Should I quit my job?

Question

I am a babysitter for a blended family and a mixed race couple (mom is white/dad is black). Yesturday the mom called me and said that she had concerns that I was racist and the kids have been complaining about me. Now, I have never had complaints for as long as I have been a babysitter (14 years) and I am definately not racist. I am as left wing and liberal as they come, and now I feel uncomfortable being there because of these acccusations. She wont tell me what I did to cause them to think this about me, or allow me to ask her husband because he told her not to say anything. I am really uncomfortable there now, and I dont know what to do.

Answer 1

I think that you answered your own question in what you said. To me, the statements, "she had concerns that I was racist," "she won't tell me what I did to cause them to think this about me," and, "I am really uncomfortable there now," tell you what you should do. In any situation, if it is no longer "working" for you or the person for whom you work for, then this is a clear sign that you should find employment elsewhere. Enough babysitting jobs exist in this world to where I am certain that you can easily find new employment with someone who will trust in your character, and where both parties can feel comfortable with the arrangement.

Answer 2

I would either leave, or plan on leaving soon...Something sounds fishy about the whole situation...If there is a problem than they should be able to tell you what it is exactly up front...especially in a situation where you may accidentally do it again without ever knowing...

What it really sounds like is that the wife suspects that the husband thinks you're attractive, and whether he does or not she's jealous and creating a situation where you will want to leave...

I would make every effort to be nice to her and remain calm at all times...give them notice before you leave...but get out of there ASAP

Answer 3

They may just be saying that because they want to get rid of you, not necessarily that you did anything wrong. I would confront the dad and tell him you simply want to know what you have done and his wife won't tell you. If all else fails and it looks like they just want to get rid of you, tell them that is fine, but you still would like to know what the problem is so you can use this as a learning experiance for the future. This sounds quite professional and they may fess up to either what you did, or what their reasons are for wanting to replace you.

Answer 4

You need to explain to her your concerns. If your not racist you need to let her know. Maybe the kids picked up that slang from someone else and is blaming you. If your not comfortable and you don't think you can work through this then you should quit your job. Tell her your offended that she thinks your saying racists terms behind their back. Let her know you respect them and their household and that you see yourself never disrespecting them in anyway.

Answer 5

I think one of the kids must have it in for you. Did you have to discipline over something and could they be trying to get you back?

I would immediately start looking for something else and I would start getting my references together sooner than later because it sounds like these people may not say anything nice about you.

In the mean time I would try to get to the bottom of this racism issue. Who knows, maybe your job can be saved.

Answer 6

Just be careful of what you DO say in front of other peoples children. One of their "rights" is to raise their children the way they want and with the beliefs they want. How else do you think we could still have stupid KKK people on this planet?

Personally I would talk with the Father, explain your position, apologise for anything his wife may have taken the wrong way and under the circumstances... you do not feel comfortable sitting for them anymore.. and thank him for the opportunity!

Answer 7

Maybe this is a sign that your work with that family is done and its time for you to move on. But I wouldnt move on unless I had a replacement job, and I would not burn a brige by just leaving them high and dry. You never know when you might need someone.

Answer 8

there is a chance she may made up the whole things, she wanted to fired you just do not how to say it so made up the whole thing make you quit the job.

Answer 9

line up a job that you are more comfortable in then quit if you are uncomfortable there then there is no reason to stay

Answer 10

that's a bummer... You deserve to know what her thoughts are. Such an accusation should be backed up -- This sort of thing is serious sh*t these days.