Should I say anything?

[Anonymous]

I've been with my current family for about 3 months. I'm the first nanny they've employed. They're great people - very thoughtful, kind, and fair. Don't try to take advantage of me at all. I am guaranteed 40 hours a week and often get to leave early due to MB's irregular schedule.

Last week was very busy for MB with work. On Friday (which was also my payday) she left in the morning and said she'd be back later (as opposed to DB). She usually leaves my paycheck on the fridge, and it wasn't there, but I didn't say anything because of course I just assumed she'd grab it when she came home. However, she ended up getting held up due to an emergency at work, and so about an hour before I was due to leave, DB phoned saying he'd be home instead, but about 30 mins later than the time I'm supposed to leave. Not great, but not a huge deal. So he got home, and when I mentioned that I hadn't received my check yet he went downstairs to search the office for it. He couldn't find it, and so wrote me a check for my usual amount from his personal account.

I'm not sure what to do about that extra half hour I worked. I realize in the grand scheme of things it's a small amount of time/money, and I also realize that I often get to leave early on other days. However, it was also outside my hours and a very last minute change on a Friday evening when I had plans. I'm leaning towards thinking I should just not mention anything since I know it is just a case of oversight on DB's part (not thinking to add in that extra half hour when writing my check) and it's not a huge deal to me. But I also don't want to cheat myself or set a precedent. I'm sure if I brought it up DB and MB would be very apologetic and compensate me properly right away. What do you guys think?

[Anonymous]

I would let this slide but if it happens again, bring it up to them and ask how they would like to handle situations like this going forward. I've been in your situation before and eventually left my position because they were taking advantage of my flexibility with their constant lateness.

[Anonymous]

I would let it go as well. I see guaranteed hours as an opportunity for flexibility on both ends. I am paid the same each week, and so my hours are the same more or less. I don't keep track of extra 15, 20 or 30 minutes, because I know at the end of the week, they are usually paying me for more hours than I was actually there. I would suspect you have a similar situation and I would chalk this up to one of those times you just have to stay late to help out! In my experience, when you start to nit pick about extra hours you are there (whether or not they are actually "extra") it turns into a situation where things become nickle and dimed.

[Anonymous]

I normally would say bring it up but in this particular situation I'd probably let it go. Now, if it happened again.. Then I'd definitely bring it up.

Also, who knows, maybe they'll realize and add it to the next check?

[Anonymous]

I'm shocked by the replies. I'd absolutely bring it up.
"things were rushed on Friday and I got paid my normal amount instead of the additional half hour. Could you add it on to this week's pay please?"

[Anonymous]

I know I am going to get flamed for this, but as an MB I recommend that you not bring it up. It sounds as if they let you go early on a regular basis so it seems only fair that you help the out when they get in a jam. We give our nanny a bunch of extra time off every year and in return I appreciate her being flexible on the rare times we need it.

[Anonymous]

It is immaterial whether they let you leave early. This is their choice and you are there to fulfill your part of work agreement. Thirty minutes here and there can add up to a lot of time you will not be paid for. I might let it slide this one time but let her know that you will charge in the future. You should also tell her when it is necessary for to leave on time so she or DH can be home. It is best not to let things like this fester. Remember, this is a business arrangement.

[Anonymous]

I would also let it go on account of all the times you've gibe home early and still gotten paid. If you bring it up, expect to start working every hour you're paid for. I would just say you want to be flexible when they're in a jam but you need as much notice as possible. Also on Friday when things wee going down I would have told them then and there that you have plans and need to leave at X time, so do they want to meet you somewhere en route to pass off the kids. Make sure they know when there's still time to do something about it.

[Anonymous]

Not if they're usually good about keeping to their hours and often let ou leave early with pay.

Last thing you want to start is resentment or a nickel & dime situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would also let it go on account of all the times you've gibe home early and still gotten paid. If you bring it up, expect to start working every hour you're paid for. I would just say you want to be flexible when they're in a jam but you need as much notice as possible. Also on Friday when things wee going down I would have told them then and there that you have plans and need to leave at X time, so do they want to meet you somewhere en route to pass off the kids. Make sure they know when there's still time to do something about it.

^^ this poster is thinking exactly what I am thinking. I wouldn't want to let a family off with not paying me for all the hours I work but at the same time if you think they'll make you work the full 40 hours in revenge. I think if you often get 40 hours paid for 37 hours half an hour occasionally is an ok trade off.

[Anonymous]

In your situation I wouldn't say anything. My employers regularly come home early and its never occurred to them to let me go, even though they are sitting playing with the baby and talking to me. If my employers were thoughtful enough to do this, I wouldn't sweat 30 minutes here or there.

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely let it go this time. Sounds like you have great bosses and this was a one time mix up. If it happens again, say something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would also let it go on account of all the times you've gibe home early and still gotten paid. If you bring it up, expect to start working every hour you're paid for. I would just say you want to be flexible when they're in a jam but you need as much notice as possible. Also on Friday when things wee going down I would have told them then and there that you have plans and need to leave at X time, so do they want to meet you somewhere en route to pass off the kids. Make sure they know when there's still time to do something about it.

^^ this poster is thinking exactly what I am thinking. I wouldn't want to let a family off with not paying me for all the hours I work but at the same time if you think they'll make you work the full 40 hours in revenge. I think if you often get 40 hours paid for 37 hours half an hour occasionally is an ok trade off.

Yup!

[Anonymous]

I agree (full consensus on DCUM?? what!) with all the PPs - let it go this time. This sounds like an honest mixup, you have benefitted from early departures before and are likely to again, and just say something if it happens again or consistently. The first time it happened with my employers I didn't say anything either, but every time since that they've paid me twice my regular rate whenever they are late without notice - maybe you'll be equally lucky!

[Anonymous]

Since it is a small amount, I would let it go. As you stated, you do get to leave early sometimes.

However, if they do it again, I would most definitely say something.

Don't worry...I highly doubt you set a precedent by letting it go once.

Like you stated, I bet it was just an oversight.