My girlfriend, who estimates insurance claims for homes and then is the project manager when she subs all the work out, has asked me to be her painter because she knows I do excellent work. So, I just finished painting two different jobs for her that required a lot more time and effort than she originally said it was going to be, plus she snuck in a couple of extras that we did not originally talk about either. I know I should have told her that I wanted to see the jobs myself first, but I figured she knew what she was talking about since she's been doing this for so long. Well, now the work is done and I feel I got taken advantage of. How do you quote a job that's fair to the both of us? Also, how can I tell her that I think she took advantage of me without hurting our friendship? Someone please help.

I guess this goes to show you that business is business. You allowed the door to be open by not taking a careful look at the project. The only way to avoid this is to inspect each job, no formula, use your experience and judgement as to how long it will take. Now for your present situation, if you want to stay with her just take your lumps and learn from the lesson. Open your mouth aboiut being "taken" and you'll be sitting alone tonight.

Bob's right on all points. She is just doing her job, what she is being paid for. Do yours and remenber who you are working for.

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