and by the time you make it usable, it suddenly costs 3 times as much. I'd imagine it's the same with anyone who is considered an expert in their field. I can see financial planners getting buried in requests from family/friends about which mutual fund or stocks to buy. Luckily I know of no one getting married in the near future, so I haven't been asked to be the wedding photographer, a job I'd never voluntarily do. __________________ Mark markj.pics "There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass." -UncleWede
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11-29-2015, 03:06 PM	#2
Axius Banned 4202 Rep 216 Posts Drives: 612 Scaglietti Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Watch Me NayNay iTrader: (0)	I used to do all the family car repairs. Then I moved, now I don't get bothered with it when I go back home on trips.
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11-29-2015, 03:22 PM	#3
RJ_ Baby-faced Assassin 1203 Rep 152 Posts Drives: when car isn't broke. Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Department of the Posterior iTrader: (0)	As an engineer/gearhead, I'm the go to "can you fix this" guy. I don't really mind it. I'm good at these things because I like them. As for doing work, it's limited to immediate family, which is always free. I'll help diagnose problems for friends, but only a couple times have I turned wrenches. It's kinda the same with friends or family in banking, law, pharmacy, etc. I have no problem asking them basic advice in their area of expertise, but I don't expect them to solve my problem for me. Just give them the same respect that I would expect.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-29-2015, 03:44 PM	#5
C5driver Major 3471 Rep 1,125 Posts Drives: 55...just kidding. Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: 33.6167° N, 117.8975° W iTrader: (0)	I'm the SME on things that go pew pew. Thankfully, I have a small family and most are antis.
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11-29-2015, 04:31 PM	#9
wdb dances with roads 4717 Rep 4,094 Posts Drives: '07 E86, '02 996, '95 Seven Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: the perimeter iTrader: (4)	My answer:
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11-29-2015, 04:35 PM	#10
M_Six Free Thinker 16806 Rep 7,454 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	I can see it being especially hard on financial gurus. I'd imagine any recommendation or advice that results in a loss brings immediate repercussions. And yet refusing to offer advice must bring its own set of problems. __________________ Mark markj.pics "There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass." -UncleWede
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11-29-2015, 05:41 PM	#12
ezndo Private First Class 44 Rep 142 Posts Drives: 2013 E93 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Redington Beach, FL iTrader: (0)	I've got dentistry, car, vet and engineering areas covered in the family. Need plumbing, electrical, lawyer. Applications being accepted..........
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11-30-2015, 09:33 AM	#16
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17963 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	Where's ideliver on this one?????
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11-30-2015, 09:37 AM	#17
upstatedoc I'll get back to you 7556 Rep 2,132 Posts Drives: blue streak Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: not downstate iTrader: (2)	I'm always being asked to diagnose over the phone or through a text.. __________________ 2018 Stinger GT 2009 E90 N51 /Active Autowerke Stage 2 tune/BMW Performance Exhaust/ Countermeasure enthusiast.
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11-30-2015, 10:28 AM	#18
CANGRKE70 ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 814 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I get all the Credit, Banking and AML/Fraud questions...down to your card not working someone calls me. Fuck off! __________________ Peter. Current Ride:2012 Alpine While BMW X5 35i Past Rides: 2005 Titanium Silver Metallic BMW X3 2005 Winning Blue Mica Mazda 3 1993 Milano Red Honda Prelude SR
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11-30-2015, 10:44 AM	#21
davis449 Captain 423 Rep 887 Posts Drives: 2014 Audi SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	IT in my family. I often consult for their respective employers (with no fee, of course ) in these matters, as well.
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