To be annoyed when my clients are still in pjs when I turn up for work?

[missjenniferhoney]

I'm a self employed domestic cleaner, have been for a number of years. I've recently taken on a few new clients (since Oct/Nov) and have been surprised to turn up to work at their homes to find them still in nightwear. It happened at 2 appointments last week, both at 9.30 in the morning. I turn up at the same time on the same day each week, so I'm not unexpected, and I always knock on the front door for them to let me in before using my own key as I think it is just polite. I honestly didn't know how to react, so just ignored it and got on with the cleaning after a quick 'Good morning, how are you?'

AIBU to wish they would get dressed before I arrive?

I agree with Balls .

I know it hasn't happened on this particular thread but I have seen countless posts on MN where people talking about "using" a childminder or "using" a cleaner.

There is a mindset which says its fine to view your cleaner as not really terribly important and easily replaceable.

You hire a cleaner to make your life easier, you don't want to have to dress up for her. I used to be a cleaner, didn't give a shiny shite what they wore.

Depends where you live/ if you know where to look re finding a cleaner. I found plenty on Gumtree for my boss in London, all with references.
I also found one on Gumtree for my ex in Warwickshire and he lived in back of beyond wealthy village where i thought no-one would need 10 an hour.

I still think an 'appointment' is hysterical. Yes I'd have an appointment with a hairdresser or Dr, but no cleaner i have had/my Mum had would ever say she had an appointment with me, its very Hyacinth Bucket to me. They might say it time for their Tuesday session or 'their day to clean for me' but appointment, no .

Appointment with the property perhaps. Surely the occupier is surplus to requirements? Not really the case with hairdressing...

I work shifts. I sleep probably 9am - 5pm. If I didn't answer the door in pjs, I wouldn't ever get any post or deliveries!
Bedroom is actually ground floor, have an agreement where postman knocks on window, I open it, he flings post on to bed. Job done
Bollocks am I sleeping in clothes just to look reasonable through the day

Dh is self-employed and works from home. I am a part-time postgrad student and occasional 'Housewife' when I can be arsed. DS is on a gap year and works part-time. Aged Mama is 86, stays up all night watching crap TV or reading Georgette Heyer and frequently doesn't get out of bed until 2.00pm. Our cleaner often arrives at noon to find the house locked up and the inhabitants still in jammies. She loves the fact we are a bunch of slobs - it makes her job so much easier.

The situation left me feeling uncomfortable and if it becomes a regular thing I probably will say something

If you were my cleaner and you dared to comment on what I'm wearing in the privacy of my own home, you would be my ex-cleaner. After I'd lifted my jaw off the floor.

You're there to clean, not make personal comments on how your employer is dressed. I'm afraid I'd be wondering whether you'd also been going through my drawers.

'slobbing around'

Oh, get off your high horse.

Why can't people slob around if they can afford to? ...tomorrow I don't plan to get dressed until lunchtime. Having started work at 8am, picked up 3dc at 5pm then taken them all for dinner out then back home, got them ready for bed, applied for a new job which took me more than 2 hours, I'm shattered and want a lazy morning. Anyone who can afford a cleaner is unlikely to be living off benefits surely?

I don't think the OP meant to imply you can't slob around or whatever everyone calls pj wearing, she just didn't find it appropriate when she coming to work!

Whatever our own views OP can set any boundary she likes as can the homeowner!

Sazzle41 there seems to be an undertone in your thread that the cleaner shouldn't be getting above her station?

Montparnasse - that is what I read from her posts as well, i think she may think we are living in the 1920's when one knew one's place! LOL!

Most people i know in the cleaning industry are doing VERY well financially because they a valued so highly and can set rates accordingly!

I used to be an administrator and it bored me to death, I love my cleaning business and love our clients, they love us too, we are valued and warmly embraced into their homes and lives. I set up my business because I was in their shoes, when my children were young i would have loved domestic help but who to trust? I understand our clients needs and value them highly and they understand and respect ours and value us too!

Yes it seems a bit pot calling the kettle black to scoff at cleaners having appointments when the undertones are about keeping one in ones place

Upthechimney, unless you are paying sick pay, holiday pay and various other benefits, YOU are not your cleaner's EMPLOYER.

YOU are THEIR CUSTOMER.

On the few occasions I have had a cleaner- I felt sooo uncomfortable and legged it out of my home as soon as possible. I would feel so awkward lounging around in pjs while the cleaner was cleaning up my crap.

The other thing is- op doesn't say pjs- she says "nightwear". Maybe if they were in slinky sexy nightgowns or whatever, I could see that being quite awkward for the cleaner.

Batman - that is the truth the homeowners are NOT running payroll and therefore cleaners are NOT their employees they are independent contractors and free to set their terms and conditions as they please.

The homeowners are free to choose cleaners whose terms they accept as THEY please - it is called doing BUSINESS not employers and employees! It is a mutual arrangement to suit both parties!

Upthechimney, unless you are paying sick pay, holiday pay and various other benefits, YOU are not your cleaner's EMPLOYER

YOU are THEIR CUSTOMER

Er, no need to shout. It's rude.

And if anyone, paid to clean my house, ever took it upon themselves to comment to me about what I am wearing, they would very quickly not be cleaning my house. I've never had a problem finding a cleaner.

I think the cleaner may find that rather a relief tbh (If said cleaner had an issue with you that is!) ! Another thing about cleaners, they HATE dumping clients and never know quite how to put it to the client they no longer want!

Imagine their relief when the unwanted client does it for them! :-D

Agree with BallsforEarings
I think it is very odd that the customers are not dressed; being in your PJs around family members is OK, but not sure it is appropriate for when other people come into a house.
Maybe next time when you arrive and they are not dressed you could say something like - " Sorry - am I early? I'll go and wait in the car until you are dressed."
It would be better to say something and then both parties can make a choice about how they would like to proceed.

WTAF?! If my cleaner said that to me I'd tell her not to bother coming back.

There could be any number of reasons why a homeowner is still in their pjs, but that's irrelevant. They are inn their own home. Nobody gets to tell you what you in your own home.

in, clearly. My house isn't an inn.

Ha at saying that.