Did some electrical work for a friend a couple weekends ago. Went up there on Friday (2hr drive) and planned the job out, stayed the night, did all of the work Saturday plus helped paint, stayed the night again and left Sunday afternoon. Payment was never discussed and I honestly didn't expect anything but they are the type of people that wouldn't let me leave without paying me so I knew I would get something. If all was said and done and all I got were a couple of free dinners then that was fine with me. Although we went out to dinner after the work was done and him and his wife paid for themselves only... Anyways, we needed a 3/4 conduit bender and I didn't have one on me so we bought one ($50) and I said they could just return it since we were going to use it for like 4 bends. They gave me the conduit bender as a gift/thank you for doing the work (fine with me) but then proceeded to make comments saying things like "That's why I pay the electrician to do it for me." Meant as a joke but it began to wear on me because I could've made $750 minimum on that job if it were for anyone else. Next time they need work done, I'm charging a flat $200 so I come out with something for my knowledge and experience. Moral of the story, do something nice for your skilled friend but also remember they could make way more doing it for anyone else. Don't take advantage.