So, I have a part-time babysitting job. It's every Wednesday night.
When I met with the woman and agreed to take the job, she told me that she wanted someone every single Wednesday. I told her that I had a 4 hour minimum, and she said, "ya know what, let's just say that it's every Wednesday from 5-10" (which is 5 hours) so, if I come home earlier, then I'll still pay you for the 5 hours." It's $20 an hour, so it's basically like $400 a month (under the table). I am DEFINITELY relying on this money coming in since I took a paycut to take this other job.
I've been working for her for about 3 months. The kids love me and everything was going fine. She NEVER stays out until 10, though, and usually comes home at like 8:30 or 9. She also doesn't really leave until like 7. I honestly don't even get why she wants a babysitter..since it doesn't seem like she's really using me.
Well, the last 3 times she's come home she's only paid me for the actual hours I was there (she hasn't paid me the $100, which we agreed upon when I first took the job).
On the one hand, I do feel bad that she has to pay me for the hours I"m not working..but on the other hand, SHE is the one that made that agreement and I"m really relying on this job. Also, I'm sure I could find another job during that time slot that actually used me for all the hours.
Then today she called me and cancelled for tomorrow..so I'm out another $100. I don't mind cancellations, but it seems kind of last minute and I also worked my regular work schedule around so that I could leave early on Wednesdays, so now I'm kind of being screwed.
I don't know what I should do...it feels like a REALLY touchy subject and I have a feeling she's going to flip out a bit if I say anything.
I think it might be time to find something else. I know not a lot of other gigs will compare $$-wise, but she just sounds like a wholly unreliable source for cash. Even if you find something that is less money, at least it will be consistent. It's much easier to budget--as I'm sure you know--when the money comes in reliably.
I don't think it has to be this touchy. Just say that your Wednesdays are open and if she only needs you for two hours, you can't afford to only work those two hours if you could be working much longer for someone else. If you don't really blame her, she can still have enough pride to re-offer your original agreement. And if she isn't prepared to re-offer it, then you're free to find another job.
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Fashion is art you live your life in. - Devil Wears Prada | formerly ttara123
what's more important to you knowing that you're going to get $100 every wednesday, or knowing that you'll have a steady gig?
i hope that question doesn't come across as smug, but i'm asking to get a sense of how you should approach the situation. i think you need to speak to her about it. even if it is a touchy subject she's renegging on a promise that she made you (to pay you the full amount), and it's dishonest and unfair. while i understand her perspective to an extent, you made a commitment to be free every wednesday. imo it sounds like she is not happy with the arrangement, and instead of asking to re-evaluate it, she's being totally passive aggressive.
Find another babysitting job. Then tell her you have had an offer from someone else who seems to be able to promise those hours to you. Tell her you would gladly not take the position if she wants to continue honoring her current arrangment with you. IF she doesnt, no harm done you already have another job.