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AIBU?

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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:
Original poster
TakingthePee · 01/12/2018 11:50

Thanks for all your responses. Will read through them properly in a mo but just to quickly answer a couple of questions......

I don't have a contract.

They are lovely but they are prone to a bit of cheeky fuckery. They are multi multi MULTI millionaires (and well known but I'm not telling!!!!) but arent overly generous.

I've worked for them for 3 years.

They're paying me holiday pay.

OP posts:
Original poster
TakingthePee · 01/12/2018 11:53

If I was away, my boss would look after my animals if they could but they're hardly ever home, so the reality is they wouldn't probably be able to.

OP posts:
BrokenWing · 01/12/2018 11:54

No one else would make a commitment to pop into work daily during their annual leave, paid and especially unpaid.

Your annual leave is a break from work and a chance to recharge your batteries without being in the work environment.

Either you insist on payment, or you tell them no. If they are good employers tell them as soon as possible so they at least have time to make alternative arrangements.

It is tying to be responsible for the animals while they are away. What if one get ill and need vet care, or if it is a cat and doesn't come home? What if you visit their home to feed the cat and there is a burst pipe you will need to deal with. Don't do it, you need your holiday as much as they do.

OohBabyBabeh · 01/12/2018 11:56

I would just do it. It's not an inconvenience to you as you are so close, and it shows you are committed to your job. They may remember it next time you need a bit of leeway such as a day off last minute etc...

OohBabyBabeh · 01/12/2018 11:57

Also baring in mind that sometimes jobs require you to work out of hours without pay. Multiple times I have had to stay late after 5:30 to complete emergency tasks, but have not been paid overtime. Sometimes it's just give and take...

Original poster
TakingthePee · 01/12/2018 11:58

There are a vast array of animals but some will go to various sitters/looker-aftererers and a few will stay home. No fish, all fluffy stuff.

Cunts?? Ha ha, erm, no, they're not really and yes I like them and yes I want to keep working there but they do take liberties and I'm not brilliant at being assertive with them sometimes.

OP posts:
wizzywig · 01/12/2018 12:01

Some nanny bosses take liberties dont they? Id never assume i have any say over my nannys time off.

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

It's the assumption that pisses me off. No actual request. No, would you mind awfully and it goes without saying we'll pay you. Just the assumption that I'll do it.

OP posts:
PoshPenny · 01/12/2018 12:01

I think I'd clarify what they're expecting from you and then decide what to do. If you're "popping in" to do their animals then you're not really on annual leave are you? Can you find someone else to do it instead of you? Surely it's double time at least for Christmas Day to go in and sort them, minimum 1 hour charge

wizzywig · 01/12/2018 12:03

No contract?! Op you are so vulnerable in that position

category12 · 01/12/2018 12:06

Why on earth don't you have a contract?

ItsLikeRainOnYourWeddingDay · 01/12/2018 12:21

No contract! Bloody hell.

Original poster
TakingthePee · 01/12/2018 12:27

No contract cos it started off as a casual thing and grew from there. I don't feel vulnerable. I'm ace at my job 😁, so I'd soon find something else.

OP posts:
TedAndLola · 01/12/2018 12:31

OP does have a contract, it's just not in writing. But it doesn't matter if she had a written contract saying she would work for weeks without pay - it still wouldn't be enforceable.

The easiest thing to do, since you're feeling awkward about just saying no, is probably to drop into conversation that you're going away for a long weekend during your holiday. They will then know that you won't be able to look after the animals.

Perch · 01/12/2018 12:31

It depends, if it a bit of cat or hamster food I (you) might do it, if it’s walikg a dog for an hour or mucking out a stable, no way. But they are cheeky to assume!

CheeseCakeSunflowers · 01/12/2018 12:37

Could you say to them "Have you made arrangements for the animals over Christmas or would you like me to find someone local who could come in and do it?" My guess is the'll go with the latter suggestion and you can then find a local teenager/student who fancies earning some extra funds.

BadgerBodger · 01/12/2018 12:48

I think you've got to pick your battles in life and i wouldn't consider this one of them. Yes i agree it's a bit cheeky to just assume you will do it. But if it's only next door and only for 10 mins a day then i would just get on with it. It sounds as though you enjoy the job and the commute is great. I would be more miffed if it required more time/effort but it is minimal.

southeastlondonmum · 01/12/2018 12:58

I would do it but I would say
'I was a bit put out that you just assumed I would do it without asking. I felt taken advantage of'

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