how to reject inconsiderate request?

Tell him you don't have the time to work on a computer problem outside of work. Also include that your time home you like to stay away from work related issues as much as possible. If you don't want to suggest money for the repair recommend him to someone or business that does.

There's already an expectation that you'll fix his problem. That's a bit harder to deal with than nipping it in the bud at the beginning.

"Sorry I can't help; Normally, I charge for this; I used to make house calls, but I started resenting the work."

This will clue him in. Then refer him to the "Geek Squad". It's what they do. It's not what you do.

If you're honest and it's from the heart, you won't hurt his feelings.

Tell him the plumber charges you $75/hr, the lawnmower repairman charges $85/hr and the morons at "Geek Squad" charge $125/hr.

$100/hr for you is a f'n bargain. Otherwise, you will be grillin' out with the kids amd enjoying what you do when you aren't working. Perhaps he can do free work for you, but since he is a manager, he probably is useless...

Tell the Manager that ynfortunately you are only allwoed to work on computers at work ( something about a non-competing claus in your employment agreement)If that doesnt work tell him that you will gladly do it at $500/hour or he can call the " GEEK Squad" they will come to his house for about $250 minimum

I was ready to say "call HR!" if he shows up at your house, but since he IS a neighbor it is not as freaky as it first sounded.

Choose yourself first -- why should YOU be stressed out instead of HIM? Either charge $$ as advised above (just say you have started to get too many requests to work for free anymore) or say you can look at his pc if he leaves it with you for 2-3 weeks so you can look at it when you have time. I offer people the 2-3 week option if I think I might have time, and those who take me up on it are happy about it since they can't afford to pay someone.

If you just don't want to work on it no matter what the $$, just say you don't want to talk about computers during your time off. You could also say you ARE willing to discuss his issues to his heart's content over lunchbreak from work IF he is buying...

I don't know why you are worried about being rude to someone who is so incredibly inconsiderate. This guy needs to respect you and your personal time. He really crossed the line when he showed up your house expecting you to fix his PC. You absolutely must, the next time he asks, refer him elsewhere (charging him money will only keep him ON your back, and what happens if something really goes wrong with his computer, then you're on the hook!) Unfortunately, we technical support type folks are easy targets for people asking us questions about their personal pcs. If the question is innocuous enough, I'll answer them, but if it goes into some depth, I always point them elsewhere. I work long hours, and I don't care how much money they would pay me, my personal time is priceless to me, and I certainly don't spend it working on computers! So, get a backbone, and tell this guy where to go! :)

Be straight-forward and honest. IT is what you do for a living -- not a hobby. Just say, I'm sorry I don't do PC support outside of work. (It is your time and he's asking you for the favor. You're the one in charge of your time away from the office.) If he's asking for help with his work PC, you can direct him to make an appointment with you during working hours (if you do have time to help him) call the help desk. If it is his home computer he's asking for help on, that's just taking advantage of your kind nature. You could also add that you'll let him know if you start a side business for extra money. It is just inappropriate for him to solicit help from you at home. (And while you're on maternity leave?! What an inconsiderate guy.)