AITA for letting my sister think all of her babysitting parents will spoil her the way mine does?
In the world of babysitting gigs, not every job is created equal—and sometimes, sharing your “cushy” experience can set unrealistic expectations for others. In this case, the OP, who works as a babysitter for a 10-year-old with cancer, enjoys a remarkably comfortable job with a generous family and plenty of perks.
However, by casually discussing these benefits, she inadvertently led her sister—who recently lost her job and turned to babysitting—to believe that every babysitting job would offer the same level of spoiling. When her sister found out her own experience was far less rewarding, she blamed the OP for misleading her.
‘AITA for letting my sister think all of her babysitting parents will spoil her the way mine does?’
Family and career counselors note that personal experiences are inherently subjective, and it’s natural for people to assume similar roles will offer similar rewards. Dr. Laura Markham explains, “It’s common to generalize from one positive experience, but the realities of caregiving roles can differ vastly depending on the family and circumstances. It’s important for individuals to do their own research and manage their expectations accordingly.” (https://www.ahaparenting.com) In this case,
the OP was merely sharing her own story—not a guarantee that every babysitting job will be as ideal. Experts agree that while it’s helpful to share positive experiences, each situation should be evaluated on its own merits, and it isn’t fair to blame someone for not clarifying a universal standard when none exists.
Check out how the community responded:
The Reddit community overwhelmingly supports the OP, with many commenting that she isn’t responsible for her sister’s misinterpretations. Commenters pointed out that it’s common knowledge that not every babysitting gig will offer the same perks.
Many advised the sister to explore different opportunities or to be cautious when comparing jobs, rather than blaming the OP for her own misfortune. The consensus is clear: individual job experiences vary, and the OP’s role as a babysitter for a very specific family situation isn’t a blueprint for every similar job.
While it’s understandable that the sister feels misled after encountering a less-than-ideal babysitting experience, the OP isn’t at fault for simply sharing her own positive work-life. This situation raises an important question: Should we be more cautious when sharing personal success stories,
knowing that others might use them as a yardstick for their own expectations? What strategies have you found effective in managing expectations when transitioning to a new job or role? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!