Update #20 Enough is enough, but how to say it?

[Syfygeek]

I am a notary.  I am the only one where I work.  The company paid for my renewal and new stamp a few years ago, and I notarize company documents whenever requested.

I will also notarize personal documents for employees when needed. But one employee is driving me crazy. His work hours and mine end at the same time.  He wants me to stay beyond my quitting time so he can get off work and then come to my office to notarize something (he works 2 blocks away). So far, we've only communicated in voice mails, but I have told him that my office hours are from 7:30-4:30, and if he wants me to do this, he needs to see me then.

I have tried the Toots Special, repeating in each message I leave him "my office hours are from 7:30-4:30" but it doesn't seem to sink in.

Suggestions?

[Auntie Mame]

Keep saying no, keep repeating your office hours.  he can show up with the documents after 4:30 as many times as he wants, you won't be there to notarize.    Perhaps tell him "You are free to stop by after 4:30pm, but I will not be here".
 
He is interrupting your work day?  Because that is something I would take to my manager.

[bopper]

Why can't he come at lunch time? 

I think you need to be a bit more forceful that after work won't work for you.  Also you could send him an email reiterating.

"My office hours are from 7:30-4:30 and I will not be staying later as I have other obligations. I can meet you during lunch if necessary.  If this doesn't work for  you, then perhaps you can try your bank or credit union as they also have notary services at no cost and are often open on weekends."

[onyonryngs]

Just tell him that you cannot stay past 4:30pm to notarize personal documents & he needs to make arrangements to stop by for this favor while you're in the office. 

[SamiHami]

Perhaps the next time you speak with him, or leave him a message, you could state explicitly "I will not be able to stay late to accommodate you. If you want to come to my office during my regular working hours I will be happy to notarize a document for you. If that does not work for you I suggest you check with your bank or your local library as they often have notaries available."

 Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

[peaches]

I used to be a notary for an office where I worked. I never was asked to notarize personal documents. That kind of presents a problem, in that company time shouldn't be used for it. Personal time is, after all, personal, and you naturally don't want to spend time right after work doing this.

If this is a regular need of his, I'd suggest he find a different way to solve this. He shouldn't be imposing on you.

[MyFamily]

I am also a notary for the office where I work, but my boss wants me to notarize personal documents - he feels that the small cost involved is a nice perk for the staff that they can get items notarized during the day without having to go elsewhere.  That said, I'd never agree to stay late to notarize documents unless there was a really good reason.  I think you need to continue to tell your coworker no, and if he stops by after you've left for the day, that is his problem.  I would also suggest following up with an email, since so far all requests have been done via voice mail, that way if he complains you'll have an email showing you told him that was not possible.

[siamesecat2965]

My friend is a notary, and the company has no problems with employees coming to her with personal docs; upper management also does it.

But in this case, I think all the OP can do is reiterate her hours, and that she will not, and cannot stay late to accommodate him.  and if he gets annoyed when he shows up after she leaves, and she isn't there, too bad. He's being a special snowflake.

[peaches]

I have tried the Toots Special, repeating in each message I leave him "my office hours are from 7:30-4:30" but it doesn't seem to sink in.

Suggestions?

If it's not sinking in, could it be that you are staying to notarize documents for him, when he shows up at 4:30?

If so, the solution is to refuse to stay. Say "I'm so sorry, but I have to leave now. I can help you any day from 7:30 - 4:30."

[Syfygeek]

Thank you for the suggestions- I have not stayed late for him, he's called repeatedly to have docs notarized, but hasn't been able to get here. 

I found out after my original posting that his normal hours do not start before 9:00 AM. If he cannot come in early, I most assuredly will not stay late.

[peaches]

I'm wondering, what is he doing that he needs this service regularly?? I need a notary about once every 10 years. If I needed this service regularly, and they are personal documents, I'd be looking for another solution, one that didn't involve someone at work.

I wouldn't worry about it. This truly is his problem to solve.

[oceanus]

Like peaches, I rarely need a notary.  (Maybe every few years for something legal, estate/financial forms, etc.).  So the fact that he needs notary services so often is strange.

POD.  "I can't stay after 4:30". 

[BeagleMommy]

His work hours are later than yours so he should be the one making a concession.  Since he starts at 9:00 he could easily come in early, get his stuff notarized and be at his desk on time.  Especially since you say he works only two blocks away.

Keep up the "later, rinse, repeat".

[snappylt]

Would it be possible for you to be politely honest and say that he is asking you to stay at work beyond your quitting time, you have other obligations after work, and while you are willing to help him during your work hours you are not available outside of work hours?  (All said in a polite tone of voice, of course!)

[Amara]

Since you've explained it to him already, I see no need to repeat yourself (again). Simply reply, "I can see you any workday between 8:00 and 9:00 am."