If An Employee Overpaid You At His Own Consent And Claimed It Is Comprehended For Not Giving Me 80 Hours Working Time, Now He Wants It Back, Should I Give 3K Back?

[popcorn1]

I am seeking advice for my current situation. I am 21 years old and graduated from college last December with a major in software development. My first job came about through a referral from my cousin; it was at a tire shop that urgently needed a website.

I worked there for six months, leaving in August. It was a challenging working environment since I was the only one responsible for development. My boss lacked technical expertise and often assigned me tasks unrelated to my role, such as tire lifting and tech support. I considered leaving within the first two weeks when I received a job offer with better pay and a more suitable work environment at a genuine tech company.

However, I made the regrettable decision to stay, as the tire shop owner manipulated me by suggesting I was breaking my commitment. Being my first job and an introvert, I was apprehensive. Looking back, it was one of the worst decisions I've ever made. The owner made false commitments, such as introducing me to a reputable software company (which never happened) and ensuring I had a consistent 80-hour work schedule (even though I rarely worked more than 70 hours).

During those six months, I was frequently asked to perform tasks outside my software development role. Nevertheless, I managed to complete the website and a database, often working on them during my personal time.

At times, I worked only 40 hours biweekly, yet the owner paid me for 80 hours, citing his apologies for not having dedicated time for the website due to my on-call schedule during the latter part of my tenure. This resulted in an overpayment of approximately $3,000 during my time there.

My experience at the tire shop significantly impacted my interests, such as coding, my hobbies, and my ability to interact with people. The absence of colleagues who shared my passion for technology made it challenging to advance in my field. Unfortunately, the database I created, which could retrieve live inventory, locations, and prices from all tire websites, was eventually discarded.

In late August, the company faced financial trouble and came close to bankruptcy. Now, the owner wants the overpaid money back, and he also expects me to return in the winter to assist with moving tires. While I have declined the winter work, I am uncertain about repaying the $3,000. It is a significant amount, and I am unsure whether I should reimburse him.

I would like to ask for some advice from you all and see what the options are here.

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect you need to post on a USoA website. UK legalities may not apply.

[Canary42]

Although he sounds like a bloody awful employer, I think you may have to pay it back. In the UK there are organisations who could advise (e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau, Consumers Association) - do you have any similar customer support organisations in USA?

[bobbinwales]

Was there nothing in writing?
If you was told youd be paid for 80 hours every fortnight then thats what you should of got... and you got it.... so I cant see his case for wanting it back.
I'd ask him to put it in writing for you to show alawyer.... or maybe better just ignore the demands...what can he do as he seems to have nothing to prove his claim

[dustypuss]

Let him take you to court. Judge Judy would see to him ;-)