I know working with family can be a bad idea, so I told my sister right away that I wouldn’t hire my nephew in my department.
First, I know he’s careless. Second, I don’t want to keep letting him off for being late or skipping work just because my sister asks.
Now my parents are upset and won’t talk to me. It’s hard emotionally, but I don’t want to risk my job or business.
How can I explain to them so they stop pressuring me?

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  • SDit with him and honestly explain what is expected for the job. ALso, there will no exceptions made because of family. You may even want to type it... up and have him sign and give him a copy so he can not deny being told. more

  • What are his skills and where can you recommend him?

  • As a person who works with young people, a relative may jeopardize you. However, the younger generation needs a chance at mentoring too. You could... recommend him to your networks. About your parents reaction could be a case of their expectations of you. Its not your fault.  more

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  • It feels really hard on you personally at first making that type of call but in the end , it most likely was a good decision. Hiring friends and even... sometimes family can be difficult when it comes time to manage them.  more

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  • You have no reason to feel guilty or condemned about your decision. It is very complicated to work with family in business especially when they have... no investment in the same. You made the right decision. Your parents will understand someday. Hold on to your decision.  more

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  • He didn't meet your competence requirement for the role

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  • Consider having your nephew apply for the job through human resources as any other candidate would. Explain your relationship to him to HR. Request... that someone other than you interview and assess him. If he is who you think he is, more than likely he will not be offered the position. It’s unfortunate your parents have taken the position they have, but you cannot jeopardize your employment to settle a family squabble. more

  • Take him into the department. Go over job description. He signs. He has a higher standard because he is family. It's business. If appropriate take... him to lunch. Give him constructive feedback. After he's ready have him report to someone under you. You are creating a hostile family relationship outside of business. If the problem is him they will know. If it's you that's why you set up guidelines and a proper reporting. Some people are better disciplined with non family. We all need a chance. Don't be perceived to be the jerk. more

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  • First of all you need to obey your parents if you wa want your business to succeed. At the other hand, you need to explain to your parents to be your... witness if he neglect his work and be coming late. You will sack him. Because you can't sacrifice you business for him sake.  more

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  • Remind them that you are a professional responsible adult. Your decision is professional and tell them to hire him or refer him somewhere else. I... have clients i dont refer because of their behaviors with me. So i do not refer them to my network. I allow them to find work themselves.  more

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  • Is your nephew a person you would hire ordinarily? Yes or No?
    If yes, does he qualify for the role?
    If No, you are not obligated to mess up your own... job in favor of your nephew.
    Do those family members pay you whenever they talk to you? Yes or No.? The answer has zero value add.
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  • I had to fire my best friend yrs ago. I agree that hiring family is a difficult thing, especially if they are unreliable but dont jeopardize your job... for anyone. Stick to your guns. If your parents are mad, then just explain yourself if you would like to. But at the same time there is no need to explain yourself. If your parents or anyone want to act like children then let them, you can't control that. All you can do is control yourself and live your best life.  more

  • You could let your family know that your nephew would be under increased scrutiny because he is related to you. I don't know what country you're in,... but most companies I've worked for don't allow relatives to work within the same department in a company. It already looks bad when relatives are being hired because of the optics. more

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  • Something like this? -
    “I love our family deeply, and that’s exactly why I had to make this tough call. I’m not judging [nephew’s name] as a person,... but my department is my responsibility, and every employee affects the whole team. I’ve seen patterns that could hurt our work environment, and I need to treat every staff member the same—no favorites, no exceptions.
    I know this hurts, and I’m sorry it feels personal. I’m not turning away family—I’m protecting the professional space that supports me. I hope you can see it’s not about shutting anyone out. It’s about staying true to what I’ve built and the standards I’ve promised to keep.”
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