Would you let your injured sitter go?

[Anonymous]

We hired a really sweet and responsible young sitter to pick our kids up afterschool.
She's was doing a great job and we were all really happy.
Unfortunately, she got into a horrible car accident in early October, about a month after school started.
We feel awful for her and have been praying for her recovery as she undergoes physical therapy.
She initially expressed she wanted to return to work after recovering, so we held her job open for her (using an emergency temporary sitter to pick up the kids in the meantime).
We've given her space since to heal.
This month we reached out, but she's since not communicated (after two or three unreturned calls and emails to her) whether returning in January would work for her or if she needs more time to heal.
We're not thrilled about the temporary sitter (performance issues) and would prefer to hire someone else to start in January if our original sitter can't return.
What would you do?

[Anonymous]

She hasnt responded to 2 or 3 emails. I say you have your answer right there assuming you know for a fact she is capable of checking email.

[Anonymous]

Hire someone else. If she was interested or able to come back to work, she would have replied to your calls/emails.

[Anonymous]

I would move forward with someone else, unfortunately.

You have been more than gracious and given her ample opportunity to respond. Good luck finding a replacement.

[Anonymous]

I think it is inconsiderate of her to not respond to you regarding providing you w/an update on how she is doing and letting you know whether or not she is willing & able to return in two months.

I would send her one last email thanking her for her excellent service to your family, wish her well in her recovery but let her know that if you do not receive a response from her in the next seven days, you will have no other option but to search for someone else.

And make sure you do so if she doesn't get back to you.

[Anonymous]

Time to move on. You did your best.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much everyone for your good advice.
So ironically, we heard from the sitter today. Hey, maybe she reads DCUM (doubt it though, lol!)
Anyway, she's been in a lot of pain and very depressed about everything---her whole life was upended after the accident and she's been unable to even study or hang with friends. She really wants to come back but isn't cleared to do so yet. She totally understands and supports us going with another sitter if she's unable to return come January. Really hoping for her own sake that her healing process is speedy so she can reclaim the things that bring her joy. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

If you like her, keep her in mind for future occasional babysitting gigs once she's better.

[Anonymous]

She probably passed away and cant get messages in hell lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She probably passed away and cant get messages in hell lol

Eek!!
This is mean.

OP: Thank you for the update.
It's so nice when people keep us updated on how things went.

I also hope she has a speedy recovery as well!

[Anonymous]

It would be nice if there was a nanny group or something that would offer her some kind of friendship.

[Anonymous]

Possibly give a week or so of severance as a 'thank you' ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Possibly give a week or so of severance as a 'thank you' ...

After only one month of work????