I’ve never had such a horrid experience

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just want to go home


I’m working as a travel nanny this summer before I start grad school. I nannied part-time for an amazing family while finishing school and they treated me like gold.

A friend suggested a travel nanny agency. I’ve traveled with two families already and they were great and it was an amazing experience. They did it all by the books and were very kind. I was able to travel to places I’d never be able to go otherwise.

Now I’m on day 7 of 18 with a family that seemed so nice when we met but as soon as we got on our flight they did a 180. I feel so disrespected and mistreated. They aren’t following through with anything promised. I don’t have my own room (I sleep on an air mattress next to the toddler in her pack n’ play). When we went over everything with the agency, I didn’t get paid for nights because I’d be “off” and have my own room. I’m still not being paid for nights and I’m sharing a sleep space and the times the toddler did wake, no one came in to settle her so it was always me. So I’m barely getting any sleep, and not even being paid for my nights. The biggest deal is that when we go out to eat, which is at least twice a day, they don’t pay for my meals. The past two families would pay for my meals. They said they don’t have to pay for me meals, but provide me with food. So I have a small fridge with sandwich ingredients and granola bars. I still must go to the dinner or lunch, but must pay out of my own pocket what I order. We’ve been going to super expensive restaurants I can’t afford. It makes me feel so uneasy when I’m sitting eating a granola bar as they have a massive continental breakfast. I can only eat so many sandwiches.

I contacted the agency and they basically said they don’t care. They told me if I leave early, I can’t work for the agency anymore. I mentioned the contract we had (it’s suppose to be the same for every family) isn’t being followed and they said that it can be discussed when we get back.

I want to leave. I’m being treated like scum, and I’ve never experienced this before. I’m never called by my name, the kids are so disrespectful and I basically pick up after everyone. The Dad is super creepy and the mom is so snotty and has commented on my weight numerous times (and I’m not overweight, she’s just super fit).

I want to cry, but I don’t know how I can leave. I don’t know if I could afford the flight back, and not sure how I could even get to the airport. We’re a few hours away from the airport we flew into, and the culture and language is foreign to me.

Absolutely worst experience. I can’t do this for 11 more days.

There's only one way to solve this: name the agency.

[Anonymous]

Document everything. Take pictures of living conditions. Keep a diary. Don't embellish! Just the facts. Present them to the agency. If the agency does not make amends, file a complaint with the agency.

[Anonymous]

OP has not responded back yet....??

She likely cannot or will not name the agency because she may fear getting into a lot of trouble if she does.

On the flip side - at least her trip is shorter now than when she initially posted.
Perhaps things ended up turning around for her.
One can only hope.

[Anonymous]

OP...???????

[Anonymous]

OP, if you're still checking and if you still have internet access, search for an attorney in your home town and email them asap. Ask a family member or other trusted person back home to help you with this if need be. Tell them that you are in an unsustainable situation and need advise immediately. Document your situation, as others have suggested, as best as you're able without jeopardizing your safety.

[Anonymous]

OP should be back as of August 3-4. OP, are you ready to tell us which agency yet?!

[Anonymous]

OP, please just tell us if you’re okay.

[Anonymous]

This people is like that ,one year I had that they did almost the same thing to me,I have to walk 56 minutes to grab some food for myself,I never forget this episode in my whole life.
This people es come-los e fude-los,proverbs Portuguese.

[Anonymous]

Tell the agency you're going to report them to OSHA and federal wage and hour. You are being treated like a slave in violation of all kinds of US work regulations.