I’m Anya, 17, and when my neighbors, the Millers, offered me a trip to the Caribbean as their nanny, I was thrilled. They promised me a $500 payment, paid travel, and three days off during the ten-day trip. I convinced my parents, and soon I was on a luxurious resort with the Millers’ kids, Ella and Max.

However, things took a turn. On my first day off, I went snorkeling, leaving a note for the Millers. When I returned, they were furious. Mr. Miller accused me of abandoning the kids, and Mrs. Miller guilted me about their ruined plans. They grew cold and passive-aggressive, making snide remarks about me taking a “free trip.”

On my second day off, Mrs. Miller tried to guilt me into working again, but I refused. That evening, Mr. Miller angrily accused me of being a terrible babysitter. I stuck to the contract, but the tension was unbearable.

Back home, I found that no one called for babysitting jobs. Mrs. Johnson, a regular client, revealed that the Millers had spread lies, claiming I was unreliable. I couldn’t let it slide, so I posted the truth on the neighborhood Facebook group, attaching the contract. The response was overwhelming; others shared similar horror stories about the Millers.

The Millers’ reputation was destroyed, and soon, my regular clients offered me work again. I learned my lesson: extended babysitting gigs aren’t worth the stress.