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Is it cheeky to ask to be paid over the holidays?

414 replies

Dogswimmingcompetition · 27/05/2025 14:11

I work as a tutor. I work for three different families.
Over the summer holidays, one family like me to keep working, one family don’t have tutoring at all over the summer, but pay me year round. The final family is the family I work with the most, I’ve taught their child for almost three years. For the first year it was year round, last year they went away last minute for summer (I didn’t realise this was the plan) and I wasn’t paid all summer. I get the majority of my income from them and found it a real struggle for a couple of months.
Their child finishes their exams in a couple of weeks and mentioned something about our last lesson being in a couple of weeks (much earlier than I expected) This will leave me without pay for 3 months, which will set me back a lot.
I’m unable to commit to other families who have asked for tutoring as they would want all the time, not just in the holidays.
Would it be cheeky to put this to the father and ask if there’s any way they can pay me over the holidays and explain the situation?
I enjoy working with this family and would rather stay with them if possible, I know that i’m valued there also as the mum has told me in the past that they’re keen to keep me/continue with me.

OP posts:
heatherwithapee · 27/05/2025 14:18

In future price accordingly, assuming that you won’t be needed for the holidays. Incorporate your holiday ‘pay’ into the usual fee and set some money aside.

stillavid · 27/05/2025 14:18

I wouldn't mention paying you over the summer directly. Just say that as they don't need you over the summer you will need to find other clients and can't keep 'their' slots open. If they then ask how to keep their slots you can say well other people keep paying - basically a retainer.

Honestly this is how it works with lots of services eg Personal trainers. Some people pay to keep their slot and others don't and just hope they are still free come September.

But you will need to be prepared to lose them as clients and find new ones but I don't see you have a choice really.

ThejoyofNC · 27/05/2025 14:17

YABU. That is the nature of self employed work. You need to plan for the times when you won't be working, not just ask your customers to pay you for nothing.

purplecorkheart · 27/05/2025 14:16

Do you have a contract with them? As another poster said tell them that you will be taking on tutoring clients during the summer and maybe be unable to take them back on. Offer that they can pay to reserve these slots over the summer to keep them.

It does sound like you are being messed around a bit by them though. I think you need to get a contract drawn up asap and stick to it.

Dogswimmingcompetition · 27/05/2025 14:16

Jammiesdodger · 27/05/2025 14:14

So effectively your jobs done with that family if they are sitting exams? Time to look for new clients

That was what surprised me! Bearing in mind this is the daughter that said this to me, so I need to clarify with the parents. I help with homework and studying for exams etc, but still assumed I’d be working until the end of summer term, this part seems unfair.

OP posts:
PhilippaGeorgiou · 27/05/2025 14:16

Itisallabitvague · 27/05/2025 14:13

Of course you are being unreasonable you're self employed! You don't get holiday pay so you should adjust your rate accordingly.

Sorry - I get it's difficult - but this is the answer. Self-employed people have to price for holidays and sickness or need to be upfront in their contracts about what is charged and what isn't. You need to look at your model. It doesn't seem to work very well.

Palestar · 27/05/2025 14:16

Dogswimmingcompetition · 27/05/2025 14:14

How do I mention pay as part of this? I’m worried to lose them

You don't - you take on someone else over the summer and beyond. If you have space in Sept to pick them back up you do. If they want to keep you on, they'll offer.

Mareleine · 27/05/2025 14:14

YANBU to ask for a retainer or reduced fee over summer. Student lets often do this as well. YABU to ask for full pay though. If other families would pay you better, go to them instead.

Dogswimmingcompetition · 27/05/2025 14:14

stillavid · 27/05/2025 14:13

Tell the family that if they don't need their 'slots' over the summer then you will need to fill them with other people and can't guarantee them your time come September.

How do I mention pay as part of this? I’m worried to lose them

OP posts:
Jammiesdodger · 27/05/2025 14:14

So effectively your jobs done with that family if they are sitting exams? Time to look for new clients

stillavid · 27/05/2025 14:13

Tell the family that if they don't need their 'slots' over the summer then you will need to fill them with other people and can't guarantee them your time come September.

Palestar · 27/05/2025 14:13

You cannot ask for payment for work you don't do. You could have told them that they'd need a full year contract to ensure continuity next academic year, and you can say you might not be available in future.

Itisallabitvague · 27/05/2025 14:13

Of course you are being unreasonable you're self employed! You don't get holiday pay so you should adjust your rate accordingly.

Mooselooseinmyhoose · 27/05/2025 14:12

What does your contract say... that's the only question that matters.

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