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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

336 replies

missjenniferhoney · 14/12/2014 22:36

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?

OP posts:
whereismagic · 15/12/2014 13:38

Bowlersarm, I love pyjamas, I wear them and don't mind anybody wearing them around their family members. The majority of people here equate PJs with comfort and are surprised than anyone would begrudge them their right to wear PJs in their houses. For me PJs is about intimacy, being close to people and I wouldn't force it onto others. I wonder what reaction they would get if a cleaner turned up for work wearing PJs claiming that s(he) is practically a member of the family, finds them comfortable and doesn't want to muck up her better clothes for going out.

OnlyLovers · 15/12/2014 13:41

Need, the only response to that is Grin Grin Grin .

You're obviously taking the piss now.

magic, I had a cleaner who changed into loose trousers and tunic sort of thing – not a million miles from a pair of PJs – to work in when she got to my house. I assume she found them comfortable and wore them rather than mucking up her good clothes.

I never felt as though she was 'forcing' anything on me. Confused

Needadognow · 15/12/2014 13:44

*only I so am! Feeling mischievous...

Bowlersarm · 15/12/2014 13:48

Whereismagic, as most people don't leave the house wearing pjs it would indeed be a surprise if my cleaner turned up wearing them. I wouldn't care though. She's lovely. If that's what she wanted to wear she'd get no complaints from me.

BIWI · 15/12/2014 13:50

I wouldn't give a shiny shit what clothes my cleaner wore to come to clean my house. All that matters is that she does clean my house!

I don't clean my own house because:

a) I hate cleaning
b) I can afford a cleaner

And I don't think that being happy with being in pjs means you're young/the younger generation, as I am distinctly elderly compared with most of you and I wouldn't have a problem with it at all.

What I wear in my own home is entirely up to me and not a matter for anyone else to criticise. Especially not someone who I employ.

Riverland · 15/12/2014 13:56

Heh heh. The best cleaner I ever had used to turn up at my home looking glam, then proceed to tie back her hair and change into a scuzzy ripped t shirt and leggings to do the cleaning.

I'm wondering now how remiss it was of me to not be offended that her dress code standard was so low for being in my home.

I think I have her phone number somewhere. I'll give her a ring and complain.

She didn't respect me. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

SnowSpot · 15/12/2014 14:02

I'm in my PJs right now, (it's 9.00am where I live) my cleaner is upstairs hoovering.

But…
This is the first day of my holiday. I've been up since 6.45 getting ready for the kids to leave for school at 7.30. For the first time in ages I've not been up at 6.15 to get ready for work myself. Should I honestly get out of my comfy cosy and rather adorable PJs for my cleaner? It never occurred to me that she'd be offended. I kind of think someone dressed fairly respectably in their own home should escape judgment.

Sallystyle · 15/12/2014 14:05

I wake up, put on my PJ's and don't get dressed until the school run. I come home and put them back on.

I mostly stay at home all day studying mnetting and I see no reason why I shouldn't be as comfortable as I can possibly be. If that makes me a slob then I am a happy slob.

YABU op.

Sallystyle · 15/12/2014 14:07

Thankfully my husband doesn't have a secretary to shag.

Mrsgrumble · 15/12/2014 14:12

A lot of the reason I don't have a cleaner is I wouldn't like a stranger judging us.

You've just made me realise I don't want one for sure. I treat myself with the extra cash.

DearGirl · 15/12/2014 14:15

I am a nanny. Sometimes my bosses are still in pj's or just jumping in the shower. They still respect me it's just sometimes life gets in the way.

slithytove · 15/12/2014 14:50

I really don't get what's dirty or lazy.

Get up, shower
Put clean comfy clothes on. Usually pj bottoms and a t shirt and cardi / dressing gown.
Stay in said attire until it's time to put going out clothes on to leave the house.
Get home and put comfy gear back on.

Sallystyle · 15/12/2014 14:52

I am probably less lazy if anything! If I go out twice a day that is twice I need to get dressed then come home and get changed into pjs again.

That is a lot more dressing than most ;)

CornChips · 15/12/2014 14:59

My cleaner (who I also semi worship because she is an utter godsend) comes to us at 6 in the morning because after us she has another job. She has caught me in my pjs more than once in a while..... and once bless her when I was on the phone she even changed DS's shitty nappy without even asking- just got on with it.

I adore her. I realise what I say adds nothing to the thread, just wanted to express my appreciation for her fabulousness out loud. :)

IfNotNowThenWhen · 15/12/2014 15:25

Ooh, a heated debate about cleaners and pyjamas! Hurrah! Grin
Personally, I probably wouldn't be offended by pj s as a cleaner, but I would never be in pj's mymyself if someone, anyone, came to my house. My upbringing wouldn't allow it!
I find it really odd that non ill people stay in pyjamas all day. If I work from home I get dressed in actual clothes. I have plenty of nice comfy clothes, for example a lovely soft oversized cashmere jumper ( m and s via a seconds shop) and thick leggings. Just a comfy as pyjamas, but mean I am in " up and awake " mode. I am home now, and even wearing jewellery and make up !

DrinkleBells · 15/12/2014 15:30

If you're that sensitive OP, I suggest you find yourself a more lofty employment. It's none of your business, you're there to clean, not judge. I go into clients homes to do the work, not get offended by their attire. I

Bean89 · 15/12/2014 15:32

YABU
I'm on maternity leave at the moment and won't get dressed unless I'm going somewhere. I can't think of many things I enjoy less than sitting on the sofa all day in my too small jeans and too small bra when I'm breastfeeding constantly. Comfort is my priority!

limitedperiodonly · 15/12/2014 15:39

Apparently Lord Nelson once wrote to Emma Hamilton: 'Home in three weeks. Don't wash.'

I don't know whether he dictated that to a secretary.

MrsKoala · 15/12/2014 15:49

I have levels of dressing/clothes. I sleep naked (usually or if it's chilly i also wear a scarf Grin ) I wear jamas if round the house (these could possibly pass as casual wear if tartan trousers became all the rage). I wear yoga pants /leggins/jeggins if going to the park shop. The tops to both jamas and joggers are interchangeable stretchy long sleeved t- shirts from primark (i have 20 Shock ). Then i have my nice clothes for when i am without the dc.

slithytove · 15/12/2014 15:57

Cashmere jumper + 21 mo old and bf 3 mo old? I'll stick with my pjs Grin

IfNotNowThenWhen · 15/12/2014 16:10

Well, obviously it doesn't have to be cashmere! But surely there is a middle ground between cashmere and your nightie? Confused

MistressDeeCee · 15/12/2014 16:10

I reallly think some people are quite resentful of certain lifestyles and coupled with control issues, they stick their judgemental nose into personal home matters that don't concern them. If I were a cleaner and client's being in PJs offended my delicate sensibilities so much that I have to write about it on a forum then Id get another job; there was a thread couple of days ago on style & beauty regarding "do you get dressed up for your DH" with loads of people proudly saying no..why is my mind imagining that, these are the people who would look spruce for the cleaner...she's an OUTSIDE person you see, so it actually matters I don't have to bother about anyone INDOORS"Grin

Reverse snobbery..you can't beat it...

IfNotNowThenWhen · 15/12/2014 16:14

Anyway, manners dictate that you must never needlessly make another person feel uncomfortable. So, if you arrive and they are wearing a sarong with their knickers on their head, you must act as though this is completely natural. On the flip side, if you think those who work for you might be made uncomfortable by your ative, you should adjust accordingly. This from my mother, who, although mad as tits is the actual Queen of Manners.

IfNotNowThenWhen · 15/12/2014 16:15

Attire, that is!

GahBuggerit · 15/12/2014 17:21

I wonder if the ones who get all tarted up for their cleaner also do the actual cleaning BEFORE the cleaner gets there? I actually knew someone who did this Confused

As a side if I ever use a cleaner and find out they are a massive snob I'd sack them instantly, I'd hate to think of them judging my home.