Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Working with a baby, fed up and want to stop

112 replies

Hillside1234 · 05/12/2018 09:56

Hi, long time lurker but first post.

So, I work for the family business (kind of) doing cleaning 3 days a week in my parents house and in the business premises. I take my DS who is now 7 month. This has been going on since he was maybe 3 months old? It was a huge relief to begin with as there was no pressure to get loads done (tricky when you take your baby with you). As time has gone on it's become set days, have to get four hours done each day. Seems not a lot but I tend to be there from 9-5 and not get it done. What's more is whatever I do, do, is completely undone by the time I go back in next and I have to do the same job again (no Biggie but does grate on me). Then recently everywhere has been a total tip which feels overwhelming, especially when I can't find anywhere to put DS down. DM is great and has so much stuff there for DS which makes it easier (bouncer, play mat etc) except it's now all gone missing and it's a huge faff to sort anywhere out for him to play. His sleeping has gone bad recently and with some other personal stuff I'm really struggling with my sleep and feel physically sick some mornings from tiredness.

I typically earn about £200 a month, so not a lot but has been helpful. Recently DP has come into a bit of money and we can afford to not have this £200.

I'm looking to go back to work properly in Jan/Feb however I need to take time to write a CV etc etc but I feel like I'm chasing my tail on my days off to get all housework and errands run when time allows.

What's more is I'm actually beginning to enjoy just being at home, playing with DS, giving him my full attention (feel incredibly guilty atm when I work), keeping on top of the house and enjoying the odd nap and sorting for Xmas, and going back to work.

So I guess, AIBU to stop. I can't help but feel lazy, but today I feel physically ill yet again with tiredness and wondering how the hell I'm going to make it to 5pm.

OP posts:
Livedandlearned2 · 05/12/2018 12:55

When you've had the rest of this week off you definitely won't want to go back and by then it will be the 10th, so why not bite the bullet and tell her you don't want to do it anymore, it doesn't work for you and you want to spend your days with your baby.

Do what's best for you and if your mum gives you a hard time stay strong and enjoy getting your life back, she will likely come around.

SpannerH · 05/12/2018 13:05

Personally I think you are making it worse in the long run by just taking the rest of the week off, at least if you are upfront she can employ someone else to do the work she obviously needs -wants- doing. plus if you are talking about quitting in Jan anyway to pursue other things then what does a few weeks difference make? I would say something like 'I have been thinking things over and talking with DP about it and we have decided I cannot continue working for you. I don't want to fall out I just need to do what is best for me and baby. Plus I think it will be better for you getting someone in who can give the job 100% attention.

Winlinbin · 05/12/2018 13:06

If you saw a job advertising cleaning work for a very demanding boss at inconvenient hours with no holiday or sick entitlement and paying a lot less than minimum wage, would you apply for it? I very much doubt it.

You are hard up, young and vulnerable. For any employer to take advantage of that is immoral, unethical and illegal. It isn’t made OK because it’s your mum doing it.

Tighnabruaich · 05/12/2018 14:24

What Winlinbin said.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 05/12/2018 14:37

If the bonus is due on the 14th; take this time off and if you have to go back, it'll only be for a day or two.

Use your time off to collect yourself a bit, rest as much as you can with a baby; and then work out your next steps.

Grace212 · 05/12/2018 14:41

OP "except it's now all gone missing"

sorry, I missed this in your first post - but now thinking - where did it go?

Hillside1234 · 05/12/2018 15:39

Thanks everyone. Just been to see a friend and she also thinks it's ridiculous. I need to speak to my DP tonight before I can do anything final as that wouldn't be fair on him. It's be nice just pottering around the house, playing and not feeling too guilty for it.

As for the relationship with my parents, I think I need to pick that abttle another day. There's an awful lot going on already at the minute and I can't cope with any more drama for the time being, especially so close to Christmas. I think I may have to face facts though, that she is a bit toxic to some extent.

I will post and let you all know how my chat with DP goes.

OP posts:
Hillside1234 · 05/12/2018 15:40

@Grace212 I don't think it's been hidden or taken away, it's just been our somewhere out the way whilst she puts Xmas decs up. It just makes an already tricky situation that bit more difficult when you can't put him down safely anywhere to go searching the house and bring it downstairs.

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 05/12/2018 15:43

If you stop working for them it will be an excellent start. You don't have to make any other changes if you're not ready to. But reading "Toxic Parents" won't cost you anything (well, apart from the cost of the book or a trip to the library).

Hillside1234 · 05/12/2018 16:21

Thanks so much @AnotherEmma, you've been lovely and helpful.

It's making me feel so much better reading all these responses. I've spent so long beating myself up and pandering. I will be so relieved when I can finally quit working for them.

DS is having a nap so I'm going to take advantage and get the house lovely and clean and tidy for when DP gets home, and maybe cook a nice meal for once!

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 05/12/2018 16:35

You're welcome. You are a wonderful mum, partner and person, and don't let your stupid family make you think otherwise. Flowers

Hillside1234 · 05/12/2018 16:39

@AnotherEmma, you're going to make me cry! Thank you so much

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page