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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

Original poster

To take my child out with chicken pox?

25 replies

losttheways · 21/12/2018 10:09

Okay, more of a 'What would you do?'.

I think I would be very unreasonable indeed.

I sadly got let go a day ago and now I need to hand in my fob and phone.

However, I have nobody to watch my baby whilst I pop into the office. To get to the office would require a bus or taxi.

I informed the person I was handing these items to about the situation, but I said I would get someone to sit with DS whilst I came in quickly.

My boss didn't do his own dirty work, someone else told me the news as he's on a 3 week holiday in the Caribbean.

That person who was watching DS is now sick themselves. And I'm stuffed.

What should I do?

It would be really unreasonable to take him out like this, wouldn't it?

I just don't think it's fair, on my poor DS or anyone for that matter.

And he was even vaccinated against it

It's so incredibly stressful and I really don't need this right now.

OP posts:

MamaLovesMango · 21/12/2018 10:12

Can they wait for their fob and phone? They’d only need to wait for about a week. Otherwise could you get someone to post them recorded delivery?

This might be one of those times where it’s unavoidable. I wouldn’t take him on a bus though. Get a taxi to the door, leave baby in car seat, get someone to meet you at the door, hand over and get back in the taxi.

thatwhichwecallarose · 21/12/2018 10:13

They want it, they can come and get it as you have now way of doing so.

So no, this isn’t a situation where you have no choice but to take him out.

Original poster

losttheways · 21/12/2018 10:13

Interesting, two total different suggestions.

They'd be waiting more than a week. The office doesn't go back until the 2nd January

OP posts:

MamaLovesMango · 21/12/2018 10:15

Or yes, as PP said, I’m sure they can come and get it.

Considering they have probably dosconnected the fob when you left and they can disconnect the phone, there really is no rush.

MotherofDinosaurs · 21/12/2018 10:15

This isn't your problem. If they want it that badly they can come and get it from you.

MamaLovesMango · 21/12/2018 10:16

I don’t think under your particular circumstances though OP it isn’t avoidable though and you absolutely should avoid it.

Leyani · 21/12/2018 10:17

If office is closed they don’t need it. Just don’t use the phone, and tell them when you’ll be able to return them

bruise · 21/12/2018 10:18

Honestly I'd just tell them you were very sorry, your sitter has cancelled and now you are stuck at home with a highly infectious & poorly baby whom you cannot take on public transport/in a taxi, and if someone from the office was available to pick it up, you would be in all day. If the office is closed until the 2nd, they won't be needing the items.

I hope your little one feels better soon.

Original poster

losttheways · 21/12/2018 10:18

Thanks all. Obviously I wouldn't want anyone vulnerable to come near a risk of catching it, but I also feel so sorry for my baby.

Poor thing is incredibly uncomfortable and just wants to be glued to me with skin to skin. I really don't want to leave him like this or drag him into a taxi, of which I can't really afford because I'm now slightly fucked for disposable money until I find something else work wise.

OP posts:

Cheby · 21/12/2018 10:19

Send them something by email, so you can both have it in writing, which says you fully intend to return the items, but that due to your child having an infectious disease you can’t leave the house. They can either collect from you today or you will return when the office reopens.

Seeline · 21/12/2018 10:20

If they want it that badly they can send someone from the office or a courier to collect.
You stay at home with your poorly baby.

joopy79 · 21/12/2018 10:21

Stay at home, if they need it that badly they can send someone for it.

rosealltheway · 21/12/2018 10:22

OP- do not go out of your way at all. They should arrange a pre-paid packaged envelope for you to return this in at your own convenience. I was let go several years ago by a company who also refused to pay me expenses owed. But they were constantly hounding me for their precious iPhone. I sent it back, but then they started hounding for my PIN. I reminded them, yet again about my unpaid expenses and amazingly, they suddenly appeared in my account

jollydad · 21/12/2018 10:23

I'm of the view if they want it before the Christmas break they can come and get it themselves.
Otherwise you'll return it in the new year.
Now you are no longer an employee this is their problem not yours.

staffiegirl · 21/12/2018 10:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

loubluee · 21/12/2018 10:24

Agree with PP email, explain your sitter is unwell and you can’t come out. They are welcome to collect it today or they can have it in the new year.

You aren’t being unreasonable and you’ve offered a solution.

Please for little one and everyone else’s benefit, don’t take him out.

Original poster

losttheways · 21/12/2018 10:26

I really quite like this 'Fuck it, if they want it so badly they can get it themselves' attitude

On a serious note, I'll text the guy now and say something like "Hi H, I can't leave the house today because V is extremely unwell with chickenpox and the person who was keeping an eye on him for me whilst I come to you is sick and can't do it. Someone is fine to pick them up from me"

OP posts:

staffiegirl · 21/12/2018 10:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PrincessConsuelaBannanaHammock · 21/12/2018 10:32

Agree with pp it's not your problem. Email them so you have it in writing explaining they whilst you would be happy to return the items due to your child being unwell you can't, any you are happy for someone to pick them up. I hope you find another job soon

Satsumaeater · 21/12/2018 10:40

Put it in a bag hanging off your front door handle/on doorstep whatever and tell them to come to get it.

startingafresh1 · 21/12/2018 11:30

It's totally reasonable for you to explain that you can't drop the items off whilst you have a sick baby. Is not fair on baby, is not fair on others who should have to be exposed to her virus, and it's not fair that you are out of pocket.

However, it's worth bearing in mind that you may need a reference from your previous employers. It is risky to give a bad reference but I think it's sensible not to give them any ammunition.

So keep it amicable and professional- consider writing an email so you can keep proof that you gave reasonable reasons for not dropping the items off, and that you were happy for them to be collected.

Raspberry10 · 21/12/2018 12:45

Just explain you can’t, and either someone comes and gets it or they send a courier. That or they have to wait until Jan when your child’s is better. So sorry you lost your job

woolduvet · 21/12/2018 12:59

I certainly wouldn't be going out of my way with my time or money if someone let me go just before Christmas.
You're in if they want to come get them or you'll drop them off if you're passing (if you feel like it)

Eilaianne · 21/12/2018 13:02

Absolutely not, this isn't an emergency, you could infect vulnerable & pregnant women. They can collect if they want it, that's reasonable.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 21/12/2018 13:05

I'd say they can send a courier or taxi to pick it up if it's urgent, or if any colleagues live close by they can collect it, or wait for you to post it in the new year otherwise.

Flip

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