Help! Love my cleaning job, but now my boss wants me to take their grandparent to appointments and shopping trips etc

[kittiesc]

Hi, new here and need some advice.
I lost my parents last year after years of caring for them, they died within months of each other.
I’ve finally managed to go back to work, I got a new job and clean for a private household. When I got the job they said it’s a self employed role, I accepted anyway as needed to start earning some money after being out of work for quite a while.
However my boss recently asked me to take their grandparent out shopping then to some medical appointments and also some other days out. At first I said yes as I could do with the money, however I feel like i am a carer again and it’s making me sad.
I feel upset as it’s triggered emotions I have forgotten when caring for my parents.
I am also worried about the responsibility of taking care of an elderly person incase something happens when I’m with them, like they take ill or have a fall or something.
I love the cleaning job, I just don’t want to continue with taking their grandparent out… AIBU?? Help

Best excuse is that your car insurance doesn’t cover you for business travel.

If it is true self employment then you can just refuse. You can turn around and say “sorry on reflection, I’m not able to do this anymore.”

Mumblechum0
Thank you yes that’s something else I’ve been worried about as I think it would cost more to insure my car too.

Good cleaners are in demand. You can leave this job.

MyBrightPeer
Thank you, I am going to have to be brave and speak to my employer. Their grandparent is lovely, and I feel a bit mean. I’m still grieving for my parents and it’s hard to explain when something or a situation triggers these emotions.

Don’t start this, they are taking advantage. They really need a paid carer to do something like this, it s a responsibility taking old people out, what if they have a fall etc.
too much responsibility
Also tell them you don’t have business insurance

@Touty Thank you, yes it’s a lot of responsibility and I can’t deal with it at the moment. Yes they are paying me the same rate as I get paid for the cleaning, I expect to get a carer it would cost a lot more.

@MyBrightPeer Thank you ☺️

@HeddaGarbled Thank you ☺️

@Mumblechum0 Thank you ☺️

They're not taking advantage at all. They obviously like and trust the OP so have offered her some additional work with additional money. How is that taking advantage? The OP is absolutely entitled to turn it down but there's no reason why they can't ask.

Thanks everyone, apologies if I’ve not replied properly, first time on here.
I will update once I’ve spoken to my employer and let you all know what they say. 🫣😬

I doubt a carer would be paid much more. Potentially less……. But say no thanks if you don’t want the extra work/responsibility.

@kittiesc if you are self employed, they are not your employer.
If they are your employer, are they paying your holiday, NI, pension etc etc?

What a rotten thing to happen OP. This is completely out of order, they have no right to ask this of you and agreeing to the caring tasks could compromise you in several ways. Just tell them that and hand in your notice. Look for another family who will appreciate your good work cleaning.

I totally understand you not wanting to do this op for all of the reasons mentioned already and you are not properly trained. They are taking advantage and it’s a shame you agreed to do it in the first place. Was it mentioned in the original job description?

Anyway, I’d be very up front op and be honest and say that while you love cleaning for them, and their parents are lovely people etc etc. on reflection, you are sorry but caring for their parents is not something you are able to do and they need to find someone else for that part of the job.

Be prepared to resign if necessary, I agree with pp, that reliable, trustworthy cleaners are much in demand, so keep going with the feeelance status. You can do this op 💪

Could you be honest with them about your parents and how it's not a good job for you emotionally to take on although you didn't mind helping for a one-off. They are giving you jobs that is outside your job description so need a gentle reminder. Following others you could also add how you don't have the correct insurance for that.