AIBU About Constant Requests To Babysit?

[zukiecat]

I'll try and keep this short and not let it turn into a rant, but please bear with me!

Since the start of the year a colleague has asked me constantly to babysit her four DC, some of which has been for nights out and some so her DH can work overtime (voluntary)

Looking back on my diary I have done more than 50 hours of babysitting since the middle of January, I have health issues and it's really starting to take its toll on me, I have Pernicious Anaemia (amongst other conditions) and sometimes coping with my part time job is more than enough for me, I don't ask for or receive any sort of payment for this babysitting, last week I got a bit pissed of because I looked after the DC for the whole day, then had to go straight to work for an evening shift, it was pouring rain when I left but I didn't get offered a lift to work, I should say I never ever ask for or expect any lifts from anyone to anywhere, but seeing as though I had looked after her DC from 9am to 5pm and it would have taken her DH five minutes to run me down the road, I have Sciatica and Arthritis which are made worse by cold damp weather.

Colleague also asked our boss not to put me on the rota on certain evenings because, and I quote "I need her to babysit"

My own DC are adults, one DD has left home and the younger one also has health issues and she's had nine hospital admissions since June 2017, she was also diagnosed this weekend with a blood clot on her lung which is very worrying, so I need to be around to look after her too.

I had a bad dose of flu in January, but colleague's DH wouldn't stop phoning and texting me to ask if I would be able to babysit that week so that they could have a night out. I also had quite severe laryngitis three weeks ago, and this, combined with my other health conditions really took it out of me, but I still got endless texts asking me to babysit for another night out.

I'm just feeling exhausted and to be honest, just used. I'm not the best at saying No to people and some do take advantage of that, but do you think I would be justified to refuse to do any more babysitting and not give a reason?

Sorry, this was longer than I intended it to be, but thanks for reading!

You go Zukie!

I am at the absolute fucking cheek! And really on your behalf!

Do not back down!

Her DH will lose money to look after their own children but they expect a colleague to do it for free!

Good for you Zukie - cheeky bugger

Email the HR department at head office and tell them, this I'd harassment actually as she's using her senior position to force you into providing free childcare. The shop manager is just as bad for agreeing to change your timetable for her.

Uniglo "Email the HR department at head office and tell them, this I'd harassment actually as she's using her senior position to force you into providing free childcare. The shop manager is just as bad for agreeing to change your timetable for her."

This ^^

Really glad you're doing this. Stay strong.

See what your manager says but I'd be tempted to get the Cf sacked by talking to head office. Then she wouldn't have any childcare issues.

I would be having a meeting with the manager first, tell them the situation, and ask the manager to not disclose your hours to CF, and that you are not babysitting her children anymore. Tell her of CF behaviour towards you when you told her you were not babysitting anymore, give her a chance to rectify it. If it still continues, contact head office. Like somebody is saying, she is using her senior position to harass and bully you.

@zukiecat Has anything happened since? How did it go with your manager?

I just read your update and so pleased you were able to say no to her. Amazing that she thought her husband having to take time out and lose their money would persuade you. It’s nothing to do with you and you’re not there to make their lives easier.