Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Would you have been annoyed at the telephone message?

59 replies

Wisteriabloom · 15/07/2022 09:09

For context, I work part-time in a school, term-time only, obviously! Children (living at home) are in their teens, one at school, one at college.

Last night I noticed the Answerphone flashing, so picked up the message. It was from my sister-in-law, saying the following -
'Hi everyone, just checking in with you all about Sunday, still good with me!
I expect you're very close to school summer hols now Wisteria, with John (my dh=her brother) the only one working which can only be GOOD I suppose (said sarcastically). Catch up with you all later!'

She's just made it quite clear she looks down on my working arrangements, hasn't she! I work hard, she has no idea what working in a school is like! It sounded a nasty put-down to me, and has left me not wanting to meet up on Sunday! I'll play it to dh tonight, he's away at the moment. I'm fuming, tbh. 🤔

OP posts:
godmum56 · 15/07/2022 09:10

ignore ignore ignore

Sirzy · 15/07/2022 09:12

Without knowing any kind of back history I can’t say that on its own would bother me. Sounds like a comment about how you can enjoy having some peace!

Bluevelvetsofa · 15/07/2022 09:13

Have a look at the favourite messages on Mumsnet thread and see which you can use to best effect.

parenthood1989 · 15/07/2022 09:14

I actually read it it can only be good that John is working because you will get peace from him, like a wee sibling 'he's so annoying, better off at work' type thing. I have read it 4 times and can't see how you have managed to conclude it's anything to do with your job.

Craver · 15/07/2022 09:15

I have a friend who is a teacher, he is constantly reminded by friends of his perceived 9-3pm day & long holidays. He just laughs it off but confided in me that he secretly fuming inside. Does your SIL work? I would return the message with a similar passive aggressive comment.

PandaOrLion · 15/07/2022 09:15

I read it as he is working over the summer and you’re not?

butterflied · 15/07/2022 09:17

Is there a backstory here with mutual dislike or something? Otherwise, I think you might be reading too much into this.

It wouldn't bother me on its own.

Aquamarine1029 · 15/07/2022 09:18

Does she have form for criticising your job?

Pickanameforme · 15/07/2022 09:19

I'm clearly missing something. On its own I can't see anything wrong with that.

orangeisthenewpuce · 15/07/2022 09:23

Nothing wrong with the message

HumptyDumpty2022 · 15/07/2022 09:25

There is no other profession who does less and complains more than a teacher or assistant.
She was right, you’re about to have six weeks off!

Pixiedust1234 · 15/07/2022 09:27

I read it as "its probably will be nice to have him out from under your feet" but didn't dare say so in case you think that's an insult if you are tied at the hip type people.

Mischance · 15/07/2022 09:31

Presumably there is history here. As it stands it looks fine to me.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 15/07/2022 09:32

Her brother (your DH) is a Pain In The Bum and you won't be tripping over him all through school holiday ?

carefullycourageous · 15/07/2022 09:32

Oh ignore her, either she means no harm in which case it doesn't matter, or she's being bitchy in which case she's a twat and doesn't deserve the headspace.

Either way, delete the message, forget it.

Bournetilly · 15/07/2022 09:34

I can’t see anything wrong with that message

bluekostree · 15/07/2022 09:35

I think it means your dh will be working so out of your way! I'm in the same position (TTO) and would not like my dh hanging around for 8 weeks. Me and dc had plans 🤣

ChicCroissant · 15/07/2022 09:36

What I get from that is that you really don't like her and are looking for offence in everything she says! From what you've put on here about the call, it's quite a jump to make the answerphone message all about you and your work.

And for the rest of MN, schools employ non-teaching staff as well.

Starpeople · 15/07/2022 09:37

Op, I really don't think there is anything wrong with the message at all. I feel you are really overthinking it. If I received that message I would laugh and think "exactly! A nice rest is definately in order after all the hard work!"
I think SIL is saying that the holidays will be good as you'll get some time to yourself without dh under your feet! She is being positive with a bit of jest, it certainly isn't a put down.

IncompleteSenten · 15/07/2022 09:38

How can you tell it was sarcastic from a text message?

caringcarer · 15/07/2022 09:38

When I was a teacher, for 23 years, I got these type of snide comments all the time. I pointed out I came home from holiday to be in school on GCSE and A level results day. Plus did revision over Easter break and took marking home every night unless I stayed in school until 6 marking. Just tell her piss off with the teacher bashing.

Ragwort · 15/07/2022 09:40

I think you don't like your SIL and are looking for a reason to be offended.

My DH is retired ... I work part time and yes, I occasionally make a joke (jesting) that I am supporting him but both of us know it is just a jokey comment.

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/07/2022 09:41

I’m not sure she meant that?

It’s hard to tell but presumably you’ve know her a long time, unless she has form for this I would assume that wasn’t what she meant.

CurbsideProphet · 15/07/2022 09:44

It's all in the wording and in your usual relationship. If you usually get on and she means "You must be nearly on school holidays and I'm sure you'll appreciate the peace and quiet", then that's obviously a little joke about her brother. If she has previously been snippy / rude about you or your working hours then it's understandable you would feel she's just getting a dig in.

Starpeople · 15/07/2022 09:44

'IncompleteSenten · Today 09:38
How can you tell it was sarcastic from a text message.'

It was a voicemail

Swipe left for the next trending thread