1 day nanny

[Tapestry12]

I am nanny to family. It started off as 2 days. After 14 months I agreed to go down to 1 day, as I found other work. Now they want me to reduce hours to before and after pre-school. The reason they have given me is that I have other work now.
I am really unhappy because I have taken other jobs to work around the day I work for them.

They are incredibly lucky to have you for one day a week. What a pain for you. Stand firm - they can have you one day a week (you could offer to do cleaning or ironing? whilst dc at pre school) or not at all. They will struggle to find anybody else to do one day a week's wraparound care like that.

Is leaving an option to you? The same happened with me at the end of last year, my hours kept getting reduced because I'd found other work, even though I'd found it because she had been messing me around so much. There comes a point where it's just not feasible any more financially for you. I was at that point and so stressed about money but I kept at it because I didn't want to leave the position, I did reach breaking point though and I was about to resign when I was made redundant.

Even a childminder charges for the preschool hours if they do before and after, as the preschool child is blocking a place (you can't get another mindee just for the 2-3 hours the first is at preschool). Perhaps point that out to your employers.

Good point about redundancy - that may apply to you. Make sure you get it paid if it comes to that.

Redundancy only kicks in after 2 years?

I think they're just trying their luck. What are they going to do in school holidays?

I'd just say that you're not willing to do that.

You may find that one of our other jobs would like you to do an extra day instead.

Pre-school is only a few hours, often 9-12 something like that. It is term time only, so would they need care during school holidays? If child was ill or pre-school closed, would they care for their child then, or expect you to come in?

Are the hours of care, start time/finish time, such that other childcare providers would do it? One advantage of a nanny is that nannies will start work earlier, finish later.

I am just upset I guess, MB said because I was now working every day(with different families) she thought I would like to cut my hours (and pay obviously) on a Thursday. Why should my other days work mean she can cut my hours?

"The reason is I have more work now"

Trying to make it seem like they are doing you a favour! I would leave. They are trying to push you out I think.

Hmm - how long is it till you've been there two years? I agree that they are trying to push you out. A bit crap of them.

Just to say it is all sorted now. Still with family but on reduced hours. It has been a little give and take during negotiations. I am happy and I think family are happy.
It is not fun renegotiating hours and pay. Glad it is over.

Well, I am just no longer happy. Time to move on. Any suggestions on what to put in my resignation letter?