To be a bit miffed at this comment from my boss?

[mummytowillow]

I've been in my newish job for five months now, I originally went for an interview for one job and came away the same day with a different one!

The job I accepted is in a prison and a good hours drive away from where I live. I took it because I had recently moved 300 miles, separated from my husband and needed to get a job. At the interview I could tell they were desperate for me to accept it as they were having difficulty finding someone to do the travelling and pass the security checks (I've worked in a prison before), they wanted an answer there and then, so I said yes BUT explained I was a single mum, ex lives 300 miles away and couldn't get to work for nine as nursery doesn't open til 8.

Its been taking me around and hour and twenty to get to work and I have to leave earlier than normal because of nursery closing times, they knew all this before I started.

So today my boss found out that it was taking me this long to get to work and she said couldn't I ask my parents to take her to nursery so I could get to work for 8 and miss the traffic!! This would mean dropping my DD at my parents for 7 in the morning, they would have her for an hour and then take her to nursery!! They also have her all day on a Mon and Fri for me, but this would still mean dropping her off at 7, they are 67 and not in the best of health.

Am I just being oversensitive or was she being out of order??

I think you may have been oversensitive, but it depends on the relationship you have with your boss. I assume your boss doesn't know about your parents ill health or age

As your boss knows your parents do help you with childcare she maybe thought it was a possibility. I would just say thanks for the suggestion but it's not possible.

frankly i dont think you are being oversensitive at all because they knew you were a single mum when they gave you the job people tend to have short memories when it suits them ive come to realise, remind.You are entitled to flexible working hours as a single parent have a word with HR if its like where i work in the NHS we have thick folders on our department which outlines all the options to make working life better for you ,your kids and your employer good luck do it sooner rather than when they start to put pressure on you, this is talking from experience

Just reiterate your agreement when you accepted the job.

I don't think you're being oversensitive but he/she is just be insensitive.

Hope it works out ok.

Oh and don't give in.

It sounds like you were a perfect candidate for the job and they wanted you on your terms.

I think your boss has just thought out a possible solution but with very little real thought to your situation.

That's right Nicks. They just need a gentle reminder of OP's commitments. Otherwise they'll lose her.

Hmph!

Unfortunately employers often don't understand the difficulties faced by single mums, do they? I do think that your boss was insensitive.

My mum has cancer and still helps me with my boys and I feel riddled with guilt about it. But I'm lucky, my boss is pretty good about my situation.

Hope it works out for you.

Might not be appropriate for you, but have you thought about placing your DD in a nursery nearer to your place of work? That's what I do, as it means I pay for less hours (no longer including so much travelling time), and, more importantly, if DC become ill or need picking up for whatever reason, I can get to them much more quickly. You shouldn't be bullied into doing this to suit your boss, but it could work out to your advantage as well as your boss's. Just a suggestion.