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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

This isn't my job, AIBU?

11 replies

midlander79 · 08/08/2023 17:46

I'm a freelance tutor.

The manager of an organisation I tutor for has emailed me asking me to ask one of my students about paying as 'she's not paid for the last few months'.

At first I responded saying 'I've no student named Cassandra*' thinking it was a mistake and now manager has emailed me back and said 'Sorry, autocorrect, I meant Cassia'

*Not real names but similar situation in terms of similar but utterly different-sounding names all the same.

I don't think this is my job. I teach, I don't manage accounts or payments. I also don't think It's appropriate for me to be asking students about their fees and could damage my relationship with the student.

What do you think?

OP posts:

TheFlis12345 · 08/08/2023 17:47

I think the name mix up is irrelevant, who normally deals with the finance side of things?

Hellocatshome · 08/08/2023 17:47

Its not your job BUT if they have already tried all their usual methods then they have to try something to get their money. Plus if she doesnt pay she won't be your student much longer so personally damaging the relationship isn't top of the companies priorities.

Dacadactyl · 08/08/2023 17:48

I don't think there's any harm in mentioning it to Cassia in a passing way. Surely you won't be getting paid unless she pays, so it's in your interest to chase for it too?

LylaLee · 08/08/2023 17:48

Just say, 'head office asked if you can get in touch with them about your account.'

Then you can truthfully say you spoke to her about it, and if it's an oversight they can pay, and if not they can make a payment plan or whatever.

Businessflake · 08/08/2023 17:50

Presumably it’s you who have the face to face contact with them? They can continue to ignore emails and phone calls, face to face could be the last resort.

tescocreditcard · 08/08/2023 17:50

If you don't want to rock the boat with either the company or the student then just say "yes ok" to the company and not ask the student. If the company asks again, say "yes, I did remind her that her account was overdue".

HeddaGarbled · 08/08/2023 17:51

Presumably you’re seeing her regularly, so I think it would be helpful of you to assist the agency here. @LylaLee ‘s suggested line is perfect, IMO.

Original poster

midlander79 · 08/08/2023 17:55

Thank you all.I thought it a bit cheeky of them. Maybe I could email back and ask who it is I put her in touch with?

OP posts:

MavisMcMinty · 08/08/2023 17:58

LylaLee · 08/08/2023 17:48

Just say, 'head office asked if you can get in touch with them about your account.'

Then you can truthfully say you spoke to her about it, and if it's an oversight they can pay, and if not they can make a payment plan or whatever.

This! What could be easier?

matchamate · 08/08/2023 18:03

LylaLee · 08/08/2023 17:48

Just say, 'head office asked if you can get in touch with them about your account.'

Then you can truthfully say you spoke to her about it, and if it's an oversight they can pay, and if not they can make a payment plan or whatever.

This is perfect. The name mix up is irrelevant.

Original poster

midlander79 · 08/08/2023 23:16

@Dacadactyl I'm paid the same no matter how many students-the only thing was that the course needed at least X number of students to run. I just get a flat daily rate.

OP posts:

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