House Sitting Regrets

[LiftedOut]

I spent 10 days helping house sit and pet sit for my sisters.  When I arrived to begin house sitting and pet sitting,she didn't even come in the room and greet me. It took her 40 minutes to come and say anything. She was still packing and stressed.  I stayed out of her but it was awkward.  When I did start up a conversation she said she was too busy.  Eventually she went to bed.  I had to find a blanket and a soft chair.  I slept in a chair.  After driving in for 6 hours.  Next my brother in law drops it on me that I would have contractors in the house all week.  Big project.  When asked to do this I was told they would pay me and we would have access to the boat and a lake nearby.  So my husband took off work to come.  But once we realized there would be workers, it significantly changed the way it was presented.  It was presented as a staycation with light pet responsibilities....basically a retreat and use their pool and relax. They have cameras in the house so I asked my brother in law not to use the camera in the house while I am there.  I said im not doing anything sketchy, but I don't like it.  One of the evenings I hear their little kids talking to me over the camera/speaker.  I over hear my nephew say, "It's not on mute."  Then they hung up.  After that I put a cover over the camera.  I was supposed to get paid.  I had to ask for the money.  But first I got questioned about their housekeepers quitting.  I was told I made it hard for them to know what went wrong because I covered the camera.  Again....she had to watch me to know I put that on there.  I told her I didn't want on camera and said that from the get go. She told me I should have checked with her.  She paid me and then paid me another Venmo  on top of the first one.  Something was wrong but it wasn't my fault. She then told me if you want more money just say so and Ill ask if (her husband) thinks its necessary.  What the heck?  I'll never do that again.  I prob left out 80% of the dialog that hurt me and tried to make me feel small.  I am so happy I held my boundaries and spoke up for myself.  Im not sure I want to have much to do with them for a while.  My feelings  have been pretty hurt. 

[bloomie]

LiftedOut - just gobsmacked by the rudeness of this experience you describe!  And I am so sorry you and your husband were misled about what the arrangement would actually entail.

Having used housesitters/dog sitters myself I cannot imagine treating anyone this way. And, may I say it is rightly expensive when someone takes on not only the responsibility of your home, but your animals AND workers in the house. You should not have had to request the money owed you. I truly hope you were compensated fairly.

You can be very proud of yourself for speaking up! And recognizing how poorly your were treated and that they were misleading about the arrangement. Taking some time away from them seems like a wise and healthy response to all of this!

[Rebel13]

This sounds like a terrible experience for you and I'm so glad it's over. It does sound like an opportunity to learn an important lesson about the level of trust you can have in your sibling(s) and I hope you are able to protect yourself in the future.

[LiftedOut]

I went a couple of day of her sending me belittling texts on what all I did wrong.   How the college girl that they hired at first just instinctively understands what to do.  How her husband wished they hadn't paid me.  That he had important mail come to their mailbox and that's unheard of to not get the mail.  I actually asked for a run down on all the things they wanted me to do. And nothing was said about the mail.  I thought it was being held for the time they were gone.  I was so embarrassed at the treatment I received.  At a loss for words.  Actually don't feel safe speaking for myself.  Risk more raging attitudes

[Rebel13]

It sounds like they treated you very unfairly, and at the same time, gave you the perfect excuse to bow out next time.

"The last time I house sat, you both were very unhappy with my work, so I hope you are able to find someone who can do the work the way you expect."

Then you're free! I'm also willing to bet that their "college girl" heard plenty of complaints about her performance too. Disordered people love to pit people against each other, and no matter what happens, they're never satisfied.

Wishing you the best.

[bloomie]

LiftedOut - I am sorry. This kind of thing stings and is undeserved. You know what healthy, organized people do when they have someone house sitting/animal sitting for them? They make a list of important information, go over expectations of what the person will do, show them around and orient them to the home/pet care needs/mail pick up, etc,... and pay them up front!!

From what you describe this was a chaotic mess you were left with and you did the very best you could under difficult circumstances.

I agree with Rebel - you now have the perfect out. Count me in as another one who would bet that college girl wasn't available to them because she might have been treated the same way.