I am a nanny in the White Plains area and have a problem that could cost me my job. As part of my daily responsibilities, I drive the children to school and appointments. Last week, while coming out of a parallel parking spot, I hit a truck. There was no damage to the truck, but damage to the left front end of my employer's car. I called them right away. They first said insurance was going to handle it. Then they said, they were not going through their insurance company, but we're just going to pay for it. On Monday, my female boss told me that they were not comfortable paying for the damage because I caused it and it was my error. The estimate is $1750 for the damage. She told me she wanted me to pay for it. I talked to some nanny friends and they told me that wasn't fair so I talked to them both Tuesday night and said that they made the choice not to go through their insurance company and that it was their choice and I wasn't going to pay. The father became really irritated and said something like, "you're standing here telling us what you will and won't do?" He also said, "I guess you REALLY needed that donuts, didn't you?" That remark was in reference to my weight. I got the ticket after stopping to get a bagel and coffee, during my down time while I was out running errands for my female boss anyway. Our conversation ended with my male boss telling me that they would be taking out $250 a week from my paycheck until the debt is paid. He also told me, "you're welcome to walk out that door, but I wonder what you think you'd be leaving with". He was really mean and made me cry. I know, pathetic. I left in tears. This morning I showed up on time and he was gone. I dealt with my female boss who said, "I'm sorry you were so upset. I worried about you getting home okay." But that's it. Do you know how I feel right now? Like I've had nine cups of coffee. I know the error was my own. What do I do? I work as a live-out nanny, off the books and get paid $785 per week. I really need some advice. I am getting all kinds of advice, like "get more estimates, see if a friend can fix it for you, ask to pay less per week, ask to work more hours and have the extra hours go towards the repair bill." Help!
