Community Chat

[nygirl20]

This morning I went to go babysit and when I arrived I was told I was not needed for today. Not one of the parents called me to tell me not to come in today. I drove 20 minutes each way for nothing. I am not sure what I should do now should I wait to see if they call me and apologize or should I call them. Also should I continue babysitting for them since this type of incident has happened in the past.

Thank you

[Topaz Gem]

That is very rude. Unless you really need that job, I would not babysit for them any longer. They don't respect you or your time.

[sunshine45]

maybe you could tell them that if they dont give you advance notice that you are not needed that you will have to add an extra hour to your next babysitting job.....and tell them it is for your travel time and gas.

[JustJules]

That is extremely rude, and you mention that it has happened in the past. Not sure what kind of agreement you have with them, but they don't seem to take your time very seriously. What if they took their child to the doctor, and the doctor said, oh I am too busy to honor your appointment today. They would be furious. Your time and gas is money, and you should have an honest discussion with them since this is not the first time it has happened. If I were you, I would tell them you expect to be paid for at least 1 hour for your time and inconvenience, since they could not bother to call you in advance to cancel before you left for their home. I don't know how badly you need this job, but these don't sound like considerate people. Perhaps you could find other babysitting jobs. It seems they are just taking you for granted. Best of luck.

[brii]

You should talk to them and charge them a fee. They should have given you notice.

You didn't say how many times it has happened in the past, but it will continue until you put a stop to it.

[nygirl20]

Thanks everyone I am only doing this job since I work at a college and we are on summer break. So I don't really need the job it would just be spending money for me. I feel bad about possibly not working for them anymore but they obviously don't care about me and my time.

[Disneylandfan]

They should have called you but sometimes things get forgotten. If you could use the money and it's a good job I would just call before driving over there. Should you have to call, no but if they are forgetful about canceling this would save you a drive.

[nun ya]

I'd say something. If you didn't just show up one day, they'd be singing a different tune.

[Topaz Gem]

On 6/23/2014 nygirl20 said: Thanks everyone I am only doing this job since I work at a college and we are on summer break. So I don't really need the job it would just be spending money for me. I feel bad about possibly not working for them anymore but they obviously don't care about me and my time.

Sometimes people just don't think. I would give them the benefit of the doubt and ask them if they thought of calling you ahead of time so that you would save the gas money (and we all know gas is going UP!) and wear and tear on your car. Maybe if you nicely ask them that if it happens again, to please notify you ahead of time, rather than let you find out when you arrive. If they don't agree, then I would tell them that obviously they do not respect you or your time and that you won't be able to babysit them any longer. Don't ever let anyone walk all over you or take advantage of you.

[DoneTryin]

Since it's happened before, it appears that they don't regard your time to be worth anything. You could gently but firmly tell them that you enjoy working for them, but from now on you need 2 hours' notice if they do not need you. Otherwise, they owe you one hour payment for your time & trouble driving over there.

Let us know what you decide to do, if anything.