To not go again until I get paid ?

[mindreaderofdarkthoughts]

Hi all,

I tutor two days a week. It takes me an hour to get there .

I tutored on Tuesday , and she normally pays me on time by an app. This time however I haven't received everything . I asked as a reminder on Thursday and she apologized and said she'd send it that day, but now it's Saturday and I still haven't received it. I don't know how to ask again, as it makes me feel awkward .

My next tutoring session is on Monday - would it be unreasonable for me not to go ? It takes an hour and I rely on the money, but I don't want to go again and not get paid . Thanks

mindreaderofdarkthoughts she probably has had a change in financial circumstances and can't afford a tutor and is embarrassed but that's shitty behaviour - and she's stolen £40 or whatever from you for last week...

I used to tutor (cash at the end of each session) and it wasn't uncommon for parents to start off very well with paying and then start forgetting and behave as though I was giving up my evenings with my own children because I preferred hanging out with theirs, and shouldn't mind waiting for the money as it wasn't that important . Previously prompt payers say airily that they'll pay next week because they haven't got cash. When I was doing it I did rely on the money for any luxuries above basic bills, and sometimes had to cancel taking my kids swimming/ to the cinema or getting haircuts if people didn't pay on time.

I did always get paid in the end though one parent asked me to reduce my rate because she'd reduced her hours at work and didn't understand why I wasn't more accommodating...

I stopped tutoring in the end, it's a mugs game IMO.

it's a mugs game IMO.

I think there's something about this with anyone who provides services for children. DS' activity group offers discounts for siblings, but for exams, competitions etc you have to pay the full fee for each child. Parent with 3 children is outraged and was ranting about how is she supposed to afford this?

Similarly, childminder friend has parents constantly being surprised that they have to pay for both children and not just for one as "but the amount of hours you work is the same". It's mind blowing.

She may think you've been "hounding" her for the money. But frankly, as you are due payment you had every right to do so.

The TES forums have a private tutor forum which might have some more ideas for next steps, if you're not inclined to write it off.

Schadenfreude I've found that many tutors in the area will know each other, hope OP can get the word out so nobody else is caught out.

OMG! I assume she's a bit skint and wants to get out of paying you. I would still write to her asking for the money- you could say you'll take it through the small claims court if she doesn't pay up (you don't have to do it, just it might encourage her to pay up.)

You were quite right not to just turn up for the next session.

My kids shared a brilliant maths tutor. I would send him the money for four sessions in advance so that we were only dealing with it once a month or so and he would text me when the money was used up or if he had gone an extra 30 minutes with one of the kids.

Good tutors are so hard to find and he was lovely. I used to bake for him too and give him a nice Amazon gift voucher at the end of each term. Don't put up with not being properly compensated.

Schadenfreude I've found that many tutors in the area will know each other, hope OP can get the word out so nobody else is caught out.

I certainly hope so!

I know this woman may have found herself unable to afford the fee, but surely that means that she says "I'm so sorry, Things have changed unexpectedly (husband lost job; car blew up; house blew down; whatever) so little Kylie won't be able to come again - and please can I pay for this last session in instalments of £x/week for y weeks?"

To just stiff someone on their fee is shocking!