I just told my boss I’d work for free – was that a really dumb thing to do?

Dear Aunty B,

I’ve just started a new job and at the end of my first week my boss asked me how I was liking it. I was caught a bit off guard by the question and so I told him that I liked it so much it didn’t feel like work and I felt bad I was being paid to do it.

I have the worst case of foot in mouth ever and I can’t believe I just told my boss there is no need to pay me even though this is how I genuinely feel.

I’m really loving the job and my boss is great so far, but of course I want to be paid.

Foot firmly in mouth

Brisbane

Dear Foot firmly in mouth,

I wish my staff would say this to me! Not because I want to cut off their salary but because it’s great to hear of an employee who genuinely loves their job.

Don’t worry, your boss is not going to hold you to this statement and forgo your salary or any pay increases in the future.

I’m sure your boss took this comment in the spirit in which it was made. You probably made their day.

Be Smart,

Aunty B

This article was first published on May 6, 2014. Aunty B is on a short break sitting by the pool and sipping margaritas on a tropical island somewhere in the South Pacific. She’ll be back very soon.