Interviews on my holidays

[Busy ECE mommy]

I have finally(for the first time in 9 years!)taken all of my holidays in the contract. I just felt I needed a break, and took most of the Xmas school break off. My clients were so understanding, and most were off anyways.
So I have a vacant spot for daycare, and the phone is ringing off the hook. I have designated this time to be "business-free" to spend with my own kids, as hubby doesn't get time off except for the stats.
They all want interviews during my holidays, and I don't feel that I have to give up my holiday time with my kids to do this. Is this selfish, or are all of you in "business-mode) 24/7? People seem offended that I won't do this. What difference does a week make, when they need care a few months from now? None of these people need care now. Thoughts????

[Lee-Bee]

I totally see your point and if that is what you prefer stick to it, knowing you might lose a family or two.

I wouldn't tell incoming families that you don't want an interview because you are on holidays. If I was contacted during my holidays I would simple reply that you have numerous families booked for interviews your next 2 available spots are X and X which one works best for them. This lets them know when you are available...and just makes it sound like you can't see them for a few days because you will be busy with interviewing other families...not hanging out with your own.

[mickyc]

I wouldn't even say that you are on holidays. Just say that you can't meet until the week of --- and give some dates and times.

For me personally it would depend on how badly I want the spots filled and what I was doing. I like the peace of mind that the spots are filled so if I wasn't doing much I would set up a meeting.

[5 Little Monkeys]

For myself, I'm pretty much business 24/7. Parents can always text/email/call me and I just choose when I want to respond. In this case, I'd do interviews now if I wasn't busy but limit them to 30 minutes and make sure parents know this...."your interview is on Wednesday from 10-1030. Please don't be late as this will cut into our time"

If it's a problem and you don't want to be bothered, I'd just adjust your ad to say that you're currently on holidays and not taking business calls. Let them go to voicemail and respond when you want too. You can also adjust your voicemail to say you're on holidays and will return calls when you're back to work

[BlueRose]

I am currently on holidays, but have been doing interviews. I can't afford to wait around and end up loosing a client because they interviewed someone else and decided since I wasn't willing to interview them for a week or two well I relaxed.

If you are okay with possibly losing out on a client then make them wait well you take your time off. Its your business so it is up to you whether or not to interview during your holidays.

[33 Daiseys]

No effing way would I interview. Honestly I don't even answer my phones while on vacation or weekends any more. The older I get and the older my kids get the more i realize how little time i have left with them.. I would just stop answering the phone and emails. If they are really interested in you a week won't matter.

[Van]

I am on Holidays and I did decide to interview today and it went good so I have a new child for Jan which is fine for me so it depends on your mood and your holidays and if you really want to know how much income you will have in the following month or your freedom with your family during your holidays so enjoy whatever you choose to be important to you right now

[babydom]

I also don't interview on holidays. But only at Christmas time. And the only reason is because our playrm is on my main level in our living/dinning rm. I put two inside climbers away, the play kitchen away so I can put up the tree and other Christmas decorations. I only leave the two toy shelves out for the mth that Christmas stuff is up and bring out different toy buckets each day if they're bored. So if I were to have a parent come in now....they be like hummm, where's all the toys? thats all they play with. Lol. It's not set up to "show off" my space to impress clients. So I wait till after everything is back to normal. BUT that being said...if I was desperate as in having a spot open for a few mths and need it filled for Jan then I would go ahead. But I would show them where the play kitchen and climbers are stored and explain where they usually are and invite them back when things are normal. To each their own though so it's up to u