Tuesday

When is the Right Time to Ask for a Raise?

Received Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Opinion 4 I just have a few concerns that im not sure I should be concerned about. I've worked for this family of 1 child for about 6 months now. I have worked for many families of which I never really got a bonus or any gift from. Aside of that all my families were great families, treated me with respect. I'm twenty by the way. My mother owns a children with disabilities home since I was very young, I also grew up with foster infants and children until eighteen and have been a (generally holistic) babysitter/nanny since 16 also while working at afterschool day care with school aged children. I already am 8 credits away from my BA in neonatal nursing. So generally at every job i get paid about 10 dollars, thats it. No paid holidays, no benefits, I mean when i'm sick i tell them they wish me luck and no complaints. I feel like i'm under payed, and I'm not benefiting much from my job. Its hard for me to look for another job because I'm extremely close to this family & the child is absolutely easy and amazing holistic supporting and just above all wonderful. I'm stuck i have no idea what I should do. Technically im a mothers helper right now. Usually i have about 30 hrs a week, I didnt work at all during the holidays and this month. They have stated that theyll both be working soon so Ill have a lot more hours.. is that when I should mention a raise?

9 comments:

Joy said...

wait wait wait! 10 dollars a day, or an hour? If 10 a day, screw them find something else. If 10 an hour, you can try sitting down with them and explaining how you love their family but the pay isn't what you need it to be due to _____ (fill in the blank). If they're willing to give you a raise stay with them. If not, and you can't afford to stay, find another job, and offer to be this families date night babysitter.

bippityboppityboo said...

I don't think you are underpaid. I'm not trying to be harsh but I wouldn't feel that way if I were you. If you think you are I would think you are at risk for being replaced for asking for a raise. Good luck either way.

The Negotiator said...

I think I would take a slightly different approach and let them know that; unfortunatly, you're realizing the current position is not supporting you financially and that you will be transitioning to a full time, benefited position in X weeks.

You can let them know that you enjoy their family and would consider looking over a new offer if they would like to extend one to you.

I think if you start with a clean slate you can ask for all of the things you should have up front (higher wage, paid vacation, paid sick)

I know people will say you should stick it out "in this market" because there are a ton on nannnies seeking jobs. I agree on one thing...there are a ton of nannies seeking jobs but there are not a ton of EXCELLENT nannies seeking jobs. If you conduct yourself in such a way that demands respect for your chosen feild and are confident in direct in regards to the salary you require...you will get it.

I charge a specific amount, I require taxes to be taken out, I require full benefits...in 10 years only one family has not offered me a position. I get multiple offers and therefor, have a large say in who I work for (and leverage for bargaining).

I think you can still renegotiate the position with your current family, though it may be difficult.

Good Luck!

Sorry for all the errors...I'm on my iPhone. :)

Cutenanny;) said...

Go to manhattan and look for a stay-in weekender nanny job they'll pay you $ 450-500 for the weekend ;) just keep on searching especially in agencies. Some family looks for a weekend stay-in nanny. Goodluck!

Bostonnanny said...

$10 for a mothers helper is decent. If you are going to be a full time nanny for this family in a couple of months then I would have a sit down meeting and explain that as a full time employee you will need a benefits package and that you charge a higher rate since you will be taking on the position of nanny, no longer will be a mothers helper. You need to be completely professional, know want you want and where your not willing to budge. Also state why you should be paid more by explaining what you will provide for this family. Saying u need more money because you can't live off that amount is not avoid reason for a raise but is a reason not to continue working for them should they choose not to increase your salary.

When you search for your next position, know your worth and state what you want to be paid. Don't let the family tell you want your going to be paid. It may take longer to find a family but your end up getting your amount.
I believe your age and experience may be another reason why they aren't offering a higher rate. 20 and in college can come across as immature and young. I wouldn't count any experience before the age of 18 or part time/ short term positions. Although you grew up in a childcare environment, your work history counts much more.

susan said...

I'm just curious. I am an R.N. who has worked in neonatal nursing and have never heard of getting a B.A. in neonatal nursing. I have heard of getting a BSN, which is a general nursing degree and then specializing in neonatal nursing, earning various competency certificates and so on. I also have a B.A. in psychology, and have never heard of a B.A. having anything to do with nursing. I am not trying to be picky. IThank you.

Lily

bippityboppityboo said...

Good point Susan I'm a nurse now as well and I've never heard of such a thing either.

another nanny said...

I agree with Bostonnanny in that I wouldn't count any experience prior to age 18 as actual nanny experience.
I also agree that if and when this position becomes full time, that would be a good time to draw up a work agreement with the family, outlining your hours and salary, as well as any additional duties and benefits.

Mad Scientist said...

@OP could you be a little more specific as to why $10 an hour is not enough? What part of the country do you live in? What are your duties? Sometimes people attach the term "Mother's Helper" to a position to make it look like less work since the parent will be there. I hope your family is not doing this to try to pay you less. Do you change diapers, prepare food for child, bathe the child, take child on outings, etc.?? If so, this is just as much work as a nanny and you should be paid accordingly.
Good Luck.