Anonymous wrote:I would happily answer up to 3 questions that I could answer in under five minutes. That just seems kind.
Anything that would take me longer than 5 minutes (ie, if they wanted me to do a task, rather than just give a quick "what is this" or "where is this") would be responded to with my consultant rates, from day one. I don't work for free. "Hello Larlo, nice to hear from you. I'd be happy to help with the TPS Reports. My consulting rate is $100 an hour, and I imagine I could complete that task in under an hour. Let me know if you wish to move forward. Hope all is well!"
Once the number of questions got above 3, I'd probably answer two additional questions but slowly. They text asking where X is? They'll get a response two days later.
After five questions, I would very politely decline. "Hi Larlo, As much as I want you to succeed in your project at Sucks A Lot Company, I've already answered five such questions and I really need to focus on my new position. Unfortunately, that means I'm no longer available to help out. Best of luck." If they came back with pressure, I'd go to my consulting rate. "If you really need me, I can help out at my consultant rate of $100 per hour, one hour minimum. Please let me know if you want to move forward."
If you get another question, silence. If you get yet ANOTHER question, block.
Or just do none of this and ignore them because they are getting paid to figure it out. Plus I wouldn’t enter a consulting relationship with a toxic former employer and give them grounds for a petty lawsuit over me not fulfilling their ask. No thanks.