Should I ask to be paid back?

Question

I am a college student and i go to school full time and work full time. My parents own a small business that has recently been struggling a bit. We have had some cash flow problems while working large projects. Over the past few months I have worked 60-80 hours a week. I told my parents they could just pay me regular 40 hours and not overtime for the time being until they had a little more cash. They owe me about $3400 and its been about 3 months now. Business has picked back up since then. At the beginning of this year they also allowed me to move back in with them for a few months for free. Should i ask for the money? I feel like i should not because there family but i really need the money. I worked physical labor and could be working another job. Please help!

Answer 1

Well, seeing as how they're letting you live with them for free, maybe it isn't the least selfish thing to do to let it go. However, if you really need the money that badly, maybe you ought to sit down and talk to them and lay it on easy that you need the money not just be like, "Mom, dad, give me the money you owe me." Talk to them, explain why you need it, maybe they'll help you out. Otherwise, maybe it would be a good idea to look to other sources for a job if you don't want to say anything to them about it and they can't 'cheat' you so to say out of your money seeing as how they're not your parents.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I hate to tell you JT but the answer is no. If you are going to college full time, and stayed at their house for free the following months, then you should not. They are family and if you ask for 3000 dollars then it might put them in debt again which in turn, could restart the cycle. Just move on and forget it. However the next time they need help DO not overwork more than 40 hours a week and if you do, make them pay you outright. I wish I could tell you the details but...I gave my mom over 2000....because she was in a major bind with taxes. I prayed to jesus and heard him say "its only money".
Blood is thicker than water....I also told her I would NOT do this again...and she understood. But it made me feel good as a person to know that I finally have money, to give away to my mom. Karmically it will come back to you. Just move on and continue your college.

Answer 3

Well, its big of you to recognize that they helped you when you needed it....that said. I think you should ask. Maybe they've forgotten, who knows. Just let them know that you realize theyve been there for you when you really needed them, and its coming to a point now where you need the money you worked for. See if they can work out a payment plan instead of one large lump sum. But don't feel bad for asking, I'm sure that with business picking up they will pay you back no problem, and I bet they feel guilty if they havent already

Answer 4

Dude, they're you parents. If they ever did anything besides putting a roof over your head, feeding you and potty training you, then you owe them far far more than the $3400 dollars that you think they owe you.

They didn't even borrow that from you. Just think of all the hours they had to take to help you do math homework because you probably sucked at it.

Answer 5

Never borrow from family. In essence, they borrowed from you when you worked without pay. You borrowed from them by living rent free. Ask if they can afford to pay back the money (even in scheduled payments) minus a reasonable amount for rent. I know you don't want to put them in a bind so don't press the issue. From then on, if you want to help them out, do so only if you can afford not to be paid.

Answer 6

NEVER borrow from or lend to relatives. Gifts are OK. Debts ruin the relationship.

Answer 7

settle for half the difference -- ask they for enough to get you out to the tight spot == your dad may have other things on his mind and honstly overlooked the back pay!!!