Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

New Parents Called Out After Trying To Find Nanny Who Will Agree To Mostly Work For Free

Screenshot of the ad looking for a live-in nanny
VivaIbiza/Reddit

The couple's post requesting help with their 9-month-old baby in exchange for 'accommodation and meals' didn't sit right with Reddit.

The new parents of a nine-month-old baby daughter were slammed online after they posted an ad seeking a live-in babysitter who'll cook and do other household chores in exchange for essentially room and board.

The ad was featured in the Choosing Beggars subReddit, where it was met with backlash.


The couple enticed prospective applicants by greeting them as "Lovely people," and said they were looking for an au pair or babysitter to join them in the winter, with a possible extension all year.

They said they have recently decided to venture back into online business after "embracing the slow pace of life" and "adjusting" to new family dynamics.

The ad continued:

“Nestled in our picturesque land in [redacted], we offer a place in our caravan during the tranquil winter months."
“As we start to focus a bit more on our professions, we need a compassionate individual to care for our baby for a few hours each day and assist with various tasks around the home."
"This might include walking the dogs on some days, or preparing a meal on others.”

The vague language suggests there might be more in store for applicants lured in by the idyllic setting, which Redditors thought was shady.

Especially when they read the part about compensation.

“While most hours are in exchange for accommodation and meals, there are also some paid hours,” the post stated.

“Please contact me privately for more details on compensation.”

ChoosingBeggars/Reddit


One Redditor had a more direct description of what the family was seeking.

"That's a slave."
"A person you feed and house in a sh**ty space separate from your house that does whatever you want whenever you want in exchange for nothing is called a slave."

The Daily Dot noted that for the scenario to fit the description of slavery as suggested by several others in the thread:

"The couple would have to take steps to prevent the worker from leaving the position, but there are situations remarkably similar to what this post describes that happen a lot more than you would like to think."

A worst-case scenario entails the worker finding themselves getting into a situation they can't leave.

The outlet said that according to the 2022 report on Global Estimates of Modern Slavery:

"1.4 million people globally are trapped in forced labor in the domestic sector, which includes childcare and household tasks."
"One of the key features of this type of slavery is 'payment' in the form of food and a place to sleep."
"Victims are often lured into these positions with the promise of payment and then denied the ability to leave when they find out the compensation isn’t coming."

Another Redditor agreed and chimed in with more translations.

"Agreed. I’ve also cleared up some other definitions for them:"
"‘Holistic Lifestyle’ = No vaccines/medical care."
"‘Online business’ = MLM or ‘influencers’."
"‘Various tasks around the house’ = completely maintaining our home & serving us."

Withholding the specifics of the pay rate in advertisements is a huge red flag.

It usually indicates that the employer is offering a lot less than what a worker would find acceptable.

There was also a discussion among users who found the use of the term "au pair" in the ad unsettling.

Au pairs are typically from foreign countries and English is not their primary language, therefore making them vulnerable to exploitation.

VivaIbiza/Reddit

VivaIbiza/Reddit

VivaIbiza/Reddit


Redditors continued weighing in with criticism.

VivaIbiza/Reddit

VivaIbiza/Reddit

VivaIbiza/Reddit

VivaIbiza/Reddit

VivaIbiza/Reddit

VivaIbiza/Reddit


So, who's applying?

More from Trending

Woman relaxing in sunhat and sunglasses
Photo by Jordan Bauer on Unsplash

People Explain Which 'Small Luxuries' They Can't Live Without

Many of us have committed to being fairly financially frugal and not overspending on silly, unnecessary things.

That is to say, sometimes, it's fun to splurge on something one time to see what it's like to experience that small luxury.

Keep ReadingShow less
two women in emotional distress seated on couch
Ben White on Unsplash

People Who've Experienced Grief Share The Most Tone-Deaf Things They've Heard

Grief, loss, trauma are all part of life. But for most people, the emotions and reactions that go with them are difficult to witness.

So they rely on platitudes to fill any holes in conversation. That's rarely a good idea.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump
Mehmet Eser/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Trump Demands 'Boss Of AT&T' Fix Equipment After Failed Conference Call In Bizarre Meltdown

When most of us have technical difficulties, we contact tech support or customer service.

But if you're President of the United States, just ranting on social media—then having your White House Press Secretary post a screenshot of your post on a social media platform people actually use—is apparently the answer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot of Lauren Boebert speaking to Alex Stein
Prime Time with Alex Stein/Blaze Media

Lauren Boebert Casts Doubt On Moon Landing During Wild Interview With Conspiracy Theorist

Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert was criticized after she seemingly agreed with the conspiracy theory that the moon landing was faked in a wide-ranging interview with conservative conspiracy theorist Alex Stein.

The segment began with the duo casting doubt on nuclear weapons—Boebert even joked about needing "tin foil"—and moved into weirder territory when Stein praised Boebert for "vibing" with him on the topic of the moon landing. Conspiracy theorists have long alleged the moon landing was fabricated by NASA in what they claim was an elaborate hoax.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rosie O'Donnell; Oprah Winfrey
Simon Ackerman/Getty Images; Ernesto Ruscio/GC Images

Rosie O'Donnell Calls Out Oprah For Attending Jeff Bezos' Wedding In Scathing Poem

Among the various celebrity hangers-on who attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Venice wedding, the one that seemed to generate the most controversy was Oprah Winfrey.

After all, a woman known for her progressive politics whose entire ethos is about teaching people how to be their best selves, attending the wedding of man who directly funded a fascist regime dismantling our country before our eyes doesn't exactly add up.

Keep ReadingShow less