Working for family = bad decision=manipulation

[shiny]

Today I was fired by my Aunt. She was paying me $10.00 an hour to clean 4000 sq ft. of her home, and if I finished early, she wanted me to clean out her kitchen drawers and cabinets.

After reading all the helpful advice many offered here on the board, I decided to tell her that this week will be my last week working for $10.00 and starting next week I will work for no less than $120.00 for general cleaning....no extras. She got really mad and tried to make me feel guilty by saying that after all the extra things she has given to me, that this is the thanks I give her.

I was very respectful and told her that this is a business decision and it has nothing to do with the things she does outside of that relationship. She really lost her cool and told me to leave and said I would not find anyone that will pay me what I am asking. Well, I didn't want this to get ugly, but it did and I left in a calm manner. The lesson I have learned is NOT to work for family. I felt I did the right thing.

[AmofOhio]

You did do the right thing. Your time is valuable, and time is money.

One thing i've learned is never work with or for your family.

When i started my business i went into a partnership with my sister-in-law.
I ended up forking out most the money to get the business going and was doing all the paperwork and stuff on my computer.All she wanted to do was clean when we got jobs.
So i had to split profits 50/50 with her.

It ended up being a pain in the a$$ and was stressing me out.
She wouldn't put any of her money back into the business for advertising and supplies.
I had jobs lined up and she decided she didn't want to clean anymore and left me running the business alone.
Which turned out to be a blessing.
I clean alone. make 100% of the profit and make my own schedule.
I don't have someone dragging me down.

Sad thing is, we don't speak anymore.
I've tried to talk to her and she acts like everythings ok. But i can tell its not. She's bitter that i continued the business without her, and am doing well.
She'll get over it.

[Linda]

Your aunt is upset because you are taking charge of your business. You did the right thing and you will find others willing to pay. Keep your chin up and move forward.
My first client was my aunt. Now she does not want to pay what I charge. This is business and until she accepts my price I wont be cleaning for her. I am actually very very close to my aunt, we even became room-mates for about 2 years. I luv her very much, but Im not backing down

Linda