Originally Posted by Shell'skidfarm:
So just venting here a bit. I have been in the childcare business since 2003 and have not had a vacation in 9 years even though it is in my contract which all parents signed.
The last time I took my vacation was back in 2009. Have been working without another one. Why?
Traumatized due to the fact that last time I mentioned my vacation, I had families threaten to leave if I left. So I took my vacation and sure enough, two families with siblings did indeed give me a two week's notice upon my arrival. This left a bad taste in my mouth and have not wanted to repeat history, hence my not taking a vacation in nine years. Feeling burnt out and finally thinking of myself for once, I gave a 30 day notice last month stating that I would be taking my much needed vacation this month, and sure enough, I already received a two week's notice letter to terminate family of 2 children. It is a heartbreak for me to see that if I'm not here 365 days a year for the families, then I'm no longer good to them. So sad. I also raised my rates a measly $1.00 a day since 2004. All hell breaks
loose. Has anyone else in this business gone though this experience?? Thanks for letting me vent.
I'm sorry you are having issues with this.
I have never had that type of reaction to any time off and consider myself blessed because of it.
I take two week long vacations a year, as well as most federal holidays and several personal days through the year off and never has any parent or family had issues with it.
My only advice is to never put yourself AFTER your clients.
You can't pour from an empty cup so make sure you take care of you first. always.