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Woman refuses to continue casual babysitting for her coworker's young daughter, after she turns up 4 hours late to fetch her because she went to happy hour with their other coworkers: 'Finally at 9:45pm Sandra shows up. I was furious'

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  • Young girl sitting on her mother's lap while she's busy working
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  • AITJ for refusing to babysit for my coworker anymore after she was 4 hours late picking up her kid

    I work with this woman "Sandra" (36F) and we're friendly at work. She's a single mom with a 6 year old daughter "Emma." A few months ago Sandra asked if I (25F) could watch Emma after school sometimes when she had to work late.
  • I said sure, I like kids and it seemed like a nice thing to do. At first it was great - I'd watch Emma from 3pm to 6pm, Sandra would pick her up, usually gave me like $40-50 which was generous.
  • Emma is sweet and easy to watch. But Sandra started being later and later. First it was 6:30pm, then 7pm, always with apologies and excuses.
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  • Last Tuesday she texted at 5pm saying she'd be "a bit late." Emma and I had dinner, watched a movie, I gave her a bath.
  • 8pm rolls around, no Sandra. I texted multiple times, no response. Finally at 9:45pm Sandra shows up.
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  • I was furious. Emma had school the next day and was exhausted. Sandra's excuse? She went to happy hour with coworkers and "lost track of time." She didn't even seem that sorry, just handed me $60 and said "thanks so much!" I told her I can't watch Emma anymore and she got really upset.
  • A young child sleeping peacefully in her bed.
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  • Said I'm "abandoning" her and she "depends on me." Other coworkers are now saying I should give her another chance because being a single mom is hard.
  • But she literally went to happy hour and forgot about her kid at my house for almost 4 hours?
  • That's not an emergency. AITJ for refusing to babysit anymore? TL;DR: Coworker kept being late picking up her kid, last time was 4 hours late because she went to happy hour and forgot, I said I won't babysit anymore, coworkers think I'm being harsh.
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  • Ballamookieofficial Sounds like the other co-workers are volunteering to watch the kid. NTJ
  • OP UnlikelyPerformer452 I just hope so.. Emma is a good girl. She kind of became close to me but I dont like how Sandra is just lying about things and forget her daughter like that
  • Jheritheexoticdancer You owe no explanation or obligation to this woman. And... turn off the office drama support club.
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  • OP UnlikelyPerformer452 Makes sense.. I guess I'd do just that and dont give a fck abt them
  • Dependent-Union4802 No-plus, she goes to happy hour and then picks up her kid? Driving after drinking? I wouldn't want to have anything to do with this
  • FreeReflection5259 Ok those co workers who think it's No big deal can watch her kid, problem solved!
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  • Two coworkers discussing a business plan in the office
  • Tamekyaa That's exactly what it sounds like to me she have multiple people now she should be good
  • SnooGrapes 169 As a single mom to a young child, she is COMPLETELY in the wrong and took your help for granted. If she wanted help so much, and depended on you as bad as she claims, she wouldn't have risked losing your support by her blatant disrespect and disregard for your time. Shes a whole mother but can't communicate or even care to check in on how her child is doing. Shes a crappy responsible parent and person, you did the right thing for advocating for yourself and setting boundaries.
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  • Substantial-Type-131 NTJ As a former nanny who was manipulated in a similar way and stayed because I loved the kid. GET OUT NOW. This was the testing ground for her and it only gets worse. It's always "easier to ask for forgiveness than permission" if she had respect for you she'd have asked if you were comfortable staying late and offered way more money. Don't let coworkers guilt you. It's not their place. If they felt that bad they'd be offering to watch her kid.
  • Vegetable_Peak8918 This was my exact same thought! Oh, okay so you guys wanna help pitch in and help now too! And you are NOT obligated to do anything for anyone. She took advantage. FAFO
  • bino0526 Definitely NTJ but your coworker is. You DON'T OWE her to put your life on hold while she is out having a good time!!!!. She's USING you. If she was honest then the situation would be different. Her actions are unfair to you and, especially to Emma. Don't feel guilty about not keeping Emma. Updateme

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