Hate to ask but want opinions. Long and NBR

sadiwest

First let me say that I hate to ask because in the scheme of things, this is not something 'big' to worry about. I realize people have real problems and I know this isn't a 'problem'...I feel selfish asking but I really have no one else to ask since I work for DH's family and my family would be biased.

My SIL is my boss (along with her husband) and they are VERY generous with me, timewise. Then, there was the time I quit (her husband and I had a huge argument and I quit, knowing full well I wouldn't be able to get another job being pg...and my DH is already out of work. After he apologized three days later, I came back to work. My SIL paid me for those 3 days, knowing I wouldn't be able to collect unemployment since I quit). Anytime I need to take a day off for a dr appt or whatever, there is never a problem. Sooner or later I'll start working from home more often, which is also OK with them. AND that is considering I work in an accounting office and am due April 11th.

So, now I find out we have bonuses coming for the holidays. Since I pay the bills here in the office, I already saw what mine was: $350. When I thought it was going to be $100 or something, I was going to tell her to keep it since they are already so generous with me. Now, DH's car and my car both need repairs, as does our heating system at home. We could use the $350 but I'm still thinking about telling her to keep the money. What would you do?

Wilwarin

Someone obviously thought you deserved the money.  Take it and be grateful.

robinsokj

Wilwarin:

Someone obviously thought you deserved the money.  Take it and be grateful.

This...let them decide what your bonus is

sleepingbeauty825

I'd take it and send a very nice thank you card.

megdrew1218

Wilwarin:

Someone obviously thought you deserved the money.  Take it and be grateful.

This.

MotherBucker

Consider yourself lucky to have such generous employers.

LeighAnn&Vinny

I think that they obviously thought you deserved it otherwise they wouldn't have given it to you. I personally would accept it if it was me. 

magdalina.h

I would take it because you need the money, but make sure to write a thank you note. 

MWoodside

Take it.  Just think they might not give bonuses next year or in the future.

lildevil968

Keep the money and repair what you need to right now. When LO get's here it will be alot harder to save the money for those repairs.

smileychic10986

sleepingbeauty825:

I'd take it and send a very nice thank you card.

This.

Ana35

Business must be good if they can afford to pay you a bigger bonus and they obviously feel that you've earned it; accept and enjoy:-)

EricsWife2005

Why would you tell them not to give you the bonus?  They apparently think you deserve it.  Take it and be thankful for it. I see no need to feel bad that you're getting a bonus.

sadiwest

EricsWife2005:

Why would you tell them not to give you the bonus?  They apparently think you deserve it.  Take it and be thankful for it. I see no need to feel bad that you're getting a bonus.

I guess I should add that, since I pay the bills, I know they have 'no' money. Her DH spends way more than he should on crap (personal crap on ebay). I realize this isn't my business OR problem (even though she tells me about it, too, since I'm family)....

I feel like DH and I have it pretty good all things considered: We have lots of loving family, we managed to get pg when we thought we couldn't, he's getting $ for school from unemployment and I have a job after getting laid off in 2008. All in all we have a lot to be thankful for, so I tend to get a guilty complex-feeling when people are generous with me/us. I feel like we didn't do anything to deserve 'extra'.
I know...I'm crazy.

bergs720

Take it, be grateful and pay it forward when you find yourself in a better position.  Someone probably helped them out when times got tough and now it's their turn to help you out. 

silverrox15

Wilwarin:

Someone obviously thought you deserved the money.  Take it and be grateful.

 

ditto

orienae

I guess, basically, I would act like I was with any other employer and accept my bonus; if she weren't family you wouldn't be considering this issue.  Obviously, for whatever reason, despite your knowledge about the money flow, she thought the business could afford it, it really isn't your place to question that.  And, lets face it, she would probably just turn around and spend it on you/baby anyway even if she did accept you returning it.