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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is my boss taking the p?

68 replies

TakingthePee · 01/12/2018 09:45

I'm a nanny/housekeeper to 2 gorgeous children, plus do all housekeeping work and look after their vast array of animals. I'm having time off over Christmas and they're away as well. They've assumed, without really asking, that I'll come in to look after the animals that are staying home during this time. They won't pay me. I'm finding it hard to say no. Reason being, my other half lives literally next door to them and so I'll be there anyway, it's very little inconvenience and it'll take 10 minutes once a day. Would you do it?

OP posts:
echt · 01/12/2018 09:47

How do you know they've assumed? They must have said something.

You are away over Christmas.

user1493413286 · 01/12/2018 09:50

Ask them what the payment would be or when it’s mentioned feign ignorance and sat you’re off so why would you be doing it.
If they want you to do it they should ask and expect to pay you.
It’s an inconvenience and it’s taking advantage to assume you’ll do it

TheQueenSnortsAvocados · 01/12/2018 09:50

"Unfortunately we've got lots of plans to go out, visit friends, and we want to have the freedom to go away for a night or to. It would be best to make other arrangements for the animals as I can't commit to them when I'm on leave."

Original poster
TakingthePee · 01/12/2018 09:51

I'm not away - I'm just having some time off work.

There was a brief conversation but I know they think I'll do it and there is no one else arranged to do it

OP posts:
HashTagLil · 01/12/2018 09:53

How is it your problem? Apart from guilt.

ThanosSavedMe · 01/12/2018 09:54

You need to ask them who’ll be looking after the animals whilst they’re away and you’re off. If they say they thought you were going to tell them that they didn’t ask and you have plans. Then keep quiet. Don’t offer unless you want to.

sackrifice · 01/12/2018 09:54

Tell them you might not be just next door, and to not just assume you will interrupt your holidays to service their animals.

echt · 01/12/2018 09:56

There was a brief conversation but I know they think I'll do it and there is no one else arranged to do it

You're already half way to doing unpaid work. But then you do that by looking after animals as well as children. Possibly change your name to Axminster.

violetbunny · 01/12/2018 09:56

Yep I think I would mention you are planning to be elsewhere over Xmas, so can't be relied on to care for animals.

Original poster
TakingthePee · 01/12/2018 09:57

We have animals ourselves, so they know we'll be at home every day.

OP posts:
waxy1 · 01/12/2018 09:57

If you are willing to do it for pay, say so.

One hour’s pay minimum for each visit.

waxy1 · 01/12/2018 09:58

WIll they feed your animals when you are away?

Gina2012 · 01/12/2018 09:59

I'd ask who's doing it.

Then say you'll be away a lot but could help out sometimes.

Then ask

Had they thought about remuneration

Mondrian · 01/12/2018 09:59

I love "@TheQueenSnortsAvocados" response - I wonder if your boss has form for giving it a try - I have friends who do this sort of thing in full knowledge that sometimes it works and they get away with it.

sackrifice · 01/12/2018 09:59

We have animals ourselves, so they know we'll be at home every day.

Ok [dripfeed] so say you will be home every day ON YOUR ANNUAL LEAVE and hence NOT WORKING TO LOOK AFTER THEIRS.

Owletty · 01/12/2018 10:01

Tbh if you have s good working relationship and like your employers I'd do it.

You've got your own animals to see to, and doing theirs would take 10mins a day.

You never know, they might give you a bonus or something.

And, reciprocate looking after your animals if you're away

HollowTalk · 01/12/2018 10:02

I'd just say in passing conversation, "Who's going to be looking after the animals while you're away?"

If they say "You are" then say, "But I'm on holiday."

Leave the ball in their court.

Junkmail · 01/12/2018 10:03

I would just do it. Especially if you’re next door and they are low maintenance animals. But I would be expecting payment. Suggest a standard daily housesitting fee (I forget what that is tbh—I get mates rates from my housesitting friend) and see what they say. It’s only fair that they compensate you for your time. You are their employee, not their friend.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 01/12/2018 10:03

I think it depends on the terms of your contract. Is this officially holiday for you (is it part of your holiday allowance) and will you be getting paid.

If it isn't your official holiday allowance and it just happens that they're away but still paying you, then you have to do it.

If you are on holiday or not being paid then you are free not to do it. You might want to consider it if it's not much inconvenience to you, if they are otherwise good employers, for example if they give you a big Christmas bonus or something. You are well within your rights to say no though, couldn't you just lie and say you are away visiting relatives by yourself or your partner is going as well and one of his friends is looking after his animals or something

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 01/12/2018 10:04

If you are not doing it just give them plenty of notice - you need to have the conversation now

Sexnotgender · 01/12/2018 10:04

What type of animals are we talking here?

sackrifice · 01/12/2018 10:04

I would just do it. Especially if you’re next door and they are low maintenance animals.

The OP obviously doesn't want to just do it.

Even nanny/housekeepers are allowed time off. It's the law.

eddielizzard · 01/12/2018 10:18

Do they generally take the piss, or are they pretty good?

Catanddogmake6 · 01/12/2018 10:18

First I think you need to work out what you want. Is it to not do it at all or is it to do it and be paid? Once you have figured that out then take it from there.

dontalltalkatonce · 01/12/2018 10:22

No, I wouldn't do it, in fact, I would stop working for these cunts altogether.