Is it okay to accept a drink from my boss?
The relationship between a Nanny and their employer is an important one. It’s a relationship where you share very personal moments about the raising, development and milestones of a young child. It’s a relationship where lives can become very intertwined and you share both positive and not-so-positive situations.
Employers may also come home at the end of the day and want to unwind or be out celebrating a personal achievement and ask their Nanny to join them in a celebratory drink. However, the Nanny may find this situation uncomfortable and not know how to respond. Our recommendation is that the Nanny avoid partaking in any alcoholic drinks with the employer.
If you find yourself in this situation, ask yourself, is your job worth the momentary indulgence while on the job? Don’t run the risk of altering your relationship with your employer by accepting their invitation. It’s never wise to put yourself in a situation where you may find yourself in a less-than-ideal state of mind. You might end up saying something you normally wouldn’t, offering unsolicited advice or even risking not being stable on your feet, resulting in an embarrassing fall.
The situations described above are most likely to come at the end of a shift, it’s also important to keep in mind that you’re likely to have to drive home from work, and having a drink right before leaving isn’t likely a wise choice. Politely declining such in invitation may feel awkward, but getting home safely is in both your and your employer’s best interest. One suggestion is to politely say, “Oh, thank you so much! That sounds wonderful, but I really shouldn’t. I need to drive home in just a bit and I really shouldn’t.”
Professionalism in any industry is paramount and in the Nanny industry it’s no different. You are a representation of not just yourself, but also the family you work for. While a single drink with your employer may not seem like a big deal, a small gamble such as this may risk the stability of your job. It’s best to politely decline.