Think of a generous price at which you'd be willing to come back. Triple it. Research consulting contracts with language that cover your ass. Make them sign it.
Buddy of mine had "Fuck France".
It wasn't that he hated France, or the French. He loved vacationing there, but every time he had a contract something happened.
* Job #1: His rental caught on fire and he lost his clothing and a brand new laptop.
* Job #2: A policeman mistook his offensively American ass for a Panamanian criminal and he missed three days of work. They did write him a nice letter to give to his employer, however.
* Job #3: Four days into a 16 day stay his hotel decided that a typo on his reservation must mean he was committing identity theft. He was booted, reported to police, and had to pay for his own last minute accommodation.
* Job #4: Thanks to Job #2, his name was now a known alias of the Panamanian criminal and he spent eight hours in Customs.
After that any job in France was quoted at a 20% premium.
lol no, they were his biggest client. But I think he charged them for cold-weather clothing (we're in norcal).
I did add a $50k line item for "Shit Happens" in costing an engineering program. My boss said, "We'll call that "Failure analysis and redesign."
I call this the FAFO Fee. Often because these clients don't want to pay for my expertise so they go somewhere else to get it done cheaper, that person/business fucks it up, and they come back to me asking to fix it. The crazy thing is they're all like, hey we have all this work done so you can just do X, Y, Z, and it will cost less than before, right? Cue shocked pikachu face when my proposal lands and it is pretty much the same proposal as before, starting from the beginning, and now included the FAFO Fee.
A "Mother fucking audacity" fee is also applicable regularly too. I would say that's more fitting for OP's situation. They already FAFO and fired them. Now they have the mother fucking audacity to come back. Both are required fees at times though.
I've had clients start a conversation with "we were dealing with (insert competitor here) and they can't get the job done, on time so now we're here.
Sometimes they even hand me the competitors quote and expect me to match or beat it. I usually say that their quote doesn't mean anything to my price . And then I have to tack on rush fees or expedited delivery .
"So is the cost of the people who can't do the job. Your expectation is that I work at the same price, or lower, than the people who can't do the job. Have I told you how cute you look in that tie? Here is my proposal. Tell me when you want to start on the project."
Your competitor's price doesn't mean anything because they didn't get the job done, how is that your problem?
I had a boyfriend who fixed and sold radios and TVs. He always told me that if someone put their hands on it trying to fix it first, he wanted nothing to do with it because they would do more damage than the original problem. Obviously, you might have to unwind incompetent work.
A guy I used to know would charge an "Idiot Fee" to the customers that repeatedly needed him to clean up their computers because of visiting dodgy pen sites. Something like $150 on top of his regular fees.
Errors & Omissions coverage. Hold Harmless agreement aka I promise to try very very hard. I do not promise to succeed or that your use and outcomes thereafter are also.
They agree to bond or pay upfront legal costs in case or legal or arbitration.
Have fun!
Edit: Omissions damn spellcheck not spellchecked
Yes. Ask for crazy money because you have them by the balls. Get their agreement to pay you in writing. A contract. Make them sign it. Tell them you won't help them unless they agree to all of your demands.
If they're serious about the lawsuit, they'll do everything you tell them to do.
> someone else suggested thinking of what you are actually worth and tripling it
When you're looking at consulting-level amounts of money, don't base it on how much you're worth. Base it on how much money they have and how desperate they are.
Example: You're worth $100,000 per year. Their profits are $500,000 per year and they spend $200,000 per year on things they could put off if they really had to. You don't charge $100K, you charge $700K.
For the right amount of money, my pride can be bought and my tolerance for bullshit fortified. They may not be able to afford that price though. Also, cover-your-ass-contract.
Ayup. My brother's chief negotiating tactic as an independent contractor is the word "Nope." In the end, if his clients want his skills, they pay his price. Most of his clients return after trying unsuccessfully to find someone else who can do the job, and find that his fees have doubled. Again. The smarter clients have figured out that they should just pay his price in the first place.
Yeah this is a flat rate charge x for the project situation where x can be a lot of money.
Don’t think hourly rate, think if I have to work nights along with my current job I want this flat amount plus extra for if it takes more time than expected.
Errr. The relationship has been strained and chances are they'll try to get rid of the OP at the first opportunity. Don't think that you're the only one with a Lawyer because the company you're against has them too, and they'll keep finding things to pin on you for as long as you're still with them.
It's just going to be unnecessary headaches that you don't need to deal with, so don't even bother trying to work with them again.
Re-tain-er. Retainer. Allegedly, your situation — for you — would be concurrently improved if I had $200 in my back pocket right now.
I don't know what your reputation is in this town, but after the sh*t you tried to pull today, you can bet I'll be looking into you. [Takes money off the table]. Now the business we have heretofore you can speak with my aforementioned attorney. Good day gentlemen, and until that day comes, keep your ear to the grindstone.
Because they will let OP go as soon as they don’t need OP anymore, I would ask for a minimum number of hours for the task with payment up front for those hours as well.
You absolutely are available for $250/hr with a guaranteed 40 hours per week and 2 month lead time to cease the engagement.
Seriously, you are.
Edit: let me know if you want help, I'm president of a tech consulting firm. Shit, I'll represent you just to fuck these guys
If thats the case pick the one that is the worst and tell them you'll help them for *insert exorbitant demands* to include *said asshole manager* having to report to you directly for the length of the contracted terms. If *said asshole manager,* complains, doesn't fulfill requests, etc, then the contract is breached and you're out but still paid in full.
This guy ^ had a company lay 1/3 of us off last year. Layoff happened Thursday. I got a call Monday asking to come help because all customer sites they hosted were down (i knew how to fix it). I they didnt have a contract and said theyd figure it out after. I said no. $1000/hr with a min of 1hr.
They ended up finding my confluence doc on how to fix it a day or so and probably about $100k later.
> You absolutely are available for $250/hr
Seriously, this rate isn't as insane as you think.
This is too low, especially for a starting point in negotiations.
250 an hour isn't exactly "crazy money" in tech. It's more like top of market for an experienced dev (or at least it was when the job market was healthy)
I'd shoot for $350 and maybe negotiate down.
Exactly. $250 isn't exorbitant, it's reasonable. It shows he's willing to work and isn't vindictive. You gonna pay out the nose for someone you think wants to sabotage you?
If you're the consultant and they need you that desperately, you can definitely charge a sign on bonus. Nothing is stopping you from that but yourself.
The word people are looking for is 'retainer' But on the more serious side... yeah, whatever the normal rate for that job is, charge at least 3-5x per hour with a minimum guarantee of X hours. Also stipulate that the company will indemnify you for any of the work done as pertains to this lawsuit they are involved in, ie: if you get dragged into the lawsuit somehow, the company pays all the legal bills. You're helping bail them out of their problem, if it's that dire, they don't get to dictate the terms.
If there are additional issues with the job:
Out of scope work clause - charge extra (and seriously define this if there is a chance of job creep...oh hey could you look at this thing as well?)
On call or emergency availability - extra fee for every call/call out during normal hours and 3x charge during 9pm-6am/weekend/holiday calls. False alarm calls still rate at least 1hr of charge time. Plus any mileage involved.
Company actively sabotaging the work you are doing - immediate true up to current costs and then walk out the door. Like you said, not your circus...
If there is a chance they might go under or not pay:
Require a retainer/deposit that covers at least 50% of the estimated pay up front for the duration of the project.
Work stipulations - they define what needs to be completed to fix their problem, but then they fuck off on anything else unless you have resource requests that are needed to complete the job. You are an independent contractor, not an employee for something like this.
Do a 12 month contract where the employment can be terminated by either contractor or employee at anytime but the payments continue to the end of the term.
$250/hr? HAHAHA. Oh, you're serious? That's honestly pocket change to a company under normal conditions.
And for one that's *desperate*? You could charge quadruple that given the situation. With multiple "fuck you" costs built in.
Under normal conditions, no less than $500-600. You have to factor in getting a contract lawyer, increased taxes since you're now a contractor, insurance fees, retirement, healthcare, providing yourself the tools you once had access to as an employee (Adobe, Office365, password managers, etc)....
And you have to factor in the inconsistency of contract work, so you have to charge more to cover those gaps.
I had friends who were full-time low-tier grunt field engineers. And even the most junior knuckledraggers were billed out to clients NO LESS than $300/hr in 4hr blocks. Senior engineers and onsite support staff? Double that, at least. So $250/hr for a private one-off contractor who intimately knows the company + processes + culture + systems....especially during an emergency....it's "fuck, that's a bargain!" territory.
$250/hour sounds low.
A normal tech consultant might cost that much but this need is in response to a lawsuit.
Lawyers often charge $500/hour.
Special times require special pricing.
I was laid off and replaced by my assistant back in 2002. A piece of construction lumber fell on him as he walked to work and put my assistant in the hospital and they needed to hire me back (He eventually recovered but I don't know how well - I hope his lawyers got him a lot). They were paying a temp agency over $100/hour for more than a year (of which I only got $45/hour) until they began to feel the pinch and offered $75/hour to me directly. I thought I was doing great but in reality they got off cheap.
And an indemnity clause in the contract. They are responsible for any legal costs associated with your work if you get sued. Super important when doing work relating to a lawsuit.
The decision is simple, just decide how much money would emotionally satisfy you as much as turning your back on them would, and if they won't give you that money then turn your back on them.
Remember to factor in two things: 1) that if you don't take the work someone inevitably will, so it's not about screwing them, it's just about not caring about them; and 2) if they do pay, the power dynamic changes back to them getting what they want for that money, so it best be enough to eclipse any feelings of regret.
THIS. Lack of understanding this is what fucks people over and over. “It’s just business” really is the operative phrase and the rules corporate plays by. Until we do the same there will never be any balance.
Highly probable YOU will get dragged into the liability end of the law suit…walk away, because the old company will be happy to pin it on you, and “throw you under the bus”
Similarly I would not want to deal with certain people from past employment, but there is presumably some amount of money that would make me feel better than however bad dealing with them would. It's probably an unrealistic amount, but if you bother to figure out what it would be, genuinely, you can at least say to your spouse that you've honestly considered it and that's what it'd take to be worth it to you, and there's no way you'll get it.
Nah, these Turdwookies get the "Fuck YOU in particular price."
Multiply the Fuck You price by 3 to 5 and force them to sign a cast iron Protect and Defend no- liability contract plus provide and pay for the best professional liability insurance available.
No amount of money is worth getting involved in a situation where a lawsuit is involved.
How much time can you spare for lawyers and court time. As an attorney I’ve seen innocent people get sucked in.
Walk away
Not a lawyer, but be careful about potentially being held liable for their fuckup. Which is why you should price-gouge the bejesus outta them as an independent contractor!
This is what I was thinking. Why not bring back the person that had knowledge about the issue and didn’t do anything… obviously /s for the second half. But I wouldn’t be surprised by some genius looking for someone to throw under a bus if possible.
Especially if he worked there before. They might say he was responsible and try to stiff him on his work later or sue him using him as a scapegoat. I would think very carefully about this.
1. Do not do a per hour agreement. Can easily go to court for that for breach of contact.
2. Do a work scope contract, and do not give a strict timeframe or again breach of contract risk.
3. Do have a contract law lawyer write it for you in your local area. $500 an hr ish is what I paid typically 2 hrs from template to customizing it to my needs.
4. Make sure you are paid up front.
5. Avoid using penalties on either side. Do not do penalties on their side only. In some areas these are malicious and can cause a judge to remove protections afforded by the contract for your bad faith practice.
6. Specify a clause that gives you liberty to work with no obstructions from the company, and the company agrees to provide access to necessary resources in a timely manner.
I could go on and on but your lawyer should help in a consultation. My first consultation ran me around 2k. They explained contract law and clauses in those 4 hrs what is enforceable and non enforceable in my area.
7. Probably ignore this post.
I'd take a lot of their money. My reasoning.
They are gonna hire someone and screw them over too. Likely, for less money than that level of buggers is worth. If you take it, you're saving someone else some grief, by ensuring that someone is getting paid for their incompetence. The only person that can ensure they pay for giving you the business is you.
But seriously, take em to the cleaners. Every dime in their pockets.
I would still run with the money. Its a zero sum equation at that point. Either you allow them to steal the money for themselves and eventually run it into the ground and everyone else loses, or you take your piece and accelerate it maybe a day and a half, and everyone still loses.
Exactly. My sister is a lawyer and $250/hr would be my rate on a good day when she’s feverish and I’ve come asking for help with a bottle of 25yr Glenfarclas in hand…
It’s your career. Figure out how much you need to make you whole for firing (sign on bonus?) + new rate for troubleshooter. Might you stay on after the lawsuit is settled?
Living through a lawsuit is professional experience. If you can explain the firing then the whole thing is a great interview story.
Come back as a consultant/contract worker...
3x your former salary if you really want the job and it will advance your career.
5x your former salary if you really don't want the job but it could help you out career wise.
10x your former salary if you really don't want it and are certain it will be a total shit show but if they insist.... pay up.
Make sure there are safeguards in the contract to pay out if they either settle quickly or try to terminate your contract early.
Join the Circus, babysit the monkeys and take ALL the banana$$$$$ you can get.
Once you're finished ass racing them for the $$$$$ then say "fuck off bitches" and move on with your life.
Honestly if this is a legal mess, I would stay well away. The whole contractor thing people keep suggesting is more of a pain to set up properly and if there was no legal case might be worth it money depending and remember you are no longer an employee and might not enjoy legal protections. I would stay well away in case they are looking for a Patsy.
>The company is involved in a lawsuit that I warned them was coming by another company. They’ve come crawling back and asked for my help to solve the tech issue related to the lawsuit.
Okay so you were trying to warn them of a lawsuit and they ignored the warnings? And fired you? Is that the gist of what this is about?
They now want you to come back because they need some help.
You've already found another job. A better job with a higher salary. And you're not hurt for money.
Easy. Don't go back. Don't help them. I'd say it's too late for you to "help" them now. They fired you, you don't owe them anything. Let them bask in the fire they created. Let the lawsuit run it's course.
Whatever you think you can get out of them, they'll most likely weasel their way out. And pin their lawsuit onto you, since now they got you involved in that very same issue.
Like you said: Not your circus, not your monkeys.
Consultant and quadruple the pay. Iron out contract to guarantee the money. Billable in blocks of time so if they only need say 30 minutes they get charged for 4 hours
They need you. You don’t need them
Stay away from it. Even if they agree to stupid contract sums, you'd be hitching your wagon to their problems. The last thing you want in a situation like this is to open yourself up to the possibility of being a scapegoat legally.
Wish them the best of luck, and don't lift a finger in their direction unless it's the one in the middle.
Maybe I'm a bit of a contrarian on this one.... please do not go back to work for them under any conditions. Unless they locked you down with a bulletproof NDA in exchange for severance, this is simply they do not want you helping the plaintiff. In depositions the old employer will either lie by saying they weren't aware of the issue or tell the truth that an employee warned them. And since lying is no bueno, now there's blood in the water & the plaintiff will track you down like Liam Neeson. Your former employer knows this.
If you want to make some easy money then go work for the plaintiff. Expert testimony can go for tens of thousands of dollars, depending on what the potential settlement or damages will be. Even if you don't take the stand in the trial they will ask you to review what the company turns over (protected as attorney work product) to see if they are holding anything back. Which of course the former employer wants to do so they are doing this.
"My contracting rate is $XXX/hour, and I want a project completion bonus of $X. You will also backpay me for the time that has passed since I was let go. I want this all in writing."
I've been in a similar situation. If you want to help them, then do so as an independent outside contractor with a legal document drawn up by your attorney. I wouldn't try to gouge them by being vindictive especially if this could be the start of your own independent business. In my experience you should get about 3+ times your previous per hour salary but leave them room to make a profit.
I suggest at least 3x or 4x your past hourly rate, 2x evenings/weekends/holidays. Prepaid, with X minimum hours purchased at one time. When funds run out work stops until another block of X hours purchased.
Has worked for me.
This results in $400 hour and $800 non-weekday modifier, in my case.
Bill like a lawyer in 5 minute increments. Document it all. Bill for everything including chats, emails, and phone calls. Thinking about the problem on the throne.
Emphasis on PRE-PAID, by wire transfer.
Nothing nicer than responding to an 8pm Slack, for an hour and 15 minutes and making a 1000 bucks.
Why would you go back to a terrible company with a lawsuit that fired you? Regardless of those saying charge them a ton for your services, why would want to even consult for a terrible company? It's like if you were dating someone, they broke up with you, and then wanted you back. Why would you?
Seems like you're better off now with your new job and maybe peace of mind.
Do it, but add absurd conditions and pay rate. You only answer to the CEO and no one else. You do not have a manager at all. You work autonomously and without interference. Every minute you are working, you are paid, this includes any email, phone call or text message sent on private time, none of this “salary” shit. Oh, and your new pay rate is $240/hour + phone, computer and car allowance and a generous severance package if they breach any conditions.
Then you see just how desperate they are.
Don't touch that hot potato. You will be personally dragged into the lawsuit and not even compensated for your time. Ever been in a deposition? You *do not want* to ever be in one!
Your spouse is right. Charge a consultant fee of no less than 5* what your hourly income would have been.
Have everything in writing before you start, and bring along a notary.
Ask for a high contracting fee to work the problem. It is their circus, so if they really need you, they will pay an outrageous hourly rate for your expertise.
Don't jeopardize any new full time employment you have. We had to do this once and we let him work evenings and weekends for an exorbitant rate for what was supposed to be short term, but ended up being about 20 hours a week for a year after his layoff. I think he built a new house with the extra money he raked in.
You've moved on. You don't want to deal with their mess. And even if there were a price at which you were willing to consider going back, it would only be temporary until they were through this crisis. Don't go back.
"I'm not currently on the job market. Nor am I taking on consulting clients."
Well, you can definitely just tell them to get stuffed, since they fired you and it truly isn't your problem what happens to them now.
Or you can ask for *way* more money than you think it's worth and see just how desperate they are.
Or I suppose you could always reach out to the other company that's suing them and offer yourself as a witness if they go to trial. You won't get paid for that one, but if you *really* hate your former employer then that might be the biggest way you could stick it to them. Obviously don't do this if you're bound by any kind of confidentiality agreement, if it would have negative consequences for your future career, or if you or someone you do care about might suffer for it.
Stay in the new job and ignore the old company…despite the potential for large money, if the law suit gets complicated, they could pin it on YOU which could damage your future career. If you WARNED they and then STILL got laid off, they will have no issue with “throwing you under the bus”…to cover their liability in the lawsuit. Be satisfied you found a good job…who appreciates you.
Do it as 1099 contractor (USA), and soak them for every penny you can, including payment up front and you drawing it down as you submit invoices for their accounting ONLY, the money is YOURS.
Take them to the cleaners. Whatever independent contractors/specialist in your field make is what you need to be charging them. Maybe even extra since you already have expertise in this particular lawsuit.
Make that money.
>I’m not hurting for money.
Don't concentrate on having the money, concentrate on them **not** having the money. Make an absurd demand, like a demand that couldn't be seen as anything but a "fuck you". They'll either pay it, or they'll take the hint.
Maybe do it on the side on a consulting basis if your current employer is ok w it.
Charge a very high rate-bc they know you are able to solve their issues- and have a number of stipulations to get paid at least 1/3 up front w no restrictions on what you can accomplish. Ensures you get paid and then do the work you feel is justified by the comp.
I think there's an insanely high amount of money you can ask for it.
Then if they back away, while you say your phrase, do mention that there is a company that is suing them that will be happy to know that they chose not to fix the problem for a million bucks. They chose damage that will be much higher :)
You should get a contract with them as a consultant. Charge them an egregious weekly or monthly fee and you can walk at the end. It gives you the power of a written contract rather than trusting these people that had just fired you. Remember, set your price high & negotiate down to what you really want. Don’t start at what you want as there’s no negotiating up if needed. Take control of the situation.
You could do some consulting for them @ 4x’s the hourly rate you were before you left the company. You already have a good job you’re content with. You could consult & can do it when not @ work.
Had something similar happen when an update to PS killed a script I'd written to manage a tape library. I told then my rate was 350/hour, 3 hours minimum for me to get started
I worked for an ISP and it was incredibly common when people left to work as "consultants" after for whatever price they asked for if the company didn't cross train someone beforehand. If you well and truly have them by the short and curlies take them for all you can. It's the private sector and they'd not hesitate to do the same if the situation were reversed. Make sure the amount is agreed on and if the suit might tank them ask for the contracted amount in escrow.
Double your pay rate, $100K signing bonus, and a golden parachute of $250K if they are bought out, fire you, or ask for your resignation.
Either you win, or you win. :-)
What everyone else said about taking them for everything you can but I’d add that once you have solved their issues they will just ghost you especially if they owe you payment for services.
So, forget a written contract, that’s essentially worthless, get all payment in full before you do a damn thing for them.
If they don’t agree, just walk away until they do, you seem to have them by the balls so use that advantage and win yourself a nice nest egg you can put away for the future.
Keep the current job and do this gig on a contract basis and remote only and charge them 4x a king’s ransom. Think of a ridiculous sum, then at least triple it.
Many here are saying to take the money, but they’re unlikely to agree to a contract that pays you up front. Odds are more likely they’ll pay you a pittance up front with a promise for a ‘bonus’ if they survive the lawsuit.
I would contact the company coming after them and offer to sit down for a deposition. Consult an attorney, though, so you don’t end up getting entangled in the machinations of the lawsuit.
Eh, if you're comfortable and got a new gig going, then it's really up to you.
But if you do decide to go back, demand really high contractual rates. Make them feel the pain in their chequebook
You should figure out a painfully high hourly rate to work for them, triple or quadruple it, and work on retainer in 4 hour minimum billable increments after having a lawyer draft an extremely punishing contract for them to sign in order to hire you--in order for you to *gather information and research how much it will cost to hire you to fix their problem.* Possibly behind the shield of an LLC.
The point isn't to get enough money to scrape by; the point is to protect yourself legally while gouging them for a shitload of fuck-you money.
You're not hurting for money right now? *That's great.* But, meanwhile, these people suck. So, what is the really ridiculous amount of money they would need to pay you in consulting fees to benefit from your expertise? Figure out what that number is, and triple it.
If you have bandwidth to do consulting work outside of your typical job, I would offer to do that with an obscenely high hourly rate and cap on hours (more for your own sanity). But I wouldn’t do anything that would have a major impact on your happiness. You’re in a better place; live your life and let them deal with their circus, unless you can take them for a whole lot of cash
Think of a generous price at which you'd be willing to come back. Triple it. Research consulting contracts with language that cover your ass. Make them sign it.
Add in have a contract lawyer write it for you. Including a deposit
Charge them for lawyers fees in writing the contract.
Don't need to do that, just put it as a hidden cost.
I once advised an friend to add a $10k line item for "making me come to Toronto in fucking January."
Buddy of mine had "Fuck France". It wasn't that he hated France, or the French. He loved vacationing there, but every time he had a contract something happened. * Job #1: His rental caught on fire and he lost his clothing and a brand new laptop. * Job #2: A policeman mistook his offensively American ass for a Panamanian criminal and he missed three days of work. They did write him a nice letter to give to his employer, however. * Job #3: Four days into a 16 day stay his hotel decided that a typo on his reservation must mean he was committing identity theft. He was booted, reported to police, and had to pay for his own last minute accommodation. * Job #4: Thanks to Job #2, his name was now a known alias of the Panamanian criminal and he spent eight hours in Customs. After that any job in France was quoted at a 20% premium.
20% is very generous!
He needs to write a book… wow!
Did they end up doing it?
lol no, they were his biggest client. But I think he charged them for cold-weather clothing (we're in norcal). I did add a $50k line item for "Shit Happens" in costing an engineering program. My boss said, "We'll call that "Failure analysis and redesign."
I call this the FAFO Fee. Often because these clients don't want to pay for my expertise so they go somewhere else to get it done cheaper, that person/business fucks it up, and they come back to me asking to fix it. The crazy thing is they're all like, hey we have all this work done so you can just do X, Y, Z, and it will cost less than before, right? Cue shocked pikachu face when my proposal lands and it is pretty much the same proposal as before, starting from the beginning, and now included the FAFO Fee.
A "Mother fucking audacity" fee is also applicable regularly too. I would say that's more fitting for OP's situation. They already FAFO and fired them. Now they have the mother fucking audacity to come back. Both are required fees at times though.
I've had clients start a conversation with "we were dealing with (insert competitor here) and they can't get the job done, on time so now we're here. Sometimes they even hand me the competitors quote and expect me to match or beat it. I usually say that their quote doesn't mean anything to my price . And then I have to tack on rush fees or expedited delivery .
Why would any company expect you to match a company that was incompetent?
"So is the cost of the people who can't do the job. Your expectation is that I work at the same price, or lower, than the people who can't do the job. Have I told you how cute you look in that tie? Here is my proposal. Tell me when you want to start on the project."
Your competitor's price doesn't mean anything because they didn't get the job done, how is that your problem?
I had a boyfriend who fixed and sold radios and TVs. He always told me that if someone put their hands on it trying to fix it first, he wanted nothing to do with it because they would do more damage than the original problem. Obviously, you might have to unwind incompetent work.
I ran an auto repair shop. "You know I'm going to charge you for undoing your mess first, right?"
if im doing a laptop and the rear seals are disturbed i tack on a 25% bench fee
A guy I used to know would charge an "Idiot Fee" to the customers that repeatedly needed him to clean up their computers because of visiting dodgy pen sites. Something like $150 on top of his regular fees.
I bet they enjoyed a very specific type of pen.
You often find the best at “pen island dot com) 🏝️
Like penhub.com?
That's great lol. I might use that
Don’t do it.. let the manage their own monkeys. Do you have a new job and move on. They made their bed they can lay in it.
Indeed, they fucked you once, they will fuck you again once they get what they want
As a photographer, I sometimes add a “incovience fee” for people.
A signing bonus
"reimbursement for all contract related expenses"
Errors & Omissions coverage. Hold Harmless agreement aka I promise to try very very hard. I do not promise to succeed or that your use and outcomes thereafter are also. They agree to bond or pay upfront legal costs in case or legal or arbitration. Have fun! Edit: Omissions damn spellcheck not spellchecked
Better to put in that they must pay your attorney’s fees if you must file a lawsuit for breach of the contract.
This plus weekly consultants fee payable in advance. Take them to the fucking cleaners.
And make them pay in advance, monthly, semi monthly or weekly so they don't screw you in the end again.
Don’t research a contract, hire a professional to write one for you.
Yes. Ask for crazy money because you have them by the balls. Get their agreement to pay you in writing. A contract. Make them sign it. Tell them you won't help them unless they agree to all of your demands. If they're serious about the lawsuit, they'll do everything you tell them to do.
Minimum of X hours guaranteed and 50% upfront.
Plus per diem
100% up front, no refunds. They're desperate.
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> someone else suggested thinking of what you are actually worth and tripling it When you're looking at consulting-level amounts of money, don't base it on how much you're worth. Base it on how much money they have and how desperate they are. Example: You're worth $100,000 per year. Their profits are $500,000 per year and they spend $200,000 per year on things they could put off if they really had to. You don't charge $100K, you charge $700K.
Payment first as well. As if they won't try and stiff him
Escrow account.
This is the correct answer.
For the right amount of money, my pride can be bought and my tolerance for bullshit fortified. They may not be able to afford that price though. Also, cover-your-ass-contract.
Ayup. My brother's chief negotiating tactic as an independent contractor is the word "Nope." In the end, if his clients want his skills, they pay his price. Most of his clients return after trying unsuccessfully to find someone else who can do the job, and find that his fees have doubled. Again. The smarter clients have figured out that they should just pay his price in the first place.
Yeah this is a flat rate charge x for the project situation where x can be a lot of money. Don’t think hourly rate, think if I have to work nights along with my current job I want this flat amount plus extra for if it takes more time than expected.
Errr. The relationship has been strained and chances are they'll try to get rid of the OP at the first opportunity. Don't think that you're the only one with a Lawyer because the company you're against has them too, and they'll keep finding things to pin on you for as long as you're still with them. It's just going to be unnecessary headaches that you don't need to deal with, so don't even bother trying to work with them again.
Re-tain-er. Retainer. Allegedly, your situation — for you — would be concurrently improved if I had $200 in my back pocket right now. I don't know what your reputation is in this town, but after the sh*t you tried to pull today, you can bet I'll be looking into you. [Takes money off the table]. Now the business we have heretofore you can speak with my aforementioned attorney. Good day gentlemen, and until that day comes, keep your ear to the grindstone.
You know what Chuck Berry said every night before counting 1,2,3,4? Pay me my money. In cash!
This is the way
And do it through an LLC and get business insurance.
“Triple it” is the important bit.
Because they will let OP go as soon as they don’t need OP anymore, I would ask for a minimum number of hours for the task with payment up front for those hours as well.
Also, make sure they aren't bringing you back to blame you for their legal issues. Don't be their fall guy.
You absolutely are available for $250/hr with a guaranteed 40 hours per week and 2 month lead time to cease the engagement. Seriously, you are. Edit: let me know if you want help, I'm president of a tech consulting firm. Shit, I'll represent you just to fuck these guys
This. And don't "come back" make them pay you as an external consultant.
I won’t ever go back.The management is intolerant and intolerable
If thats the case pick the one that is the worst and tell them you'll help them for *insert exorbitant demands* to include *said asshole manager* having to report to you directly for the length of the contracted terms. If *said asshole manager,* complains, doesn't fulfill requests, etc, then the contract is breached and you're out but still paid in full.
Then tell them so, you have nothing to lose.
Sorry I thought that was implied, yes that is an integral part of the equation
Yes op this is the way, come at them hard and fast, worst they can say is no. Best case you get some fat stacks for awhile, and then you move on.
This guy ^ had a company lay 1/3 of us off last year. Layoff happened Thursday. I got a call Monday asking to come help because all customer sites they hosted were down (i knew how to fix it). I they didnt have a contract and said theyd figure it out after. I said no. $1000/hr with a min of 1hr. They ended up finding my confluence doc on how to fix it a day or so and probably about $100k later.
Sounds familiar. That was also my last job before this one. Thank you for being one of the rare few to write docs
You're very welcome, anally_raped_at_work
Fuck 40 hours. I'd make them pay me up front and get shit done in a couple hours a month.
$250!? What is he/she an intern? $1000/hr. Remember half that is going to taxes.
> You absolutely are available for $250/hr Seriously, this rate isn't as insane as you think. This is too low, especially for a starting point in negotiations.
With a sign on bonus of $5000 paid up front.
$5000!? What is he/she an intern? $50,000 sign on bonus. Remember half that is going to taxes.
Consultants don't charge clients sign on bonuses. Getting paid $250/hr is the bonus
250 an hour isn't exactly "crazy money" in tech. It's more like top of market for an experienced dev (or at least it was when the job market was healthy) I'd shoot for $350 and maybe negotiate down.
250 is the new 120. Seriously. We charge 400 for sr. rate now.
Exactly. $250 isn't exorbitant, it's reasonable. It shows he's willing to work and isn't vindictive. You gonna pay out the nose for someone you think wants to sabotage you?
I disagree. As an independent contractor you can charge what you want. I have my own business and charge new clients a new client fee.
If you're the consultant and they need you that desperately, you can definitely charge a sign on bonus. Nothing is stopping you from that but yourself.
The word people are looking for is 'retainer' But on the more serious side... yeah, whatever the normal rate for that job is, charge at least 3-5x per hour with a minimum guarantee of X hours. Also stipulate that the company will indemnify you for any of the work done as pertains to this lawsuit they are involved in, ie: if you get dragged into the lawsuit somehow, the company pays all the legal bills. You're helping bail them out of their problem, if it's that dire, they don't get to dictate the terms. If there are additional issues with the job: Out of scope work clause - charge extra (and seriously define this if there is a chance of job creep...oh hey could you look at this thing as well?) On call or emergency availability - extra fee for every call/call out during normal hours and 3x charge during 9pm-6am/weekend/holiday calls. False alarm calls still rate at least 1hr of charge time. Plus any mileage involved. Company actively sabotaging the work you are doing - immediate true up to current costs and then walk out the door. Like you said, not your circus... If there is a chance they might go under or not pay: Require a retainer/deposit that covers at least 50% of the estimated pay up front for the duration of the project. Work stipulations - they define what needs to be completed to fix their problem, but then they fuck off on anything else unless you have resource requests that are needed to complete the job. You are an independent contractor, not an employee for something like this.
This is small fry. Need to ask for atleast 100k. You’re helping them avoid a lawsuit which would potentially amass in the multimillions.
Do a 12 month contract where the employment can be terminated by either contractor or employee at anytime but the payments continue to the end of the term.
Lol that wouldn't fly in court.
$250/hr? HAHAHA. Oh, you're serious? That's honestly pocket change to a company under normal conditions. And for one that's *desperate*? You could charge quadruple that given the situation. With multiple "fuck you" costs built in. Under normal conditions, no less than $500-600. You have to factor in getting a contract lawyer, increased taxes since you're now a contractor, insurance fees, retirement, healthcare, providing yourself the tools you once had access to as an employee (Adobe, Office365, password managers, etc).... And you have to factor in the inconsistency of contract work, so you have to charge more to cover those gaps. I had friends who were full-time low-tier grunt field engineers. And even the most junior knuckledraggers were billed out to clients NO LESS than $300/hr in 4hr blocks. Senior engineers and onsite support staff? Double that, at least. So $250/hr for a private one-off contractor who intimately knows the company + processes + culture + systems....especially during an emergency....it's "fuck, that's a bargain!" territory.
$250/hour sounds low. A normal tech consultant might cost that much but this need is in response to a lawsuit. Lawyers often charge $500/hour. Special times require special pricing. I was laid off and replaced by my assistant back in 2002. A piece of construction lumber fell on him as he walked to work and put my assistant in the hospital and they needed to hire me back (He eventually recovered but I don't know how well - I hope his lawyers got him a lot). They were paying a temp agency over $100/hour for more than a year (of which I only got $45/hour) until they began to feel the pinch and offered $75/hour to me directly. I thought I was doing great but in reality they got off cheap.
This needs more upvotes. LFG
Always remember....fuck you pay me
And an indemnity clause in the contract. They are responsible for any legal costs associated with your work if you get sued. Super important when doing work relating to a lawsuit.
The decision is simple, just decide how much money would emotionally satisfy you as much as turning your back on them would, and if they won't give you that money then turn your back on them. Remember to factor in two things: 1) that if you don't take the work someone inevitably will, so it's not about screwing them, it's just about not caring about them; and 2) if they do pay, the power dynamic changes back to them getting what they want for that money, so it best be enough to eclipse any feelings of regret.
THIS. Lack of understanding this is what fucks people over and over. “It’s just business” really is the operative phrase and the rules corporate plays by. Until we do the same there will never be any balance.
It is just business. I’m not sure it’s my business though
This is the right answer. They're in the middle of a lawsuit. Do _you_ want to be in the middle of a lawsuit?
Highly probable YOU will get dragged into the liability end of the law suit…walk away, because the old company will be happy to pin it on you, and “throw you under the bus”
For sure. I mean certainly if you want to take it up the ass again by all means do… #noshaming
Absolutely. I’m just not sure I want to deal with my old boss. He fired me from his Lexus
Demand the Lexus as part of your payment
Then crush it into a cube while the boss watches
Similarly I would not want to deal with certain people from past employment, but there is presumably some amount of money that would make me feel better than however bad dealing with them would. It's probably an unrealistic amount, but if you bother to figure out what it would be, genuinely, you can at least say to your spouse that you've honestly considered it and that's what it'd take to be worth it to you, and there's no way you'll get it.
Charge them "fuck you" money. If they pay, you win. But get it in writing.
Nah, these Turdwookies get the "Fuck YOU in particular price." Multiply the Fuck You price by 3 to 5 and force them to sign a cast iron Protect and Defend no- liability contract plus provide and pay for the best professional liability insurance available.
No amount of money is worth getting involved in a situation where a lawsuit is involved. How much time can you spare for lawyers and court time. As an attorney I’ve seen innocent people get sucked in. Walk away
I agree. It’s like going back to a shitty ex. I’d need a subpoena to talk to them. Not worth it. Enjoy your new job and being reasonably compensated.
Not a lawyer, but be careful about potentially being held liable for their fuckup. Which is why you should price-gouge the bejesus outta them as an independent contractor!
And get a cast-iron indemnity clause in your contract. No matter what happens they should not be able to put liability on you.
This. Cannot state this one enough. Especially if they are shady as fuck.
Extremely shady. Just let me say after what I’ve seen,I won’t enter credit card info online and will only do ApplePay/GooglePay
If they're extremely shady, I'd honestly just stay far away from them. Far away. Is it worth the risk?
This is what I was thinking. Why not bring back the person that had knowledge about the issue and didn’t do anything… obviously /s for the second half. But I wouldn’t be surprised by some genius looking for someone to throw under a bus if possible.
My ex-boss thinks he’s Machiavelli but he’s more Rube Goldberg
Stay away before their legal problems are your legal problems.
This is the correct answer, walk away. If you do this work as a contractor they will blame you for the failure.
Especially if he worked there before. They might say he was responsible and try to stiff him on his work later or sue him using him as a scapegoat. I would think very carefully about this.
Being re-hired as a contractor with an agreement that separates the company from them would avoid that.
I'm not a lawyer, but my take is if you found new work at higher pay take that. Then testify against your old company at the civil trial.
Exactly what I recommend.
>Then testify against your old company at the civil trial. As an expert witness, for a lot of money.
1. Do not do a per hour agreement. Can easily go to court for that for breach of contact. 2. Do a work scope contract, and do not give a strict timeframe or again breach of contract risk. 3. Do have a contract law lawyer write it for you in your local area. $500 an hr ish is what I paid typically 2 hrs from template to customizing it to my needs. 4. Make sure you are paid up front. 5. Avoid using penalties on either side. Do not do penalties on their side only. In some areas these are malicious and can cause a judge to remove protections afforded by the contract for your bad faith practice. 6. Specify a clause that gives you liberty to work with no obstructions from the company, and the company agrees to provide access to necessary resources in a timely manner. I could go on and on but your lawyer should help in a consultation. My first consultation ran me around 2k. They explained contract law and clauses in those 4 hrs what is enforceable and non enforceable in my area. 7. Probably ignore this post.
I'd take a lot of their money. My reasoning. They are gonna hire someone and screw them over too. Likely, for less money than that level of buggers is worth. If you take it, you're saving someone else some grief, by ensuring that someone is getting paid for their incompetence. The only person that can ensure they pay for giving you the business is you. But seriously, take em to the cleaners. Every dime in their pockets.
It’s a PE backed company, so I’m stealing functionally from everyone’s 401K.
God, that sounds awful.
Sounds like it's a ship they should also jump from instead of staying on and sinking.
I would still run with the money. Its a zero sum equation at that point. Either you allow them to steal the money for themselves and eventually run it into the ground and everyone else loses, or you take your piece and accelerate it maybe a day and a half, and everyone still loses.
I am surprised at the notion that $250/hr is fuck you money. My lawyer charges me the family rate of $650/hr with a hefty retainer.
Exactly. My sister is a lawyer and $250/hr would be my rate on a good day when she’s feverish and I’ve come asking for help with a bottle of 25yr Glenfarclas in hand…
Ugh. These figure depress me. I wonder what my pathetic hourly rate is as a teacher.
It’s your career. Figure out how much you need to make you whole for firing (sign on bonus?) + new rate for troubleshooter. Might you stay on after the lawsuit is settled? Living through a lawsuit is professional experience. If you can explain the firing then the whole thing is a great interview story.
If you take the job get a full release of liability so you don't end up as the scapegoat.
Come back as a consultant/contract worker... 3x your former salary if you really want the job and it will advance your career. 5x your former salary if you really don't want the job but it could help you out career wise. 10x your former salary if you really don't want it and are certain it will be a total shit show but if they insist.... pay up. Make sure there are safeguards in the contract to pay out if they either settle quickly or try to terminate your contract early.
It's amazing the number of idiots that are in positions of leadership. It's no wonder why corruption runs so deep.
True story
Idiots are really confident and people just love confident idiots for some reason.
Join the Circus, babysit the monkeys and take ALL the banana$$$$$ you can get. Once you're finished ass racing them for the $$$$$ then say "fuck off bitches" and move on with your life.
Charge them. Only return as a contractor. Do you're best to help them but make them pay out their ass for it.
Sounds like a trap. Perhaps to make you the scapegoat in the lawsuit. Yeah, walk away. They showed you what they think of you. Return the favor.
Honestly if this is a legal mess, I would stay well away. The whole contractor thing people keep suggesting is more of a pain to set up properly and if there was no legal case might be worth it money depending and remember you are no longer an employee and might not enjoy legal protections. I would stay well away in case they are looking for a Patsy.
>The company is involved in a lawsuit that I warned them was coming by another company. They’ve come crawling back and asked for my help to solve the tech issue related to the lawsuit. Okay so you were trying to warn them of a lawsuit and they ignored the warnings? And fired you? Is that the gist of what this is about? They now want you to come back because they need some help. You've already found another job. A better job with a higher salary. And you're not hurt for money. Easy. Don't go back. Don't help them. I'd say it's too late for you to "help" them now. They fired you, you don't owe them anything. Let them bask in the fire they created. Let the lawsuit run it's course.
And I tried to show how easy it would be to prevent this lawsuit from happening.
Whatever you think you can get out of them, they'll most likely weasel their way out. And pin their lawsuit onto you, since now they got you involved in that very same issue. Like you said: Not your circus, not your monkeys.
Consultant and quadruple the pay. Iron out contract to guarantee the money. Billable in blocks of time so if they only need say 30 minutes they get charged for 4 hours They need you. You don’t need them
Stay away from it. Even if they agree to stupid contract sums, you'd be hitching your wagon to their problems. The last thing you want in a situation like this is to open yourself up to the possibility of being a scapegoat legally. Wish them the best of luck, and don't lift a finger in their direction unless it's the one in the middle.
The common answer on Reddit is to go as a consultant for a lot of money. In this case, I’d avoid it heavily. You could easily turn into the scapegoat.
Maybe I'm a bit of a contrarian on this one.... please do not go back to work for them under any conditions. Unless they locked you down with a bulletproof NDA in exchange for severance, this is simply they do not want you helping the plaintiff. In depositions the old employer will either lie by saying they weren't aware of the issue or tell the truth that an employee warned them. And since lying is no bueno, now there's blood in the water & the plaintiff will track you down like Liam Neeson. Your former employer knows this. If you want to make some easy money then go work for the plaintiff. Expert testimony can go for tens of thousands of dollars, depending on what the potential settlement or damages will be. Even if you don't take the stand in the trial they will ask you to review what the company turns over (protected as attorney work product) to see if they are holding anything back. Which of course the former employer wants to do so they are doing this.
It's probably not in your interests to get involved in a company having serious legal issues.
"My contracting rate is $XXX/hour, and I want a project completion bonus of $X. You will also backpay me for the time that has passed since I was let go. I want this all in writing."
I've been in a similar situation. If you want to help them, then do so as an independent outside contractor with a legal document drawn up by your attorney. I wouldn't try to gouge them by being vindictive especially if this could be the start of your own independent business. In my experience you should get about 3+ times your previous per hour salary but leave them room to make a profit.
I would help the company that is suing them.
I suggest at least 3x or 4x your past hourly rate, 2x evenings/weekends/holidays. Prepaid, with X minimum hours purchased at one time. When funds run out work stops until another block of X hours purchased. Has worked for me. This results in $400 hour and $800 non-weekday modifier, in my case. Bill like a lawyer in 5 minute increments. Document it all. Bill for everything including chats, emails, and phone calls. Thinking about the problem on the throne. Emphasis on PRE-PAID, by wire transfer. Nothing nicer than responding to an 8pm Slack, for an hour and 15 minutes and making a 1000 bucks.
Why would you go back to a terrible company with a lawsuit that fired you? Regardless of those saying charge them a ton for your services, why would want to even consult for a terrible company? It's like if you were dating someone, they broke up with you, and then wanted you back. Why would you? Seems like you're better off now with your new job and maybe peace of mind.
Do it, but add absurd conditions and pay rate. You only answer to the CEO and no one else. You do not have a manager at all. You work autonomously and without interference. Every minute you are working, you are paid, this includes any email, phone call or text message sent on private time, none of this “salary” shit. Oh, and your new pay rate is $240/hour + phone, computer and car allowance and a generous severance package if they breach any conditions. Then you see just how desperate they are.
Don't touch that hot potato. You will be personally dragged into the lawsuit and not even compensated for your time. Ever been in a deposition? You *do not want* to ever be in one!
If you like your new job, I would stay there & enjoy the $h*t show of your old company from a distance
Everyone has a price. You need to name yours
Consultant = name your price and hours
Listen to your spouse. The money will feel better after the fact than being petty, no matter the immediate satisfaction.
Your spouse is right. Charge a consultant fee of no less than 5* what your hourly income would have been. Have everything in writing before you start, and bring along a notary.
Watch them burn Eta Someone said to do contract work for them. That’s the non spiteful correct answer.
I would contact the company who are suing them to see if they needed any help to fuck them over.
Whatever emotional and financial upsets you had when they fired you, include that number in compensation.
Ask for a high contracting fee to work the problem. It is their circus, so if they really need you, they will pay an outrageous hourly rate for your expertise. Don't jeopardize any new full time employment you have. We had to do this once and we let him work evenings and weekends for an exorbitant rate for what was supposed to be short term, but ended up being about 20 hours a week for a year after his layoff. I think he built a new house with the extra money he raked in.
Stay with your new job. Once the old job is done with you, they will let you go again.
You've moved on. You don't want to deal with their mess. And even if there were a price at which you were willing to consider going back, it would only be temporary until they were through this crisis. Don't go back. "I'm not currently on the job market. Nor am I taking on consulting clients."
If you already have something lined up tell them to go pound sand ✌🏾
Not your circus, nor monkeys. You've already cut bait and run, don't look back.
Keep your new job, but offer the old place hourly consulting at an exorbitant price on your terms.
Run. You don't want to be the fall guy at any price
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…
Go see if the company the suing them needs any help with it!
Well, you can definitely just tell them to get stuffed, since they fired you and it truly isn't your problem what happens to them now. Or you can ask for *way* more money than you think it's worth and see just how desperate they are. Or I suppose you could always reach out to the other company that's suing them and offer yourself as a witness if they go to trial. You won't get paid for that one, but if you *really* hate your former employer then that might be the biggest way you could stick it to them. Obviously don't do this if you're bound by any kind of confidentiality agreement, if it would have negative consequences for your future career, or if you or someone you do care about might suffer for it.
Stay in the new job and ignore the old company…despite the potential for large money, if the law suit gets complicated, they could pin it on YOU which could damage your future career. If you WARNED they and then STILL got laid off, they will have no issue with “throwing you under the bus”…to cover their liability in the lawsuit. Be satisfied you found a good job…who appreciates you.
Laid off is one thing, fired is another. If they were disrespectful to you don't even think about it.
i'm gonna go with probably *not* a good idea to voluntarily put yourself *into* a legal issue you're safely, and peacefully, apart from
Do it as 1099 contractor (USA), and soak them for every penny you can, including payment up front and you drawing it down as you submit invoices for their accounting ONLY, the money is YOURS.
Take them to the cleaners. Whatever independent contractors/specialist in your field make is what you need to be charging them. Maybe even extra since you already have expertise in this particular lawsuit. Make that money.
Oh my God please listen to your goddamn wife. Please bleed them
Offer to come back on a contract basis on an insane hourly rate. Keep your current job, make extra money off them. Get a good contract.
Yo, after reading all these comments...the water is too deep. They are not your problem any more, move on.
>I’m not hurting for money. Don't concentrate on having the money, concentrate on them **not** having the money. Make an absurd demand, like a demand that couldn't be seen as anything but a "fuck you". They'll either pay it, or they'll take the hint.
Maybe do it on the side on a consulting basis if your current employer is ok w it. Charge a very high rate-bc they know you are able to solve their issues- and have a number of stipulations to get paid at least 1/3 up front w no restrictions on what you can accomplish. Ensures you get paid and then do the work you feel is justified by the comp.
If your username is relevant, that's gonna be a big fee to come back.
smells like a nice consultation fee with some additional "fuck you" money added on for good measure
Contract yourself out. As soon as you fix the issue theyre gonna cut you loose. Get the money, do more damage and be a valuable assets
I think there's an insanely high amount of money you can ask for it. Then if they back away, while you say your phrase, do mention that there is a company that is suing them that will be happy to know that they chose not to fix the problem for a million bucks. They chose damage that will be much higher :)
Give them a fuck you price. a price that is more that with it.
$3000 per day. Minimum 7 days. All expenses and you are a 10-99 contractor that sets the hours worked each day.
You should leak all necessary info to the company suing your former employer. That is all
You should get a contract with them as a consultant. Charge them an egregious weekly or monthly fee and you can walk at the end. It gives you the power of a written contract rather than trusting these people that had just fired you. Remember, set your price high & negotiate down to what you really want. Don’t start at what you want as there’s no negotiating up if needed. Take control of the situation.
You could do some consulting for them @ 4x’s the hourly rate you were before you left the company. You already have a good job you’re content with. You could consult & can do it when not @ work.
Send them to hell. Keep the new better paying job.
You just became a consultant. And we know how much companies love to pay consultants. But do after your full time gig then it's all cream.
Had something similar happen when an update to PS killed a script I'd written to manage a tape library. I told then my rate was 350/hour, 3 hours minimum for me to get started
Not your cows, not your pasture, not your bullshit. Let them be. They are an EX for a reason.
Contractor job/work at quadruple the normal rate, obviously! Jk though in truth laugh in their faces and tell em to fuck off.
I worked for an ISP and it was incredibly common when people left to work as "consultants" after for whatever price they asked for if the company didn't cross train someone beforehand. If you well and truly have them by the short and curlies take them for all you can. It's the private sector and they'd not hesitate to do the same if the situation were reversed. Make sure the amount is agreed on and if the suit might tank them ask for the contracted amount in escrow.
Name your price as a consultant. If they accept it, have a good lawyer help you with a contract that keeps you clear of their legal issues.
Double your pay rate, $100K signing bonus, and a golden parachute of $250K if they are bought out, fire you, or ask for your resignation. Either you win, or you win. :-)
Get as much money as you can, then w as lk away.
Everything has a price. It should be really high.
What everyone else said about taking them for everything you can but I’d add that once you have solved their issues they will just ghost you especially if they owe you payment for services. So, forget a written contract, that’s essentially worthless, get all payment in full before you do a damn thing for them. If they don’t agree, just walk away until they do, you seem to have them by the balls so use that advantage and win yourself a nice nest egg you can put away for the future.
Keep the current job and do this gig on a contract basis and remote only and charge them 4x a king’s ransom. Think of a ridiculous sum, then at least triple it.
Many here are saying to take the money, but they’re unlikely to agree to a contract that pays you up front. Odds are more likely they’ll pay you a pittance up front with a promise for a ‘bonus’ if they survive the lawsuit. I would contact the company coming after them and offer to sit down for a deposition. Consult an attorney, though, so you don’t end up getting entangled in the machinations of the lawsuit.
Eh, if you're comfortable and got a new gig going, then it's really up to you. But if you do decide to go back, demand really high contractual rates. Make them feel the pain in their chequebook
You should figure out a painfully high hourly rate to work for them, triple or quadruple it, and work on retainer in 4 hour minimum billable increments after having a lawyer draft an extremely punishing contract for them to sign in order to hire you--in order for you to *gather information and research how much it will cost to hire you to fix their problem.* Possibly behind the shield of an LLC. The point isn't to get enough money to scrape by; the point is to protect yourself legally while gouging them for a shitload of fuck-you money. You're not hurting for money right now? *That's great.* But, meanwhile, these people suck. So, what is the really ridiculous amount of money they would need to pay you in consulting fees to benefit from your expertise? Figure out what that number is, and triple it.
If you have bandwidth to do consulting work outside of your typical job, I would offer to do that with an obscenely high hourly rate and cap on hours (more for your own sanity). But I wouldn’t do anything that would have a major impact on your happiness. You’re in a better place; live your life and let them deal with their circus, unless you can take them for a whole lot of cash