How I deal with constant lateness?

[Anonymous]

I started working in my position five weeks today. I love my job, my charge, and my employers. What I don't love is their persistent lateness. They have been late anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour everyday. I am flexible within reason but being that late with the exception of 3 days is becoming ridiculous. This is my only job but I've had to cancel doctors appointments, social gatherings, etc. I brought this up with both employers the second week but nothing has changed. I suggested switching the hours but they said it wasn't needed. I would be fired if I were late everyday. This is becoming inexcusable and I'm ready to quit over it. I plan to talk to them again but out first meeting didn't seem to be effective. What can I do to get my point accross?

[Anonymous]

charge like my former home daycare. Every minute I was late after 6pm cost me $1/minute.

[Anonymous]

Tell them you're ready to quit over it! Don't deliver the message quite that way but say something like: "I know we've talked about this before but I'm still finding it a problem. I am unable to be as flexible as you clearly need in this position. I need to be able to schedule things in my off hours without having to cancel them routinely. So I wanted to ask again if there is a way to change the hours consistently to match what you need (so I can plan accordingly.) If not, I think this means I need to look for another position."

Then they'll get the message.

Of course, you need to be serious about planning to leave - you don't want to say something like that unless you mean it.

[Anonymous]

Are you usually a pushover?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you usually a pushover?

No. I never dealt with employers like this. I had an MB or DB be 5-10 minutes where of there, but never a big deal.

[Anonymous]

I'd start telling them they need to meet me at xyz location to pick the kds up because I have a dr appt or whatever. They'll figure it out pretty fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd start telling them they need to meet me at xyz location to pick the kds up because I have a dr appt or whatever. They'll figure it out pretty fast.

I care for NB preemie twins. I'm not doing that to them.

[Anonymous]

You can either give them a polite ultimatum (sit them down and tell them that this cannot work for you and if is doesn't change you will have to leave). Or work the extra hour they are late into your personal schedule. Expect them to be late. Then it is a pleasant surprise if they arrive on time or close to on time.

[Anonymous]

OP, if you have already discussed this issue w/your bosses + they are still repeating the behavior, I wouldn't try again. One time should have been enough to get them to see the error of their ways. Either they are pretty stupid people or they don't see your concerns as a priority.

Your time is YOUR own. It belongs solely to you and is very precious.

If they will not value your time as well as you value their child, then I think it is time to give them notice. If they ask why, you should tell them why. Perhaps that will get them to change...Or at the very least...Be more considerate of their next nanny's time.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd start telling them they need to meet me at xyz location to pick the kds up because I have a dr appt or whatever. They'll figure it out pretty fast.

I care for NB preemie twins. I'm not doing that to them.

Then you're a pushover and they will continue to use you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd start telling them they need to meet me at xyz location to pick the kds up because I have a dr appt or whatever. They'll figure it out pretty fast.

I care for NB preemie twins. I'm not doing that to them.

Then you're a pushover and they will continue to use you.

Wow PP, your two posts are so useful! Awesome advice.

OP, you don't mention it - but you're getting paid over time for this, right? I would bring up shifting the hours again and let them know how much you're loving the job aside from the unpredictability of the hours, which is effecting your ability to live your life outside of work. If I had premmie twins and found a nanny who loved caring for them, I wouldn't want to loose her over something like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd start telling them they need to meet me at xyz location to pick the kds up because I have a dr appt or whatever. They'll figure it out pretty fast.

I care for NB preemie twins. I'm not doing that to them.

Then you're a pushover and they will continue to use you.

Ughh. Can you go away?

[Anonymous]

They are paying you for your time, I don't see how they can be "late".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are paying you for your time, I don't see how they can be "late".

Nonsense.

[Anonymous]

I am getting OT but only if I hit over 40 hours. The other times are just regular rate. I am getting paid but that's not the point. They gave me set hours and they should abide by those. It's not just stuck in traffic. For instance, MB said she would be 10 late. I told her that was fine. She took my " that was fine" to mean she can be 45 minutes so she can pick up new clothes. WTF? If I were this late daily I wouldn't even have a job. Why should I compromise because they are the employers? I have just as much of a life and should enjoy it. I start school in June and I can't miss class. They need to get their act together and I need to leave.