I have been working at my current job for about a month. My bosses were suddenly laid off last week and no longer need or can afford a nanny, so I was given my thirty day notice. Since then I discussed my job search with one of them and she let me know that if I needed to leave early that would be fine, and better for them and joked that I was the only one getting paid. Today I got my first paycheck since then and I just feel so guilty taking money from them. They don't even really need me here and today I heard them saying they were applying for unemployment. On the other hand they did get a few things shopping and gave me a bracelet as a thank you, but they could be using credit? What should I do? Should I tell them I don't need their money and just ask for accomodations until I find a job?
Wednesday
Oh, The Economy (V)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I have been working at my current job for about a month. My bosses were suddenly laid off last week and no longer need or can afford a nanny, so I was given my thirty day notice. Since then I discussed my job search with one of them and she let me know that if I needed to leave early that would be fine, and better for them and joked that I was the only one getting paid. Today I got my first paycheck since then and I just feel so guilty taking money from them. They don't even really need me here and today I heard them saying they were applying for unemployment. On the other hand they did get a few things shopping and gave me a bracelet as a thank you, but they could be using credit? What should I do? Should I tell them I don't need their money and just ask for accomodations until I find a job?
I have been working at my current job for about a month. My bosses were suddenly laid off last week and no longer need or can afford a nanny, so I was given my thirty day notice. Since then I discussed my job search with one of them and she let me know that if I needed to leave early that would be fine, and better for them and joked that I was the only one getting paid. Today I got my first paycheck since then and I just feel so guilty taking money from them. They don't even really need me here and today I heard them saying they were applying for unemployment. On the other hand they did get a few things shopping and gave me a bracelet as a thank you, but they could be using credit? What should I do? Should I tell them I don't need their money and just ask for accomodations until I find a job?
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12 comments:
Yikes! I would feel bad if I were you and I understand how uncomfortable it would be accepting compensation from them. They seem like awesome employers. They are broke and really do not need your services, however they are electing to the "right thing" and still use and pay you. That is admirable on their part.
If I were you, I would just ask for the accomodations until you find another job and not accept any compensation. I mean, you were only there a month and it would be the right thing to do. Then search for new work every day.
The bracelet was a nice token of appreciation as well. It could have been on credit, but the fact that they gave you 30 days notice and a gift after only being there for a month and on top of that, they are hurting financially.....they are the gold standard when it comes to employers. Keep in touch w/them, and don't burn any bridges. If anything changes in the future and they need your services, then I am sure they will let you know.
Sorry to hear about their jobs and yours. I think you have great employers (30 days notice is pretty nice of them when they are both unemployed) but you have no reason to refuse your pay.
Keep your money -perhaps buy a farewell gift for their children. You might need that money if you don't get another job anyway.
That's really up to you. If you can handle not having the money... you should do whatever feels right. I would feel guilty being paid too, and if they are joking about it...they're probably not really happy with the situation at all. Do what's best for everyone...
What are you kidding me? Take what they offer! You have to look out for yourself right now, and if they are giving you something they can't afford, that is their problem.
I know you care about them, and that's sweet, but if they choose to give, accept gracefully.
I would say a compromise of sorts. Maybe only accept two weeks of pay since two weeks notice is kind of the standard. A full month was extremely generous of them and you should acknowledge that.
Obviously work really hard to find a new job and maybe you'll be able to be out before the month is up. Perhaps they could refer you to a friend or something?
My point in general is I think you need to have something to fall back on and you should accept at least some of what they're offering. Good luck!
You don't really know what their financial situation is. They are entitled to unemployment, it is an insurance policy they and their employers paid into, so it would be silly not to collect. That doesn't mean they NEED it. They may have a good cushion between severance and savings/investments.
Work hard on finding another job. If you find one before the month is up, great. If you don't, you'll probably need that month's income more than they do.
They do sound like nice employers.
Perhaps you could keep it open:
Say you find a job in the 2nd week and start on the 3rd week of your notice, you could tell them that they needn't pay for week 3 and 4 ?
I worked with a family for 4 years and at one point Mom was a full time student and Dad was laid off. I took my paycheck with no problem. At one point I was the only one in the house that was drawing a paycheck. They were taking money from their retirement fund and their 401K's. I did question them a couple of times about why they still needed me. They said once Mom goes to work and Dad finds work they don't want to go through the interviewing process all over again. You have to live don't you? Take your pay and don't feel bad about it!
Take the money. These are your employers, not family. But at the same time, try to find a job immediately. You are in a great position, in that you can start immediately, and it gets your employers off the hook as soon as possible. Your employers are doing the right thing. Let them.
I'd take the money, you need it and you're working for it! I'm in a similar position. I've been kept on, but DB won't have a job for 3 months till he starts at his new job. I even got a raise (cost of living) but I'm aware that money is tight at the moment, so I'm not planning activities that require lots of driving or cost money.
This is one of those situations that shows how truly unique nannying can be. In any other job, you would have been fired on the spot, without notice.
Take what they are offering. Its always possible that one or both of them will find a new job before the month is up and they would need you to stay on.
Also, as long as they were paying you legally (withholding taxes), you are eligible to collect unemployment once your time with them is through.
I know a mom who got laid off from her job, so the nanny was let go. She got 8 months severance pay AND she collected unemployment. And she had tons in savings. She was NOT hurting for money. If your employers were hurting that badly it's doubtful they would have kept you on for 30 days. No need to feel bad for getting paid to do your job.
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