We all know that mixing family and business can be a recipe for disaster, but what happens when your in-laws expect you to provide your professional services for free? One architect found herself in this sticky situation when her husband and in-laws asked her to manage their clinic’s expansion project. They expected her to work for free, since it would benefit the family in the long run. But is it fair to ask for such a huge favor? Let’s dive into this family drama and find out!
The Architect’s Dilemma

Family Clinic Expansion

Enter the Architect Wife

The Husband’s Argument

Discussing the Budget

In-Laws’ Shocked Reaction

Expecting Free Work?

Tension Rises

Husband’s Disappointment

Past Experience & Offer

Marriage Changes Things?

A Compromise?

Silent Treatment

Taking Advantage? ♀️

Family Feud Over Free Services
In a classic case of family vs. business, our architect friend finds herself in a tough spot. Her husband and in-laws are expecting her to manage their clinic’s expansion for free, arguing that it’s for the family’s benefit. However, she stands her ground, reminding them of the time and effort it would take to complete the project. She even offers a generous 50% discount, but they refuse. Now, her husband is giving her the silent treatment, and her MIL compares charging them to charging her own kids. Is she in the wrong for expecting payment for her work, or are they just trying to take advantage of her? Let’s see what the internet thinks of this situation…
Architect refuses to work for free for in-laws’ clinic expansion

Architect refuses to work for free for in-laws’ clinic expansion. NTA

Don’t let them take advantage of you. Stand your ground.

Suggests becoming a part owner to ensure fair compensation. NTA.

Architect’s decision to refuse free work for in-laws’ clinic expansion justified

Supporting artists by paying for their work is a win/win

Architect stands firm against working for in-laws’ clinic expansion for free

OP’s in-laws expect free services, but don’t understand the difference in time commitment.

Architect explains the amount of work and qualifications needed.

Asking for free work affects livelihood. NTA for refusing.

Architect explains why she can’t work for in-laws for free , commenters support her decision

NAH, but expecting free labor and hurting career is unfair

NTA: Family and business don’t mix! Objectivity and compensation concerns.

Architect’s spouse entitled to free work for in-laws’ clinic expansion?

Don’t work for free for family. NTA for saying no

Mixed opinions on whether architect should work for in-laws for free
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Architect refuses to work for free, NTA. Would be paying out of pocket.

Architect refuses to work for in-laws’ clinic expansion. NTA.

Lawyer defends architect’s decision to refuse free work for in-laws.

Architect’s in-laws taking advantage of her skills and kindness. NTA.

Architect suggests communication and negotiation for in-laws’ project.

Architect refuses to work for in-laws’ clinic expansion for free

Expensive dental work prompts ethical dilemma in family business

Architect suggests a different approach to in-laws’ project, NTA

Architect’s refusal to work for in-laws’ clinic expansion justified

Architect stands up to in-laws’ request for free work

Architect stands up to in-laws, defends profession and time

Architect offers discount but still NTA for refusing free work

Fair pricing offer receives NTA judgement in comment section.

Architect stands up to in-laws’ request for free work

Architect refuses to work for free for in-laws’ clinic expansion. NTA

NTA. Mixing business with family can lead to hurt feelings

Architect stands up to in-laws’ unfair expectations. NTA

Compromise at 50%, but in-laws being petty. Presentation on costs?

Architect’s decision to refuse free work for in-laws clinic expansion justified

Refusing to work for in-laws, but avoiding future drama.

Family shouldn’t expect free work, NTA.

Architect suggests alternative payment arrangement for in-laws’ project

Architect stands firm on charging family for work. NTA.

Architect’s refusal to work for free is justified

Grandparents want free work, OP refuses. NTA
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/bb4b746c-270a-4f2a-8fce-29e05433dcbb.png)
User questions the need for tit-for-tat in marriage

Architect stands up to in-laws’ unreasonable expectations
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/c6e1e950-a70a-4c16-9c7c-94a1c4df1517.png)
Architect justified in refusing free work for in-laws’ clinic

Architect stands up to in-laws’ manipulative request for free work

Architect explains the reality of a huge project to in-laws. NTA

Architect explains charging policy, NTA comment receives support

Architect’s refusal to work for in-laws clinic expansion sparks outrage

Commenter defends OP’s right to be paid for their work
