Thread: i am no longer ungainfully employed as a nanny.

I'm sorry to hear about this sad situation. You have had lots of sound advice here already, so I won't venture there. Painful as it may be, it does sound like it was a much needed departure - the treatment you received doesn't do anyone any good and will damage one's self confidence given enough time. I'm certain you will come out on top once you get this situation straightened out. In the meantime, regain balance, and shave well.

Okay, first that really sucks . . . just some rambling on my part here . . .

It's a difficult situation, emotionally and psychologically. I suppose you have already figured out a few things. 1) You should have left a while ago and 2) You shouldn't get so emotionally tied to your charges. Now, a thought on tough love too. From now on do not allow other people to talk down to you or treat you poorly. That is not there fault, that is yours.

Finally, some practical advice. Stay in the Nanny business. You've got the experience. Stick with it. I would even suggest becoming a Nanny to one of your past client's friends. That would be the easiest way to stick it to them. Unless you are done with the Nanny thing . . . emotionally that might make some sense too.

Consider it lots of experience and room and board, free for the last few years if I remember all your past posts correctly. Nothing more. I would ask the Father for a Letter of Recommendation and payment as they can provide it. I would also ask them for less than they owe, say 40% in an effort to get something. The key of course, if you haven't guessed is the threat of a lawsuit and the consistent contact with anyone they try to hire for the position after you. I would suggest that, as the nice guy that you are, that you would be happy to accept 40-50% payment, over time, in order to for go the hassle of a lawsuit.

Free legal service abounds in any city. Check with law offices for pro bono work opportunities and with local colleges that have Law Schools. Your case is very specific and would be a desirable one for pro bono work. Likely you could get them to work for 50% of the recoverable charges, but only if there is a strong written contract in place and you have a copy of it.

I'm not sure why you think these people don't have any money. I'm guessing that it's been in their best interest for a while to have you believe that, but if they have a house in LA and are working in the movie business, perhaps they actually have quite a bit of it; just none for you.

Good luck finding something soon. You'll probably look back on this one day, and think it was a great thing.

I am sorry to read the unfortunate circumstances you find yourself in. Make sure you take care of yourself and do whats best for you.

Is the grandmother able to supervise the kids? It sounds like child endangerment if there are no parents at the house for weeks at a time. How is food being paid for? Who is caring for the kids and getting them to and from school?

Bloody hell, Victor... That's terrible.
I have no words to tell you. I suppose that you got good advice here. Talk to the kids - they really need to know that it wasn't their fault. Other than that... bloody hell.
Hang in there, buddy! And keep buggering on.

an update.. the father of the kids is moving into the house with the kids and their grandmother.. he'll have to take over supervising the kids.. their grandmother is medicated and unable to care for them.. he has his own business.. but i'm sure he'll find a way to make things work...

i sold a few dvds and have some money to keep me fed and mobile for the rest of the week. i'm destined to find something good soon.

Sometimes you have to be at your darkest, just to be able to see that little bit of light. Keep your head up. Things will get better. If you need an ear to bend PM me and I'll give you my cell.
Joey the Barber

Victor,

I love your TagLine. Tonight when I go to sleep I am going to count you too. Good luck getting things back on track.

--Shoki

Originally Posted by vthomlinson

thank you guys.. it is true that i stopped being paid quite awhile ago.. and to be honest.. i don't think i'll ever see my money.. they simply don't have a history of paying their debts.. even if a judge were to award me my backpay.. who's going to make them pay? no one is going to go over there and threaten to break kneecaps.

but to be honest.. no amount of money can fix the loss i feel inside.. i know it's not true.. but i really feel like i've let these children down.

If you get an attorney to place a lien on their property you might.

Also a labor lien has big teeth, if you maintained the house you
might get moved to the front of the line should a bank take over the
home. A lien keeps him from gaining clear title... car, house, dog,
jet ski...

Minimum wage laws apply, failure to report employee wages and other stuff...

I think it was Utopian that said get a lawyer ... it is still good advice.

The first step is free. Submit an invoice ASAP and keep a copy.
No threats, nothing except an honest account of the work done
and a statement of payments due you.