To cancel the Spanish lesson I'm supposed to teach and instead maybe go out for a drink?

[Fressia123]

There's a lady who I teach Spanish over the weekends it's all done online I've been teaching her for almost two years now.

We're fairly flexible in general. Two weeks ago my DP started working over the weekends which coincided with me going back to work FT (from home). The lesson is scheduled at 7 but I'm exhausted and really need some time off.

I know it's unprofessional of me but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed in general.

@Fressia123 would you call in sick to an office to go out for a drink?

Hey OP, I have Zoom Spanish lessons every week (not on the weekends) and personally, would be pretty happy for a surprise week off. We don't schedule in any breaks or holidays and it's a bit awkward to approach but I think it would be good for me sometimes. It can come around very quickly after all. So, IMO, go for it.

Can't you do the lesson and have a skinful after? Or if it's online have a glass of wine on the side? (Just say it's grape juice and hide the bottle.)

No, never for "a drink" but yes I have taken time off for feeling overwhelmed and tired. She has cancelled in the past for being hungover/going out (although the latter with more notice).

@Fressia123 if you’re overwhelmed and tired and you don’t think she’ll mind then cancel.

No that's rubbish behaviour in a professional arrangement, way too short notice unless it's an illness or emergency.

She's presumably planned her week too be free for this. It's unprofessional to mess her around.

How long is the lesson? I'd do the lesson and go after, as it is frustrating when people cancel.If you feel overwhelmed in general maybe reconsider yr long term commitment.

As long as you give her notice I can’t see why she would mind.

Could you do a recording or is that not appropriate for this type of lesson?

yeah just give her a shout as early as you can does it really matter

or send her some work/videos whatever instead?

The lesson is completely tailored to whatever homework she's done. We're on our last month's as the lessons are focused on passing the DELE exam. It would be short notice as it's today at 7. I can always go back tomorrow... Or drink a beer instead.

I'm just VERY tired as I've been working non stop for two weeks while looking after the baby. And I've managed to make a dent to my day work workload but there's always tomorrow!

Do it whilst drinking Sangria? Method teaching? Clutching at straws for you 😃

If she has been working toward the lesson then I think it’s really unprofessional to can sell.

Oh "Pablo* you make me laugh (great username BTW!). I have Budweiser is that close enough??

Only you know what your relationship with your student is like and whether she will mind. Personally, I would be peeved if you to,d me it was because you wanted a drink. I'd try to be flexible if you were overworked though - can you offer her another day? Is her exam date set? If it's soon, then it seems a bit unfair.

Well is it American 🤔 Spanish is spoken widely there so I’ll allow it.

At least 25% of the US population is Hispanic so...

She doesn't have test booked but apart from conversation there's not much more I can teach her. She's not going to into professional translation or literary analysis. We did have last week off which makes it extra rude IMO.

Whilst I understand times are difficultat the moment OP, I think I'd have more sympathy if you cancelled because you were exhausted and wanted to go to bed, rather than cancelling so close to this woman's exam, with a few hours notice because you want to go for a drink with your DH.

Can you not just reschedule it?

I think you know yourself you need to do the lesson!😂

I know Nicknacky I'm a decent human being so I know the answer... I was just very excited at the prospect of having some bubbly at the pub.