My son is not playing fair

[suzi-q]

Hi. My 19 yr old son works for my dad on an apprenticeship. He goes to college one day a week. Often his day at college finishes early i.e. 12pm, 3pm, 2.30pm etc. The problem is when that happens he comes home instead of going on to work. Work is 30 mins in the opposite direction to home. He could be there just as quick as coming home. He'd rather spend the afternoon lounging at home and getting paid for it rather than working. I also work for my dad, doing the books, once a week. Do I say anything to my dad about my son skiving these afternoons off?? The company consists of my dad, my brother, another partner and my son as the apprentice. He was damned lucky to get the opportunity as he didn't really try very hard at school. As far as I can tell he is doing well enough when hes at work. I guess its not so bad when college ends at 3pm or something but when hes home by 1.15pm I think hes taking the mickey. By the way I have mentioned it to my son before and he just says "everyone goes home early" but maybe they're not working for small family business. How do I tackle this? It worries me that he is taking advantage and I'm letting it happen.

[cascarelli]

One day a week at college and sometimes it finishes at 12? The tutors aren't pushing themselves too hard at that college are they?!

Yes, I'd definitely expect him to come into work, unless he's studying or something in the afternoon?

I think in any company, and especially a family run company, you need to be open and discuss these things.

[battersby]

Have a word with your Dad suzi-q. Your son's taking advantage,he know's he's got it easy. My son's at college too and he often finish's around 1pm but he study's, I make sure of that.:-))

[skyep]

suzi - My son has tried long & hard to get an apprenticeship, your son has no idea how lucky he is! If you turn a blind eye, he will take this attitude through life, he isn't being very respectful! He needs a reminder that he is in a very priveliged position, one that many young people of his age would be so grateful for.

[sarnieken]

It is important for him to realise that although it is a family business, he still ahs to pull his weight and earn his wage.

I had to work when I wasn't at college to pay for my car and bits I needed and when I wasn't at college.
If he doesn't intend to go to work then just don't pay him for the afternoons when he isn't at work or college. That should soon gee him into working.

Regarding colleges finishing early, it sucks. I used to have tutorial on a tuesday morning which meant I had to be in at 09:00. My only class on a Tuesday started at 15:00. It was too far for me to go to work so I ended up having to stay at college. Meant I got a lot of study done. :)

[suzi-q]

Thanks for all your answers. When I asked him last night why he'd had the afternoon off he said he'd been doing coursework.

As I work fulltime its hard to keep tabs on this. He's already cheesed my dad off by having silly days off for things like having one stitch out of his head (which was for the removal of a tiny cyst). He had a whole day off for that even though it was done by 9am. Another day off for the original appointment for that.

Then a couple of weeks ago he was really poorly with tonsillitus and guess what? he didnt get paid for his sick. Thats the trouble with crying wolf. Then he was skint and had to borrow money from us to pay his car loan!!!

Hubby (step dad) gets mad but what can I do? ??

[lilacben]

Just a bit puzzeled suzi-q why did your dad pay him for going to hospital and then taking the day off . And when you knew he was really ill and could tell your dad that, he didnt get paid. Think your dad should make a few reals for him to go by. If really ill he gets paid but other than that do not pay him. Also when he has these afternoons for studing has he got anything to show your dad what he has done.?Prehaps your dad should go over it with him next day. If you know for a fact he is not doing anywork then tell your dad to have a chat with him. Also I thought when they go on day courses the employer gets help with his pay.

[curiosity]

I agree with all the above. But, if you can't get away with a little bit of responsibility at 19 years old when it's for life, then maybe give the kid a break, at least he IS working.