A nanny asks your advice......
I have been with my current family for 8 months and did NOT receive a Christmas bonus. I am very disheartened, not because I expected it, but because of the "extras" that I do for them. Now I don't do these "extras" because I want something in return, it's just in my nature as a person. I did receive a nice gift (valued at $200) from them and I don't dispute that, however, I am still pissed (can I say that?).
Salary: $500/wk, 1 child, 45hrs/wk, no gas mileage.
1. Should I bring this up and mention that we did discuss this during my interview, and that the salary was accepted based on expected bonuses throughout the year or should I just leave it alone?
2. Also, since they did not meet my expectations, should I discuss regotiating my salary since I didnt get a bonus?
I would really like your help regarding this. -M
14 comments:
I am confused by your question because on the one hand, you say you didn't expect a bonus, but then say the salary you accepted was based on expected bonuses? Maybe I read the question wrong. Or the family promised you bonuses in the interview, that you now aren't getting? That is breach of oral contract, if there isn't a written one.
In general, I think bonuses are just that, bonus, and no-one should ever negotiate a salary including that money as a factor. The reason is exactly what happened to you.
Are you their first nanny? They may not have known to do a holiday bonus. Speaking as an employer, I didn't know, that first year. Truly an honest mistake that I since made up for.
Are you planning to continue on there? If so, as it gets close to your one year anniversary there, you may want to use that as a way to bring up the issue. But yes, you should bring it up or else you might get a crappy raise. Just try to bring it up neutrally and professionally, because the family might feel really embarrassed, but if there is a negative vibe about the discussion, they could use that negative vibe as an excuse to be resentful towards you instead of taking ownership of their mistake.
Good luck.
If your contract says bonuses are expected, then you can bring it up. I'd be very careful/tactful about it.
If I understand correctly, you discussed a bonus in your interview. In that case, I would just ask when you can expect to receive your bonus. Some employers don't get their own bonus until after the 1st of the year, and then give to their employees.
After only 8 months of employment, I feel that a $200 gift is more than appropriate.
If a bonus was discussed, how do you know that they intended to give it to you at Christmastime and not randomly during the course of the year?
My nannies have never gotten a full week's pay at Christmas (most I've ever given was $350 plus gifts), BUT....I have given extra money here and there throughout the year. I have also given things like a manicure/pedicure for no reason during the year....
Basically, when I have it I give it, and when I don't I can't.
deman gas mileage and ask when you should expect your bonus.
If you are ushering the kids around in your car, by all means request (not "demand" -- I don't "demand" things from my boss, nor would I expect my nanny to "demand" something from me) gas mileage.
If you truly discussed a bonus for the 1st year of employment, ask her if it will be paid at the 12 month mark. That is when I would personally give you one, as we all know that many nannies wait until after Christmas to give their notice once their bonus has cleared the bank. I have not had that happen to me, thankfully, but a few friends have.
From your letter, assuming it was not edited- I am getting that you are passive agressive. Basically these things are bothering you but your employer has no idea. That isn't fair to your employer. State your case. Let the cards fall where they may. Good nannies don't need to piss and moan in sucky positions for skeezy people, it is a nanny market. Not an employer market.
anyone who drives kids around in their car without gas reimbursement is a SAP! Gas is way too expensive for that. Also, the gas reimbursement is usually higher than the actual gas price to make up for the wear and tear on your car. Your boss knows this! They are getting away with murder. Most employer's have nanny cars. Your employer is having his cake and eating it too.
if I was your employer and you left me a note with all caps, you would be fired!
I'm in the same boat. I got a gift like yours, and a small bonus. Let me emphasize SMALL.
I go above and beyond, but don't get the recognition for it.
to the last poster, if you are unhappy there why do you stay? It is very true it is a nannys market......move on uot and up.
For $11.11 an hour (I hope after tax) I would definately bring it up. How much is gas where you live? When you deduct this how much are you actually left with? Look for a good agency.!!!!! and get a decent family to work for.
You have to talk to them. People have different ways of showing their appreciation. Obviously yours and theirs do not match.
Let them know you need to have a meeting with them. Start off by lettin them know what you ARE happy with at the job. Then bring it up. If it were me, I would ask them if they have any concerns about the service I have been providing. Assuming that goes well, I would start the financial negotiations. I can tel you what I would want. First, a raise at a scheduled rate, bonuses, vacation time, helth insurance, miliage if I use my own car, as well as a periodic scheduled review (written and a meeting) so I can keep records, and get feedback. Nothing like working for a family forever, then some disagreement comes up and there goes your refernce. If you have written positive feedback, at least that is something to take with you.
Really, if you expect them to read your mind, you will never get what you want, and they will never know what your problems are.
I agree. Plus, a lot of times parents think that giving cash is tacky. Stupid, because they pay you every week, but still. I actually worked for a family for 6 yrs, and after recieving gifts & gift certificates I straight out told her it was very thoughtful, but with my rate of pay I really needed the extra cash, especially around the holidays. After that I always got cash bonus on christmas, my anniversary date of hire, & birthday. I haven't worked for them for 6 mths, and when I was asked what I needed for my b-day before I could respond, I was greeted with, "...let me guess, is it green & fits in an envelope? haha" Plus, it is best when filling out a contract and negotiating pay to ALWAYS make sure you are going to be able to survive on it. Gas mileage is a necessity if you are driving your car, especially because you have to keep it in decent shape, keep it kid friendly & provide insurance (which may or may not cover them if you are working, check with your insurance provider). There are quite a few examples online. If your current contract or lack thereof isn't working for you, speak up and let them know what needs to change. If you are a great nanny & they are a decent family, they should be more than willing to accomodate your needs.
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