I work for two very busy professionals who I adore. They have always worked with me to be home in time for meetings and let me out for doctors appointments. Two weeks from now I start a class that will allow me to have a career once I'm done nannying (this is my last family...I'm not messing with trying to find another good one). The class is mandated by the state and does not allow for even a little bit of class to be missed without a doctors excuse. This means that I have to be out of work at an exact time which is not easy with this family (like I said they are busy). I'm concerned they will not make it home in time for me to attend. They are supportive of me taking this class because its in the health care field (they said it could only benefit them) but all the above mentioned meetings and appointments have had some wiggle room where this does not. They have been aware of this since February and agreed to make it work but as with any job, stuff happens and you can't always be home. Do I go as far as suggesting they hire some back up? But that seems too hard because often times they don't know until the last minute if they have to stay late. Suggestions? - Anonymous
10 comments:
Do they have a neighbour they're good friends with or something? This is the arrangement I have with my bosses, if I have an appointment and they find out they'll be late back then they have an agreement with two neighbours that I can drop the children at either of their houses instead.
Since their schedules are so busy and unpredictable and you HAVE to be at your class, I would say, Yes....they should have a back-up plan in place. A neighbor would be nice since someone who lives close would probably be in the best position to help. Or possibly a near-by relative. If not, then maybe they can hire a back-up babysitter. I wouldn't let this slide. This class is too important for you.
I would even go as far as cutting your hours that day so that a babysitter get there's 2-3 hours before your class begins. The class is only for a semester I'm assuming and I think making a little less a week is worth it. It will giv you a chance to study before class and guarantee that you will be there on time.
I submitted this and about 20 minutes later my boss and I spoke and I did suggest back up in the form of their babysitter who works when they go.out and she assured me it wouldn't be necessary at all.
But a neighbor does seem like a good option. They are in a nice subdivision. I think at most if back up was required, it would be for all of a half hour.
This is an odd move for me, going to school. In the past families have told me I could pick work or school. And made me feel bad for saying No to any extra work
This family is outstanding and understands that they are my last so I must find a way to move on.
I would make sure they know I need to leave 1 hour before my class time. Depending on distance from the school of course.
I would tell them you'll have to get creative & take the kids with you if they're not on time. They can drive to your school & pick them up. If that's unreasonable, Id find not one but two or even three possible back ups. I think relying on another babysitter is a bad idea. Id look for neighbors. If you only have one back up, you'll miss your class when they cancel(because they're sick, have appointments or whatever). So I feel its imperative that you have at least two-three viable options.and don't arrange for a "last
minute" care. I would give yourself an extra thirty minute leeway. Meaning, if it takes you an hour to get to class, Id arrange to end your work day an hour & a half before class is scheduled to start. Congratulations on going back to school, how exciting for you!
I think back up is a good idea but my other piece of advice is to give yourself some extra time. If it takes you 30 min to get to class, tell them you'll need to leave an hour before class. That way if they are running a few min late it won't be a huge deal. Also, make it clear that you absolutely have to leave at that time. If they need to stay late at work then it is their responsibility to make arrangements. You seem like you have been more than accommodating with them so they should return the favor :)
One idea.. Have them sign a contract that charges them $5 per minute they're late. It sounds harsh but my friend (nanny) did it and it fixed all tardy problems for her. If they are late, unfortunately you will still be late to class, but it proves to them you are serious and hey you can make $20 in 5mins. The only catch is you cannot be lenient... "oh, it was a flat tire so it's ok" or "well it's only 2mins late so it's ok." You have to be firm and consistent. Hope you can resolve this!! GL!
Is there a drop in daycare center you coul take the kids to? There are 2 by me and it seems like that would be a good option if it was a nice facility.
I have been in this type of situation. In my experience, YES, you need a back up plan.
In my case, I was assured that one of the parents would be home to relieve me on time. This was not the case. Due to me being late to this one particular class, a specific certification that I had aquired expired, and I would have to take the super expensive class all over again, rather than the re-certification class (that I missed due to my three hour late employers.) I made the employers PAY for the class that I then had to take, in addition to the cost of the class that they made me miss. I also then put in place a policy that parents who are more than 10 minutes late without notification will be charged an additional five dollars per minute. I am a reasonable person. I understand that things do occasionally happen. But, I also know that if can drag my happy-butt to work on time every day - they can get themselves home from work on time. If for some reason they can't be there on time to relieve me, I expect them to let me know ASAP, and have a back up plan in place.
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