What do you do if you work as a nanny for a family that gives you no paid sick days? You know that if you call in sick on a day that you really need to rest you aren’t going to get paid.
Then, the mom calls you from work every once in a while and asks you to pick up one of the kids from school early because she kind of isn’t feeling well, It’s not that bad, she just doesn’t feel like being at school and I want her to be able to rest.
How do you react to the hypocracy of this person who wants you to drop everything to cater to her semi-sick kid but doesn’t care about you when you’re really sick? Do you say anything? Quit your job? Be passive agressive and take an extra long time to pick up the kid in a silent protest? Decide to start napping on the job?
What would your reaction be?
hmmm… so far no one’s really answering the question of what they would do.
I wonder who will be the first person to put themselves in the shoes of a nanny.
8 comments
Comment by Golden Sparrow on August 10, 2009 at 1:50 am
Speak to the family and explain the circumstances. You’ll need to pull out a constitution and quote the labour laws. It is unfair for you not to get at least a few sick days. You are an employee, and you should have the same rights.
Comment by Damien and Malachai's Mom on August 12, 2009 at 6:14 am
1.When I had a job, I didn’t get paid sick days.Some jobs offer it…some don’t.
2.If you are not meant to work that day that she calls, deny the request.She’s not being a hypocrite…there is a clear difference between the situations.
You are getting paid to work…not getting paid to be sick.If you want to be paid to be sick, work for the city (lucky bastards get tons of paid sick days)
Comment by Nitty on August 14, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Depends, if you are getting paid under the table, then no sick pay. If you are getting a check and you are paying taxes on your income, then I think she should offer a few days if she really values you. But honestly, you should have asked for that up-front before taking the job.
Comment by Love! on August 16, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I would ask for double time on days or times I am not scheduled, but you can’t be expecting to get paid for days you take off.. sorry.
Comment by mishaboo=) on August 18, 2009 at 11:41 am
I would try to negotiate with the parents on getting sick days with pay.If that doesn’t work I would look for another job while still working with them, but let them know that you are quiting.
Comment by Emily May 11/10/08 :) on August 21, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I would find a new employer who respects you. A nanny is a tough job, and you cant be taken advantage of. Unless she pays really really well, just go somewhere your more happy.
Comment by Lisa Marie on August 24, 2009 at 2:41 am
I would find a new job.
Comment by Cynical on August 24, 2009 at 7:05 pm
well first of all if you don’t like not having payed sick days then get a different job. Not every job has payed sick days. second of all why in the world would you make a child suffer because you want to protest to your boss? that’s horrible. yes if i call you and ask you to pick up my kid, and you are getting PAYED for it then you are darn right I expect you to get there and get it done other wise you won’t be working for me. Just because your employer doesn’t pay you when your sick doesn’t mean they don’t care that you are sick. And if i ever found out my PAYED nanny was napping on the job or making my kids suffer because she wasn’t happy and didn’t have the back bone to talk to me face to face, not only would i fire her on the spot but I would do my best to make sure she didn’t get another nanny job. i feel sorry for the people you work for. you don’t seem like a nanny who cares about the kids just what you get out of it.
oh and by the way I was a nanny for 6 years!!!!