Charging money for those with no money

OK, feel slightly better... I actually PM'd Seraph to thank her for pointing this out... I had posted on two old threads without paying attention, trying to give support to someone who posted in 2008!

Active Poster Joined: Nov 21 2011 Posts: 80

two things, one about the owning of the car and not paying you. first, dan lekaf zchus, could be car was a gift that they barely use and cant sell due to shalom bayis reasons. (even though if they could it is the first thing they would sell), speaking from experience
second, maybe they can at least pay for the glasses your husband needs.

Silver Member Joined: Nov 02 2009 Posts: 633

The real issue here is that you had an agreement: you take care of their child, and they pay you. If they don't have the money, then they need to discuss that with you. Then you have the opportunity to either make some arrangement OR tell them that you can't do it without payment. Otherwise this genaiva--and really unfair!

Senior Member Joined: Jul 19 2010 Posts: 209

be nice and understanding, and expressing empathy "I know it has been difficult" is a part of being a mentch and a jew.

asking for your pay is legit too. gently is nice. "we need the $, when do you think you can bring it". You can still show your caring while asking for your pay.

be a metnch. it will be remembered to your credit. you will be remembered forever as someone who was caring and understanding during hard times.

Mod, even if originally old post, we can always search site and learn from others! no?

Gold Member Joined: Feb 12 2012 Posts: 1037

I'm from the other side - I send my child to playgroup and there are months when I just don't have the money to pay the babysitter. However, I know my priorities, and child care comes before chicken. I have been late a few times, but never more than a week or two, and I always appreciated that she never asked me anything. On the flip side, when I can I pay her early.
You have to be firm, they wouldn't want to work for free either.