Re: Being the ride for other people’s kids
If you yourself are describing your former situation as “very difficult”…then your neighbor might also have found it too difficult. People sometimes feel hesitant about involving themselves in delicate situations.
Just as your neighbor had the right to refuse you a favor, you have that same right as well. Just tell her that you are expected at work by a certain time and that you have many professional responsibilities to take care of in the morning and that you won’t be able to pick or drop off her kid to school. She should accept that and leave you alone.
It’s easy to get stuck in school-related traffic…and that could delay your arrival to work, which will not only reflect poorly on you as an employee but it can also mean that you’ll be rushing to get things done in the morning. If the “spoiled” kid is late leaving his house in the morning…that will delay you as well. And sometimes one just wants to enjoy the peace and quite of being alone in their car as they’re driving to and from work. Nor should you have to get up earlier in the morning and change your daily routine…just so that you are in time to pick up someone’s kid.To do such a favor occasionally is fine, but to take it on for 5 years is a big responsibility. If you know this neighbor to be a fair-weather person…then be polite but keep a distance.
Just tell the neighbor that you cannot do this as you as the mornings AND afternoons (time that school ends) are both very busy times for you. If the neighbor insists or pushes…just say, “I’m sorry it’s just not possible for me” and excuse yourself to leave.