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Discussion » Questions » Jobs » Would you say yes to an employer asking you for help, with an hour or two notice?
Baybreeze

Would you say yes to an employer asking you for help, with an hour or two notice?

I'm unsure what to do; woman I help with 2 yr. old, has waited till sometimes that 'day' to ask me to sit- she had said the week before tentatively for that day, but then txts me an hour before she needed me. Im uncertain if she might do that tomorrow again, ask me to come in in 2 hours, (b/c she had said she 'may' need tomorrow).. what would you do? Say no,  or say yes perhaps or say you needed more notice ?

Posted - December 26, 2016
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Responses


  • 10052
    For the most part I love my job and employer, and generally feel I'm treated well. If I were asked to work extra or on short notice and I was available, I would be happy to do so.

    It sounds like your position is sort of an "as needed" or PRN position, or at least your employer sees you that way. If that doesn't work for you, you might mention it to them.
      December 26, 2016 5:10 PM MST
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  • 1138
    Yes, I might mention it I think. Any position I have ever had, ever, told me at least a day in advance when they needed me. So I think most people do have that too , a day or week advance notice... ty Savvy ....
      December 26, 2016 5:19 PM MST
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  • 1128
    Agreed
      December 26, 2016 5:21 PM MST
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  • 1128
    When I was still working I only helped out with short notice with one of my many supervisor's.  But he never took advantage of any of his worker's.  His whole team was happy to help him out.  But, this lady should give you more notice, unless you had other arrangements.
      December 26, 2016 5:26 PM MST
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  • I'd be not too happy, but I'd let it happen ONCE. She needs to be told about the short notice, and she needs to be respectful.
      December 26, 2016 5:26 PM MST
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  • 1138
    Thank you Jimmy C.. It did happen once, and I did go in, and then again and I did not go in, and I'm just wondering if it will occur tomorrow- I really don't want to have to always prompt asking, 'do you need me' each time that it is a 'tentative' shift ... if it does occur I'm unsure whether to do it or not..
      December 26, 2016 5:34 PM MST
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  •  
    You should gently straighten the woman out, explain that you have a life, too, and, don't enjoy last-minute unexpected surprises. (even if a plan was tentative) You simply need more notice!
    How about you get in touch with her, now, and catch her unaware, and see if she knows yet?
    You're welcome.
      December 26, 2016 5:44 PM MST
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  • 1138
    Thanks friend *hug .... The thing is if I ask her now, it is a pattern of me always checking, when in past, any person I've sat for or nannied for contacted me when they needed me, in a day advance or more. Guess I could ask about tomorrow while also explaining I do need notice of a day or more... I just don't want to sound bossy :( I HATE confrontation...  ty again J for all your replies
      December 26, 2016 5:49 PM MST
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  • Yes, you could and should ask about tomorrow while you explain  (hinting that you deserve more respect) that you need more notice. The woman need to be put in her place. There's surely a gentle way to do so. Tell her. Tell her you hate confusion.
    These other employers knew how to treat you, obviously. 
    You're welcome, friend. :)
      December 26, 2016 6:02 PM MST
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  • 1138
    Thanks JimmyC *huggg.  Hope you have a great night!!
      December 26, 2016 6:19 PM MST
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  • Aw, you're sweet. You're welcome, and thank you... you, as well!
      December 26, 2016 6:24 PM MST
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  • 5808
    depends on whether you can work within those parameters
    and you want to keep the job or not...
      December 26, 2016 5:36 PM MST
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  • 5614
    Charge more. Make your rate go up for that duration. Think opportunity. This post was edited by O-uknow at December 27, 2016 4:24 PM MST
      December 26, 2016 7:06 PM MST
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  • 2465
    For me, tentative wouldn't do. That's stringing someone on and it's inconsiderate, unless you agreed to this arrangement at the time of employment. Also, I wouldn't call her to confirm if she needs you. Doing that sets a precedent that you don't want. 

    I'd just have a chat with her and let her know that she needs to confirm whether she needs you or not, within whatever timeframe you decide. If you turn things around and tell her you wouldn't want to make other plans for that particular day and not be available when she really needed you, and having confirmation would avoid that ever happening. 
      December 26, 2016 9:23 PM MST
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  • well said
      December 27, 2016 1:17 PM MST
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  • 1138
    Thx P... *hugg. This has happened a couple times, where it seemed my time didn't matter 'too' much. Tentative is not telling me I am to provide child care that day. I think I will do as you said and if it happens again say I need a day , at least, notice.  And I agree, me emailing to confirm is not what I've ever done with anyone. They ask /email me, and I reply... the date or time , etc. they need and I say, 'yes' or 'no'. She asked me the day I couldn't do it (with an hour notice ) , when it was a 'tentative' day, 'could you check with me then if you are not sure' ... I just had never had someone ask me that. it wasn't that I wasn't sure, it was that nothing was ever confirmed. I just wish I was someone who could speak up for myself.... she is kind, and a great mom, it's just that is the only thing I have been scratching my head on....  Ty so much P
      December 27, 2016 4:27 PM MST
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  • 2465
    Thank you 
      December 27, 2016 2:19 PM MST
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  • you're welcome
      December 27, 2016 2:20 PM MST
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