Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You tell Jason that you will say nothing and once again encourage him to show up on time.
You do not report Jason's missed appointments. You invoice the Rowens for the full amount, which is your right. You think to yourself, "They have contracted me for this period of time. It doesn't really matter to me whether Jason is here or not. Besides, if I report him, he will be angry with me and won't get anything out of our sessions anyway."
Jason continues to miss appointments and you continue to invoice for the time contracted. His marks at school do not improve and his parents eventually contact you to discuss his tutoring. Since you are not willing to lie on Jason's behalf, you tell them the truth.
They are annoyed. "You have been invoicing us for time that was missed, which is OK, but it is not OK that you didn't tell us what was happening. It looks to us as if you have just taken advantage of us."
The Rowens give you notice to cancel the contract. You hear from other people that they are complaining about you to other families in the community. This is not a good thing for your business or your reputation.
"Situations like this are tricky," says tutor Nathan Linders, "because it damages your relationship with your student. But I would never bill or accept payment for time that I didn't work." Linders also believes that you should make sure your student understands that you will be talking to his parents and give him or her the chance to do it first.