Should I just not show up to babysit? Dillema

[Anonymous]

I need some advice and opinions. I nanny FT but babysit on occasion. I babysat for one family about a month ago. They gave me extreme late notice( 45 mins) that they needed a babysitter. I went and babysat. They payed well and even payed for a cab home for me. I get a text on Tuesday from the dad asking if I can babysit Wednesday and Thursday. I say yes to both, however, I couldn't start until later today because I was working with my main family. Tuesday at 4am I get a text saying his daughter( 5 month old) had an ear infection and they would be canceling their plans. He said he for sure needed me Thursday( today)and hope she would be better by that time. I texted him yesterday evening asking how she was doing and if they needed me to babysit. I didn't hear anything back. My main family didn't need me today last minute, so I texted asking again if I was needed and that I can start earlier like they wanted. I even sent a follow-up email. I haven't heard a word.

I got another offer and now I don't know what to do? I feel it's ridiculous for the dad to not respond after several hours, especially if I was needed. Totally lack of respect. The first time as well, he wanted me their in 45 but waited 30 mins before texting back their address. I always honor my commitments so I'm now unsure of how to proceed. Also, I don't want to lose on the other family by not giving an answer soon enough.

What would you do in this situation?

[Anonymous]

MB here. I wouldn't want to put up w/ this ridiculousness, but you're in a little bit of a grey area.

Could you text him again and say that you've tried to reach him 3 times and haven't heard back and you have another job option. If you don't hear from him within the hour you will assume you're not needed and accept the other offer.

Or - if you have a phone number, call him (or the mother) and say the same thing.

[Anonymous]

I heard from him. He was napping after being up all night with his daughter. Sucks because he cancelled and I lost on the other offer because they couldn't wait.

Now I know not to put up with this again.

[Anonymous]

That stinks OP. I'm sorry. I agree - you shouldn't put up with it and they should lose you as an option. When/if they ask why you can be honest.

Bummer.

[Anonymous]

I heard from him. He was napping after being up all night with his daughter. Sucks because he cancelled and I lost on the other offer because they couldn't wait.

Now I know not to put up with this again.

Yeah, being up all night with a sick child is not at all a reasonable excuse. You should definitely not put up with that again.

[Anonymous]

For the 100th time OP (since you've posted many times on this forum) it is PAID not payed