MY BOSS IS NAPPING ON THE JOB

What would you do if your boss had a nap schedule that cut into your personal time?

Hello! I'm also a nanny and in general I really love my job. The kids are cute and their mom is usually great. She is understanding when I have to take days off and the job pays well. There's just one problem, she comes home early from work and naps passed the time when I'm supposed to leave! This has become a multiple days a week thing. I've been late for appointments and just generally tired from working extra hours, and I'm not being paid for the extra time. How do I approach a conversation with her about this?

Okay first of all, that after work nap HITS DIFFERENT but you're right, its not an excuse to cut into an employees personal time. If you have an agreed routine schedule that includes specific start and end times, it is important for your employer to honor those times as any other boss would in any other work setting. Of course there are extenuating circumstances where someone may run late or need extra hands, but those times should be communicated and you should be compensated for them within reason. By that I mean, don't be the nanny clocking your hours down to the millisecond - no one likes that guy. Boundaries are hard to set at first but once you set them, they really make everyone happier.

The first thing I would do is make it very clear what time you leave on the days she is not being sleeping beauty. It's hard, but try not to hang around and talk for too long. Create an understanding that you love her kids, respect her as a boss, but also have a life outside of your work hours. Another step I would take is letting her know ahead of time if you have an appointment after work instead of assuming you will be out on time. Don't be afraid to casually drop you have dinner plans in your morning conversations, either! Your time is your time and although you do not owe anyone a play by play of your life, its good to drop hints that you are not always going to be at their disposal.

As far as the cost of your time, it is up to you. You can try to set better boundaries for a few weeks and see if she catches on or you can just rip the bandaid off and have the conversation. Hey *insert boss lady's name here*, I totally respect a good after work nap once in a while. Do you think you could do it during my work hours though? Or give me a heads up so we can account for that time in my paycheck each week? I've been late for a few important things because I haven't gotten out on time. I love working for you and I want to make sure we're always helping each other out! Hit her with the compliment sandwich. You know, when you sandwich the criticism between two overly positive statements? That always has a way of making uncomfortable conversations a little bit more bearable.

Good luck with your conversation and remember, she is just a (tired) human, not an ogre. She is not going to fire you for voicing a concern. If anything, it might give her a bit more respect for you. Stay strong, keep the discussion light!

Hope your boss stops snoozing into your free time!