Do you think I should term?

[Nikki85]

I've been providing nanny care for two children for the last two months. I really enjoy the family, my only problem is that the hours aren't consistent. I'm supposed to work(5 days a week) 20 hours a week, but the mother is constantly "calling off days". I go to their house to provide care. The thing is I have other people contacting for care, but i can't take on anymore clients because of the odd hours I work with this family. My husband says that I should term, but I'm scared to. What to you guys think?

[Unregistered]

I would term if it is getting int he way of making more money with other clients. Just tell them you need to have a set schedule for the week the friday before, so you can plan care for other families too. If they cancel, they still owe for the day. Be strict with your time and they will take it more seriously, especially if they know they have to pay anyway, I doubt they will be canceling very often anymore.

[DaveA]

Especially if you have other offers that you are comfortable with, terming over the schedule makes business sense. Getting called off often would be a reasonable cause for looking for a new job if you worked somewhere instead for yourself. To me it's the same thing.

[finsup]

I have a family with constant scheduling issues. If you want to continue, be very firm on when you need the schedule by, getting paid regardless of how often they call out and you could make a rule regarding schedule changes. Add a fee to it if they want to change days. This is the onkymway I'm making things work with the family I have now and to put it nicely, their days are numbered.

[e.j.]

I would term if it is getting int he way of making more money with other clients. Just tell them you need to have a set schedule for the week the friday before, so you can plan care for other families too. If they cancel, they still owe for the day. Be strict with your time and they will take it more seriously, especially if they know they have to pay anyway, I doubt they will be canceling very often anymore.

I agree. If they refuse to give you a firm schedule and/or pay you if they cancel for the day, I would term. I would also include a request that they let you know by a certain time and not wait until you arrive to tell you they won't need you. It seems very disrespectful of your time.

[Crazy8]

I think you need to communicate with the parents. Let them know when you signed on you expected 20 hours and it isn't working out to be that and that you need to either be guaranteed a set 20 hours a week (set times, not just any 4 hours of the day!) that you are going to have to look elsewhere for employment.

[Alwaysgreener]

Do you have a contract?