I am tutoring a sweet but somewhat slow kid in math. I got the job through a teacher’s recommendation and Billy has already improved a whole grade. Others before me were not so successful, but Billy and I have found the right approach.
But now that we are making progress and Billy’s dad is contemplating to have me help in other subjects too, he asks a lot of questions about me. He is however very judgmental and prejudiced. I don't doubt, that he’ll fire me, if I tell him that I am a minor living without parents in a somewhat unsavory neighborhood and paying my own bills.
I don’t want to loose this job, not only because Billy’s father pays handsomely. If he knew my background he would also make a ruckus at school about my tutoring and being a bad influence. He’ll probably scare off some of my other students. Also, Billy will certainly fall behind again, and he worked so hard.
So should I invent a nice average family life for myself or tell it like it is, no matter the consequences?
2007-09-08 18:24:02 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
As a tutor, your integrity should always be perfect, else no parent, or for that matter the student, will trust you. If you invent something and it comes apart, which it will, your credibility is destroyed forever. The others whom you didn't lie to will suspect your motives, people are always extra protective/cautious when there are kids involved. Besides, you have nothing to be ashamed of, you are independent, hard working, and if your neighbourhood had more people like you, it wouldn't be unsavoury. You should be proud of yourself. I would suggest that you tell it like it is, and face the consequences, if you try to duck once, you will duck all your life, but if you face it once, it won't be an issue after that.
2007-09-08 18:45:13 · answer #1 · answered by Raja 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, don't lie. The lies always catch up with you and if he is prejudiced, that will be his proof that you are a bad influence.
Just tell him that you are uncomfortable answering personal questions. Just because someone asks you a question doesn't mean that you have to answer it. Especially if the question has nothing to do with how you preform you job. Continue being polite in the dad's presence and if he makes you uncomfortable, talk to the person or people who recommended you for the job. They may be able to help you out here.
And BTW, good for you working so hard to stay in school and better yourself under such difficult circumstances. The easy thing to do would be to drop out and you aren't. You are doing what you have to do to improve your life. Congratulations!
2007-09-08 18:35:35 · answer #2 · answered by Invisigoth 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That... right there is a tough situation, first instinct I would say don't tell them but if you don't and they find out... that's worse and he WILL scare away anyone and everyone he finds. But if you tell him and explain how you got there I'm sure that he'll understand, though tell him this does not affect you teaching or tutoring at all. Inform him that you keep personal and tutoring separate affairs and that you are intent on helping his son in every way you can. Explain the truth, tell what happened and comfort him because I'm sure he'll be a little leery.
2007-09-08 18:31:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should honestly tell him the truth...This is because if you tell him you have a family, he might want to eet them which could potentially cause problems...So just calmly tell him that you prolly aren't who he thinks you are, but would still like to help his kid because you are good at it and his kid has potential and all that
2007-09-08 18:41:46 · answer #4 · answered by Jon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are there to TUTOR.
You are there to perform a professional service, and not to socialize.
Your social and home life remain private and are nobody's business.
At most, simply say that you are working your way through school.
2007-09-08 18:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by revsuzanne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋