Was this Rude or not?

Question

Yesterday, I got a call to babysit today(saturday) at 6. Not too long ago(maybe 5:30) I got a call saying that they don't need to babysit anymore. They've done this quite a few times. I'm just wondering, is this rude?

They pay me 5$, btw, so not even too much money when I babysit

Answer 1

This was certainly inconsiderate, and since they've done this quite a few times, it was rude.

If you do not wish to be treated this way, I would suggest talking to them when they are not doing this.  You may, if you wish, tell them that these late cancellations are unfair to you because you could have made other plans, including other babysitting opportunities, if you had known your services were not really needed.  Let them know that you will not babysit them anymore if they do this again, or ask for a raise ($5 is very low), or charge them a cancellation fee.

If you don't talk to them, they probably will keep doing this because they obviously think this is acceptable behavior.

Good luck.

Answer 2

that is really rude and you should talk to your clients about it because they will keep doing it if they think you are ok with it.

Answer 3

i think that is rude

because if they call and then ur friend calls after to go to the movies or something u say u cant but then the person u baby sit for calls and say that they dont need u to babysit any more so u call ur friend back to see the movie with them and then they say they already made other plans with out u

Answer 4

Don't agree to babysit for them any more; they have you on backup if they can;t get anyone else, hold yourself in high esteem and ask for a minimum of 8.00 per hour, and an additional 2.50 per hour per extra child. Make it cash only no checks and require 24 hour notice MINIMUM. When you demand fair treatment that's what you will get don't settle for anything less.

Answer 5

very rude and inconsiderate.  

Answer 6

I would say it depends on the reasoning behind why they do this. If they have done this quite a few times there is probably not good reasons why thou.  I mean emergencies you can't help but I doubt it is an emergency everytime. I would consider it rude and possibly next time they ask me to babysit, i would cancel on them a half hour before your suppose to babysit.  

Answer 7

rude

Answer 8

Very rude.  

Answer 9

Very rude.  Next time tell them no because they keep canceling and you have lost opportunities to do other things because you were supposed to babysit.  By rights they should pay you something for holding that time for them and then backing out.

Answer 10

very rude.. and it's enough..

:)

Answer 11

Totally rude. I wouldn't babysit for them...but if you really need the job, next time (if there is a next time), just tell them "Yes, I can babysit but you must give me 24 hour (or whatever your desired preference time) notice of any cancellation or else you have to pay me. Then that gives me time to find another baby sitting job".

Edited to add: Maybe you can make it official for any parents who need babysitters - create a document where you and the parents sign an agreement form. You can just create it yourself using word document:

We, James and Lucy Johnson (parent's full names) will give the babysitter, Susie Smith (your name), 24 hour notice for any cancellation for babysitting. If we cancel before 24 hours before the stated babysitting time, we will not owe Susie any money. If we fail to cancel before 24 hours, we will pay Susie $5.

X (Signature of both parents)

X (Signature of babysitter)

This way, the parents will always know not to take you for granted!

Answer 12

tell them that you need 24hs notice and that failure to give this notice that the full fee is payable.Put it in writing , I'm sure that you will either have no problems or no job.

Answer 13

5.00? d**n, what a rip off.

Answer 14

it is rude..i mean if it happened once ok..b/c maybe something happened but it shouldnt happen very often...i hated when that happened b/c youre looking forward to the $ and then they back out..tell them that you gave up ur plans to babysit and would appreciate it not happening again...tell them if it does  you cant babysit for them ne more...

Answer 15

They are exploiting you, using you as a cheap victim. I mean, shouldn´t parents treat someone well whom they entrust with their children regularly? Maybe you should cancel their request next time. 10 minutes before it´s time. Unless they double the wage for this night you won´t show up.

Answer 16

Yes, it's extremely rude. If it interferes with your taking other jobs--I'd let them know that when you accept a job from them! "Gee, I just want to make sure you will need me that day because I don't want to turn down another offer for a Saturday night if you might cancel."

Answer 17

Oh, this is mean...but you could say yes next time they ask.  Then call them at the last minute and say no.  Of course, that may ruin your reputation as a good babysitter.

Actually, next time they call, just tell them no.  Tell them you've turned other jobs down, only to have them cancel.  Be honest.  Get them to promise not to cancel.  If they still cancel, quit babysitting for them.  They sound flakey to me.

And yes, it's extremely rude.