I am furious. I work for one family for almost ten years. Then I am let go without notice. They give me some severance but not that reflects what I did for them for ten years. Now it's Christmas time, if she don't send me a gift, I am going to be right angry. Why do some employers think they can just dismiss people with no mind? There are plenty of things I know that I kept secret on. I am not satisfied with how I am treated in the end. What to do?
Friday
Another Furious Nanny...
Received Friday, December 19, 2008
I am furious. I work for one family for almost ten years. Then I am let go without notice. They give me some severance but not that reflects what I did for them for ten years. Now it's Christmas time, if she don't send me a gift, I am going to be right angry. Why do some employers think they can just dismiss people with no mind? There are plenty of things I know that I kept secret on. I am not satisfied with how I am treated in the end. What to do?
I am furious. I work for one family for almost ten years. Then I am let go without notice. They give me some severance but not that reflects what I did for them for ten years. Now it's Christmas time, if she don't send me a gift, I am going to be right angry. Why do some employers think they can just dismiss people with no mind? There are plenty of things I know that I kept secret on. I am not satisfied with how I am treated in the end. What to do?
Look at it this way. You were employed by someone. When a company lets go of an employee they usually don't think twice about it. They gave you a severance pay and that is wonderful. I don't expect my company to be giving me gifts for all the work that I do for them.
ReplyDeletei really don't undrstand why most domestic employees think that they have certain rights to gifts and what have you. As a nanny you should not be discriminated against, made to work ridiculous hours, or any of the other un ethical practices that all employees share.
Don't be angry, you were an employee... cut your loses, be thankful for you experiences, and move on.
they let you go suddenly AFTER 10 years? come on... what did you do wrong?
ReplyDeleteDid one or both of them lose their means of employment? Did they have to take a pay cut to keep their jobs? Are the children/child old enough to no longer require the services of a nanny? Did you do something else that you did not share to warrant being let go?
ReplyDeleteRevenge is never the answer, so please do not go there.
There is obviously a whole lot more to this story. . .
ReplyDeleteIn these economic times, I know a lot of families letting go nannies--especially if one of the parents lose a job. Phoenix is right, at least you got severence. That's more than many are getting as their companies downsize or close thier doors.
ReplyDeleteEverybody makes great points here. Something does not sound right and I suspect part of the picture is missing.
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm sorry but Christmas gifts are not a given. IF you get one you should be grateful. If you don't then get over it. No one should expect a gift.
ReplyDeleteYes, while the nanny/employee relationship is a difficult one to maneuver at times, you were still an employee. Aside from you severence pay, they aren't required to give you anything else. While I am always very appreciative of birthday gifts and Christmas gifts, I would never think I am entitled to them. If you worked a "normal" job, I do not think you would get gifts sent to you at Christmas merely because you worked for them! I dislike nannies who feeled they are entitled to rewards due to the fact that they do their job. Isn't that what your paycheck is for? I also agree with most here. To let someone go "suddenly" after 10 years is basically unheard of. What's the real story?
ReplyDeleteOops! Excuse my bad grammar. I am on pain medications, and they are affecting how I type! lol. I meant I dislike nannies who FEEL (not feeled) entitled....etc. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteI didn't have time to read the other responses but I agree OP - I am not a nanny but do have a HUGE problem with businesses, families, companies laying people off right before Christmas. Chances are the financial problem didn't pop up over night. I bet they could afford to keep you till February at least. It is cold hearted. And yes I feel that way about companies as well.
ReplyDeleteI also think that part of the picture is missing. They just let you go after 10 years for no reason? I find that hard to believe.
ReplyDeleteI guess everyone feels deserving nowadays... whatever happened to being modest?
ReplyDeleteMove on! That's what you need to do. To expect a Christmas gift from someone you are no longer employed by smacks of entitlement to me. Sorry they let you go, but I highly doubt it was without cause.
ReplyDeleteWell, you are in the same boat now as 8.4% of California, although you are part of the much smaller minority who was lucky enough to get some severance pay.
ReplyDeleteEither a) the kids are old enough that a nanny is no longer needed, b) the family's finances have changed so that they can no longer afford you or c) you did something that made them decide to fire you for cause. If they gave no explanation, I'm guessing it was c. If it was not that, then you should get a very good recommendation from them which should help you find your next job.
You sound unclear on the fact that you had a job, and that your employers have the option of terminating your employment when your services are no longer required or financially viable. FWIW, the closest thing I've ever gotten to severance pay from an employer who laid people off was continuation of the group health coverage through the end of the month. So, what can you "do"? If you think you have legal options, pursue them. Good luck with that. And if you don't get a Christmas gift from them? Make sure you get a reference, you'll need it more than whatever they'd be likely to give you anyway.
Furious with entitled people I am...
I think most people are being hard on the OP. Working as a nanny is not the same as working for corporate America. There are long held relationships involved here, and they are of a far more personal nature. This must have been devastating to the OP. She didn't see it coming. It would have been nice if they gave her some longer-term warning a few months back.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people were laid off this year due to the financial crisis. Perhaps your employers can no longer afford to have a nanny? Or, after 10 years, the kids have grown up and no longer need a nanny.
ReplyDelete