Got the job, but had to retract it due to some unfortunate events
By jureathome
@jureathome (5361)
Philippines
January 31, 2013 9:02am CST
I previously posted about having my first interview at Odesk for a VA job, and I did get it. I've even signed a contract for 6 months with the employer who was so nice and professional.
However, the nanny who was supposed to arrive that week, right before I start the job, didn't show up for unknown reasons. So, I informed the employer right away about my problem and told him that I would understand if he can no longer wait for me to start and instead just find another contractor. To my surprise, he replied letting me know that he can wait a little more, and he really wanted to work with me because according to him, it's not easy to find someone of my caliber (to quote him). I was so happy to hear that from him, but I insisted to just withdraw because I couldn't commit any time for me to start, since finding a nanny is like catching a shooting star. I wouldn't want him to be waiting for uncertainty, when he could use the time looking for someone who can really help him.
Then, he contacted me again to inform me he has found someone temporarily, and would want me to keep him updated with my babysitting arrangements. I'm really pleased to find someone who seriously wants to work with me on a challenging job or project. I do hope I can find a reliable nanny soon, so I can start working with him.
Nevertheless, I don't feel bad that I chose my kids over the job. It's pointless that I offer my time to other people, when my kids are not being taken care of well.
9 responses
@meipan (746)
• Philippines
31 Jan 13
wow, maybe, you're really an excellent people that's why the employer can't let you go... sometimes we just need time to make things align in perfect position. and you know what, i salute you for choosing your kids over your career. i suggest, while choosing a baby sitter, it is best that you really know the person... don't get me wrong but sometimes, when people get your trust they will bite you as if you are tame sheep that can't refuse in their fangs...
an older nanny is better than those youngster... it's based on my experienced... my mother have nannies for us before, and i knew the difference... but ofcourse, not too old enough.. maybe the one than can really understand and hangout with your children...
1 person likes this
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
That was not the first time I chose my kids over career. In fact I left office work, even when I was at the peak of my career being recently promoted to senior management. But, I still decided to stay at home with the kids. Now, I did it again, and I think it will never be hard for me to turn my back on things, if it's for my kids. I'm happy about it. I'm sure there's a perfect time for everything.
And about nannies, I never had luck with these people. It's either a younger nanny finds a guy to marry, or an older one who thinks she knows everything and won't listen to my instructions. I hope this new one coming will be who I'm looking for.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
31 Jan 13
That kind of employer is very rare at Odesk. You'r lucky to find him. And a contract for 6 months? WOW!!!! That is really great! I hope I'd have another job like that. But couldn't commit that much coz I need to fetch my son by lunch time, teach him then help my other sons with school work. Life isn't that easy like before when my husband could help me out with kids and the home since he got a job of his own. But I do want those VA jobs.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
2 Feb 13
Wow! That is such a wonderful employer you got there. By the way, have you checked if he has been verified by Odesk and have you read the comments or feedbacks about him. I hope you are dealing with a legit employer. How were you going to be paid? Will it be on a weekly basis or on a monthly basis. You must also make sure that you deal with him via Odesk. Coz some employers would ask their contractors to have the job outside of odesk to eliminate the 10% incurred to Odesk for the job done.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
5 Feb 13
Thanks for the tips. I believe he is verified. He's got a couple good feedback because he's only worked with a few contractors for short term jobs.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
He's really great. He would even allow me to have 5minutes break every hour so I could check on my kids. It's his first time to hire someone on the net, and he's open to suggestions.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
1 Feb 13
I hope you can find good childcare soon - it's obvious that this employer would really value you. It's too bad that the previous nanny didn't turn out to be reliable.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
Yes, I'm crossing my fingers on this new lady who'll arrive tomorrow. I hope she'll take good care of my kids.
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
1 Feb 13
Isn't this a work-from-home position? If so, why can't you take care of your kids and do the job? A lot of women are WAHMs--handling both work and children at home.
When I have children, I intend to take care of my children, educate them at home and continue to work from home. It will be a much busier schedule than I have now, but it will be something that I find extremely rewarding.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
It'll be an 8-hour full time job and the employer requires for me to be on the computer and online during working hours. And, even if he offered a 5-minute break every hour to check on the kids, it's not enough. My youngest is still less than a year old, and needs to be carried and played with from time to time. She can't be left alone for long. The eldest is fine, because she's already in school and can play on her own.
@camomile07 (1420)
• Germany
1 Feb 13
You are doing very well. Of course, your kids can't rest unattended even if you got a perfect job. But, being honest from the beginning, your (future) boss will appreciate you more and that gives him more reason to wait for you. Nowadays, it's not easy to find a job and it's even more difficult to find one with a chieff like him. So, I wish you good luck and hopefully you'll be able to find soon a solution to your actual situation.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
I'm grateful I have a choice. Some mothers would really just have to sacrifice not being with their kids and just to trust a stranger to look after them, just so they could earn for a living. I'm lucky my husband can provide for our needs.
@neelia27 (896)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
Kids are more important than the job you acquired at odesk.. specially when they are still young because that's the time they will need you the most.. anyways I hope you will find a good nanny for your kids so you can still continue to work with your employer at odesk it seems that she or he really wants to work with you.. I myself want to work already but for now I know my son needs me more because he's stil a baby so I set aside working and maybe after few more years I can work again., having a nanny will not make at ease if ever I work again because my baby is young to take care of someone I really don't know..
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
When there's a nanny I could trust, it'll make my easier. I can work at home, but still oversee the kids' well being. It's really different how a mother cares for their own.
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
31 Jan 13
I think you did the right thing. As much as it stinks that you could not work, you can always find another job, our kids come first!
That is so nice of that employer to wait for you like that, he must have really been impressed with you! What a nice compliment for you. =)
I hope you find a good nanny soon, if I was there I would be your nanny but I'm not...
I hope everything works out for the best for you! 
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
Thanks. Right, I have to prioritize my kids. Anyway, my husband is able to provide for our needs. I just wanted to work so I can have my own savings and also have money ready for emergencies with my first family (mother and siblings).
@TLilly12 (1229)
• United States
31 Jan 13
I think you did the right thing, by letting this employer know, you did not have baby sitter, and I think it was very nice of him, to hold your job for you, and to let you know your job will be there, waiting for you when you find, a babysitter now all job wouldn't do that for you.
@jureathome (5361)
• Philippines
1 Feb 13
Yes, he was really generous. If I can't find any higher paying job by the time I would be ready to work, then I'll go back to him. It's really a low rate at $1 per hour, but perhaps, its just a starting rate. I was also hoping i could get a better pay.
