Okay...maybe I am being petty, but am I allowed to be a little confused/insulted that my MB and DB give the housekeeper a holiday bonus, but not me, their nanny? I am always told I do a wonderful job and we have a great relationship so I just was a little surprised. It really isn't a huge deal and I don't want to sound like I am just in this for the money... absolutely not the case, but I did just want to throw this out there and see what y'all think!
Maybe they haven't given you one yet but they plan to later?
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that maybe the housekeeper got her bonus because they won't be seeing her again until after the holiday and perhaps yours is still coming?
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is only the 16th. Your bonus might not come until after Christmas, it isn't uncommon.
ReplyDeleteI agree with above, it is only the 16th and yours may not have come yet! I got a Christmas present AFTER Christmas last year from the family I was with (it was a horrible present and very cheap but that is besides the point!)
ReplyDeleteI always give my nanny and housekeeper gifts and bonuses on their last working day before Xmas. Is this op's first year with the family? If you never get a holiday bonus and the housekeeper does, perhaps the family feels that your total compensation makes up for it.
ReplyDeleteUnless you and the housekeeper are BOTH off until after the holidays are over, you may be jumping the gun to be upset about this. If you're working next week, relax! And remember that a bonus is not something that HAS to be given - it is an extra.
ReplyDeleteYou still might get a bonus...there is still a lot of time left until Christmas.
ReplyDeleteIf the holidays pass and you still do not receive a bonus, I would be angry but I don't think there is anything you can do about it. You can quit, but jobs these days are very scarce and to leave just because you didn't get your bonus wouldn't be worth it to me.
yeah I agree. Maybe, they are going to give your later on. Could it be they may have ordered you something and waiting for it to come??
ReplyDeleteI know this is you Mercedes! We didn't tip you because quite frankly you don't deserve it. See, we looked at the web history on the Mac in the kitchen and saw you have gone to this site many times. We also know that we told you NOT to use the Mac for your personal entertainment. We pay you to watch the children. Why are you coming to this blog anyway? We pay you a fair wage and let you eat one piece of OUR fruit every day. Sure, we know you at an apple and 1 bunch of grapes last week...Coralina told us! Thats why we tipped her the 500 dollars and you're getting nothing. It was going to be 250 each, but you abused our trust! She also tipped us off on the fact that you are surfing the net on our time. About tomorrow - well I think a talk is in order.
ReplyDeleteOhh yeah, and we know you drank that bottle of water and refilled it with tap water. Gross!
ReplyDeleteThere are always two sides to every story...if you are going to use your bosses computer, at least erase the history Mercedes!!
ReplyDeleteWe are planning on firing you very soon since you spend so much time online vs. doing your actual job.
Bonus?! Not on your life GF.
Whoo and the nutcases come out in full force! I call fake on "concerned". Oh, and Coralina sounds like a bitch but she sure made off with a good bonus!
ReplyDeleteman, I am glad I don't work for concerned. If this is real, getting mad at her for eating some fruit? yeah, should probably not use the computer without permission, but fruit? Also, sounds like someone who doesn't pay a good wage.
ReplyDeleteI actually believe "Concerned." It seems like Mercedes just got caught and is going down. If it were me, I would have erased the websites I go on..esp. if I complained about my family on one of them. Mercedes doesn't sound too smart to me.
ReplyDeleteNannies: It is never a good idea to use your employer's computer...esp. if you plan on ratting them out. LOL.
I only posted the first 2 messages, so kook used my handle for the third. I will post an update tomorrow once I speak with Mercedes. If you're on this board now and responding, please know I am not that mad. I just think that a bonus is for doing a great job...a reward. You do good work, but spending time online and eating when we tell you not to cost you the 250.
ReplyDeleteAnd to whoever said we are cheap, shame on you. We aren't millionaires, but we pay the help well!
This just got really entertaining. OP, can you confirm that this is really your MB?? If so, major oops on your part, using their computer to go to this site.
ReplyDelete@Concerned: I see your point here. A bonus should be given for going above and beyond what you are supposed to do. Seems you are a very fair employer and your Nanny, Mercedes is just doing the bare minimum. Do you think she uses the computer ONLY when the child is sleeping (which may be more acceptable) or does she do it when she is supposed to be watching your child? I have had many employers give me permission to use their computers during downtime, however I always politely decline because I would die if I accidentally got a virus or something on it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that they are waiting to giv it to you. Maybe they won't see the housekeeper again till XMAS. I don't know what the reason is but if they are nice enough to give the housecleaner a gift, then they should get one for you
ReplyDeleteThat's why I think it is a fake. She came back and said only the first 2 were her and a kook posted the 3rd. The first 2 were the ones that sounded the craziest! Eating her grapes? Filling up her water bottle with tap water?? WTF! Then she goes on to call her nanny "the help." Yeah, nobody would come on this website, trying to win us over and say something like that. You guys are being naive.
ReplyDeleteCall me naive..but I sorta believe this story for some reason..it makes a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteAt least, I hope it is real. Shoot..this is better than a reality show. LOL.
Yes, I was the same person who rote about the fruit and water. It may seem crazy, but I have a pet peeve of fruit spoiling so I basically have it down to an exact science on what my family eats in a week. We buy 5 extra items for Mercedes, which I find to be generous. The refilled water is just disgusting. I spoke w Mercedes after work today And she claimed it isn't her. I can't trace the of the original poster, but the cooincidwnce is too strong. We won't be letting her go, but she no longer has computer privileges.
ReplyDeleteAs for calling our cleaning woman and nanny the help...so sorry. I am not on this board to kiss your rears, I came on t see what my nanny was doing on my comp. the help is. Common phrase for someone who works for a private family.
Miss mannah
ReplyDeleteI don't want to win you over. You're a nanny. We pay your bills. It better not be you Mercedes!!!! We left on good terms tonight, but if I find out that's you I'll be angry!
to Concerned,
ReplyDeleteYou are not paying anybody's bills, my dear. People work for money. They don't get free money. I truly think you are full of yourself and cheap. I wouldn't want to have anything to do with you because of your character. People like you don't deserve to work for. I don't know how your boss handles you?!
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ReplyDelete@Jedd, does she really read everything that you post?! That would make me crazy! If so, I think she needs to get a life.
ReplyDeleteAnd "Concerned", I can see that you would be angry that "Mercedes" ate your fruit and used your computer when you said she couldn't but you are talking to her and about her as if she is a child. I don't think I would want to work for you, simply because you are demeaning. It is fine to refer to her as "the help" if you must, but to say you pay her bills is so RUDE. She works for you and then you pay her. She then takes her money (that she has earned) and pays for herself to live.
Concerned,
ReplyDeleteThe help may be common usage in your circles, but it is condescending and offensive and only acceptable in plays set in the early 1900s.
FYI it is spelled wrote.
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ReplyDeleteWow, that is some special treatment you get there with the Dr Pepper and stuff. You are one lucky nanny! Although, I would not feel comfortable if I were you. I would hate knowing that my MB (or anyone for that matter) was constantly into my business. And her friends too? Yikes. Sounds like a few women who don't have anything better to do. But hey, if you don't mind and you get Dr.Pepper out of it, to each their own, right?
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ReplyDeleteMs PC and others- first, I apologize for my typos. I am on an iPad right now and it will occasionally mess up. I read some of my posts and they are legible for the most part.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with he comment on paying Meredes bills...we have paid her bus pass since she started in 2005 (do most employers do that). Also, not to nitpick bu we have given her advances which have paid her bills. We did not demand repayment.
Back to my first post, she lied to us about Internet usage and eating extra fruit. You all are just judging me based on a few careless comments.
I have a lot of doubts that Concerned is actually OP's MB. But just in case:
ReplyDelete"I'm always told I do a wonderful job."
Don't tell your nanny this if it's not true. How can she meet your expectations if you're being insincere with her? You need to give her honest, but tactful feedback if you want her to do well in this job.
I can't get over the fruit thing. I shop for my work family, and fruit is integral part of my charges diet. My boss in no way would ever tell not to eat any of their food, is often time sending home leftovers for my husband, or if I have a party, a couple of bottles of champagne or wine.
ReplyDeleteI guess the difference is the level of job. I'm high end, my bosses are high end as well. Concerned's comment is very of the "let them eat cake" variety and her own class warfare. I think Concerned would have garnered a lot of sympathy had the fruit comment be left out. You're a product of your own divisive comment, Concerned, not fair to cry foul after the fact.
In addition, in ALL my years as working in the domestic field, I've only once known of the amount of my coworkers bonus because it was a car. This coworker fully deserved a new car and I never begrudged her the $20,000 plus bonus because I knew the amount of work she put in for this particular family. Concerned, don't you find it a bit odd that Mercedes knows what Coralina got for a bonus? How could you not find any fault in someone being so blatant and petulant about a bonus? Shame on you for not giving this trusted employee a talk about tact beforehand.
ReplyDeleteNom, I am so with you about the fruit--I can't get over the obsession either!! If your nanny eats your fruit, you go to the farmer's marker and buy some more. Jeez, why is this such a big deal?
ReplyDeleteConcerned, uh no, I am not Mercedes, my name is Amanda and it is lovely to make your acquaintance. You sound like an absolutely charming woman and a delight to work for. *snickers* No, I couldn't say that with a straight face.
Concerned, have you visited the DC Urban Mom forum? I think you would feel right at home in their "Nanny Discussion" group, since the vast majority of the moms who post there have extremely high opinions of themselves, pay their nannies very poorly, and I am sure they count their fruit and check their bottles of water after nanny goes home as well! Heck, I would guess most of them use the term "The Help" as well!
ReplyDeleteYou'd fit right in. But please keep posting here as well. In the stress of the holiday season, we all need something to laugh about.
In all my years following this blog, I have never seen such an amusing exchange!! Concerned, I thank my lucky stars that I never worked for a woman like you during my nine years as a nanny. News flash, psycho...you catch more flies with honey (er, fruit :)! "The help" HATE it when you micromanage them. Every family I've ever worked for has given me free range of computer, fridge, etc...and I never once abused it. Rather, I checked my email during baby's nap and after doing the house chores, looked at this blog, and had some carrot sticks and cheese and crackers while the children ate lunch. You just sound butt-hurt that you're being criticized in a public forum! Maybe if you treated your nanny like a human being who nurtures your children, she wouldn't feel the need to be dissing you online! And she probably went easy on you...I'm sure there's a lot more she could rant about but didn't!
ReplyDeleteAll points were duly noted. Mercedes will not be working until after he holiday (we are off to the Turks and Caicos). She clearly does not have her own computer so I am sure Mercedes will go to the public library to slander me some more. Sad thing is, her Christmas bonus may be issues by the government. Oh wait, not sure about her status!
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ReplyDeleteOhhh, you shouldn't be worried about her status. You are responsible for hiring somebody without checking and not paying taxes also. So, my dear cheap lady, get ready to respond for your lawful actions. You just don't get anything. You don't rule the world and things don't go as you want all the time. You wanted to hire a slave, you got it for a while. Now the slave is sick of you and you don't like it and you want revange. What a character?! How can you live with yourself? Poor your kids, to have you as example and model for life. I feel
ReplyDeletesorry for them and also for your husband who has to listen to your craziness. Thanks
God I am not your relative. I would have been shame for you.
So "Concerned" is a tax evader as well? Shocking ! Then perhaps Mercedes should call the IRS. Mercedes will get a slap on the wrist compared to what "Concerned" will get. I advice Concerned to save her Turks money to pay off fines to the IRS for both Mercedes and Coralina.
ReplyDeleteIs this for real right now? wowwww
ReplyDeleteOP,
ReplyDeleteIn the spirit of the Season why don't you take a cue from the O. Henry story The gift of the Magi. Instead of money for a holiday bonus, give your nanny a piece of fruit. She will be so touched, as she knows how you value it.
Oops, I meant that for "concerned"
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ReplyDeleteHahahahaha! Concerned can blow it out her rear! If I were her kids nanny I'd use all the fruit to make smoothis then leave the excess in the blender for concerned. Wouldn't want to waste it! Thank goodness I only work for cool parents who don't sweat the small stuff. PS- my bosses aren't 'rich' so instead of giving me a cash bonus the got me a few little gifts and wrapped them up for me to put under my tree. And you know what? I really think that's awesome. Who doesn't love presents?! :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is any possibility that Concerned is for real!! If anyone actually felt that way they would be too embarrassed to say it. Concerned probably just thinks she's being funny!!
ReplyDeleteIf I spoke to my nanny or treated her that way, I would be afraid to leave her alone in my house for fear of retaliation!!!
Concerned - if you are for real, you have bigger problems to worry about - your nanny is probably peeing on your fruit and spitting in your water!!
You nannies are mean. I would have never come to a site like this and spoken to people of your kind, but Mercedes left the site n her web history on our family computer. You are all an interesting lot...very classy. I hope you enjo Christmas n your studio apartments, where you belong. I am on the beach enjoying a Piña Colada - maybe one day you will be able to take a nice vacation like this!
ReplyDeleteConcerned : you are a terrible person! I feel bad for your nanny and you in general. Happy Holidays you witch!!!!!!!!
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ReplyDeleteOf course it is, but it sure is a great one. It has been cracking me up! Especially the thought of this MB on her vacation, drinking Pina Coladas, and then furiously running back to her hotel room to post on her laptop.
ReplyDeleteMissMannah - certainly is funny to picture!!
ReplyDeleteI have moved on to a frosty Mai Tai. Mercedes is now doubt enjoying a glass of her own tears for not receiving a bonus! Perhaps she can take her wage for the week and buy a small box of Franzia! Tonight I dine on rock lobster which my husband is catching as we speak and the hel at the hotel will prepare beachside.
ReplyDeleteI do love the service of a good hotel employee!!!
Sweetie, that's not lobster your husband’s catching, it's crabs. While you're Mai Tai-ing beachside, he's servicing a hotel employee and loving it. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDelete"Mercedes" and "Concerned" must be the same person or "Concerned" is just a person with no life who really doesn't have anything to do with this situation. Either way, she really needs to brush up on her grammar and spelling instead of hanging out at the beach.
ReplyDeleteOh my god, Uninterested. You just made me literally LOL! My husband asked "What is so funny?" and I don't think I could even begin to explain all this to him.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the next installment of the life and times of Concerned...
Catching "crabs...," I love it!
ReplyDeleteWOW-ok, I am the OP of this thread and I would like to inform everyone that my name is not 'Mercedes'. I just had a simple question about whether or not I should be offended if the housekeeper got a bonus and I did not-I was not writing from my bosses laptop....it was my own...and they ended up giving me a generous bonus as well as a few great gifts. I don't know who this Mercedes is, or who is posting as her MB or if this is all a joke---but as THE ORIGINAL POSTER-my name is not Mercedes. And I have so freaking clue why this thread went so completely haywire. THANK YOU to those who posted useful/insightful comments!! As for the others..I would just recommend not making accusations? This is just ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteAlso...I read that someone said OP and Concerned were the same person..I can assure you I was not posting as 'Concerned'...someone is either a psycho MB or someone was just having a little fun..I really have no idea. But anyway-again...I just had a simple question about a holiday bonus and this is what it turned into. Oy.
ReplyDeleteIt was not Mercedes. I didn't really think it was. What I did know is I cold get a rise out of you nannies. FYI - I have been typing my comments from the privacy of my bathroom. Needless to say it helped me pass the time while I passed holiday dinners.
ReplyDeleteAnd to those nannies who keep pointing out my poor grammar and spelling...I have taken that to heart. I should try harder to type on my iPad while pooping...I wouldn't want to offend your scholarly nanny intellects!!!
This game is over for me.
*piff
ReplyDeleteOP,
ReplyDeleteGlad you got the generous bonus and gifts! Thanks for letting us know so all this can be put back into perspective.
Concerned, get a life. Not sure what you're trying to prove here except that you're a bloody idiot.
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't be water that I'd be refilling this ladies bottles with. Drink enough and your pee runs clear.
ReplyDeleteGross, but I think (if she's real) she'd deserve it.