I am a housekeeper with an attitude boss who is snotty, selfish and childish?

Question

She insists I call her for every little thing, but when I do call, she's nasty like I've ruined her day. I work in a private household 3 days a week and I've taken that house from disgustingly filthy to pristine clean. It's just her and her husband, no kids, but lots of animals. They have other workers there and altho this woman is nasty at times to them too, she'll call back and apologize, but not to me, when she calls back she does a 180 degree turnaround. I'd like to know why she is like this and how do I deal with it. I have other homes I clean and those people really appreciate me, and this woman acts like I'm raining on her parade.

Answer 1

She is showing what she really thinks of you, and truly what kind of person she is.

She knows her behavior is incorrect- that is why she calls back to apologize.

Behaving correctly is her SECOND priority, it is an afterthought.

She is probably one of those people who sees the world in a hierarchy, and feels that she is allowed to be impolite to those under her station.

Anyone who works phone customer service can attest that customers feel that if you answer the phone that they get to dump on you.

Many people believe this is their "right".

I have heard “If you want to know if someone is a nice person, go out to dinner with them, and see how they treat the waiter.”

Ok, now, what do about it?


When she is annoyed when she answers the phone, it's not you she is annoyed with- it's the situation. Something bad is happening and her life is suffering disorder.
She needs a reminder to behave.

Example:

You :"Mrs. Smith, I have called to let you know that the recycle bins are broken, and I can no longer separate the trash without a replacement"

Mrs Smith: "!!! If it's not one thing it's another.. waa, waa, whine, whine......."

You:” I am getting the impression that I have disrupted you. In the future I will wait until you get home to inform you of the house hold needs."

Try being passive aggressive. Threaten to take away her communication line to her household due to her obvious unhappiness about being called.

You can’t be blamed for looking out for her welfare, right?

She's probably a control freak.

That may prompt her to stop acting like that. If she wants control of her household, she needs to be nice.


I am under the impression that anything more direct would threaten your job.

Answer 2

This really isn't a question, but if you're looking for advise, I would suggest looking for a new family to employ you. You shouldn't have to put up with her nonsense.

Is it possible that you could call the husband instead? What happens when you don't call her?

If your situation doesn't improve, you should quit and work for a different household that appreciates you. You will certainly be missed when you leave!

Answer 3

she sounds bipolar w/mood swings/depression.
If I were you I'd put out my resume' for other jobs out there and get away from her. In the meantime, if you like it there other wise, have a good talk w/her. Be assertive, nonaggressive. Tell her how you feel because it's not in your job description to be run over like that all the time. You don't need that crap. Apparently she probably puts value on herself in terms of her wealth only. And treats others w/disrespect. That's sad. But you definately have a choose to leave that b*tch.
So whenever she's ugly and nasty to you, then she calls ya to apologize acting all nice-nice.
(kinda like when someone slaps someone in the face, then says "I'm sorry", only to repeat their abusive, innappropriate behavior again). Nope, you don't need it and deserve A LOT better--appreciating your services.
Dump that client like a hot potatoe. Even in restaurants, I have heard of a couple that got customers like that--rude, complainy and such, and then just refused to have them in their establishment.

Answer 4

she must pay really well, because personally if someone talked down to me that way, I would DEFINITELY walk my happy little behind to those who DO appreciate the work I do. If she persists I would have a heart-to-heart with that woman and say,"look your BS is NOT WORTH it, good luck finding someone else if you don't tone it down a notch, or no to hell with that, stop being a punk! or you have to find someone else!" and my guess is everyone else has already turned her town. you know what? Bless you Ms. Housekeeper for doing her house because no one else will! you need to let her know that. and if she's unreasonable then, then wave that job goodbye. Everyone always needs a housekeeper, and there are far more appreciative people out there!

Answer 5

it sounds like she is not the kind of person you should waste your care and time on. yes you may be her employee but you still deserve respect. everyone knows (or atleast everyone SHOULD know) that you should be kind to those that prepare your food, and the same definitely goes for the people that service your home.

another housekeeper may have stolen from her or sabotaged her home by now after being treated like this, but you haven't, and instead shown professionalism and integrity by following her rules. if she can't handle giving you instructions over the phone she should either leave you detailed instructions in writing, or stay home and do her own freaking housework.

either way it sounds like this woman doesn't deserve you, and if you aren't able to resolve this i would give her a notice that you will be dismissing yourself.

Answer 6

Some people think they are all that.Do yourself a favor and ask her how long she's going to be like this and if she gets smart, then give her your notice.No one needs to be taken advantage of--ever.You know that you know your job, just go find someone that doesn't love drama....I sit and do cleaning for a living, and I know where you're coming from.Gossipy people never change---go look around.Your resume should have spoken for you, if she's rude don't take it.

Answer 7

Sounds like she is just a very unhappy person that wants others to be unhappy too. I wouldn't take it personally. It's hard but try to "kill her with kindness" smile tell her to have a nice day and be cheery. If it's too much to put up with and affecting you alot, decide how important that job is to you, do you need to clean there? If not quit.

Answer 8

I work for myself too, been around all types. Its hard to do but you need to b happy all the time.Tell her how she makes you feel,maybe this will stop her nastyness. If not, its a big world and a short life! Enjoy life while you have it,dont let anyone bring you down.Tell her to clean her own house

Answer 9

She sounds like she is bi-polar and you can't understand them, you have to just not take things personally. If you are not a personal friend of this woman, i would quit and from another house in it's place.

Answer 10

Quit