Several months ago I was searching for a babysitter to help me with my son while I get some work done at home (I'm a PT WAHM). At the same time, Family A was helping their nanny acquire additional hours because they'd just cut her schedule from M-Thurs to 3 days per week. (The nanny works another job in another industry on Friday and Saturday.) Anyway, the nanny interviewed well, so I came to hire her at $15 per hour for work on her day off from Family A. At first we started with a few hours of help, but she was wonderful and soon it came to be the entire day, 9a-5p. I think she's really great. I buy her lunch every week. When her Family A needs to switch days with me or needs her the whole M-Thurs, I never complain. After all, that is her main job and she is their nanny, right? If she stays with us until Christmas, I plan to give her a very nice bonus. Well, our family travels out of town 3-4 times per year. We are out about 2 weeks at a time. We told her about the traveling up front.I give as much advance notice as possible, I tell her as soon as we know the dates. The first time we went away, the nanny had been with us only a month and working a few hours, so I really thought nothing of it. Now she has been with us 4 months, 9-5, and we are going away again. I know a FT, salaried nanny gets this time paid, as well as benefits, etc. But what happens in a PT, one day a week situation like this? Can anyone give some advice or share their experience with PT positions?
10 comments:
I, personally, don't expect any benefits from occassional babysitting, one day a week, or short-term temp jobs. If I don't work, I don't expect to get paid.
Yeah I wouldn't expect a family to pay me when they go on vacation if I'm only babysitting one day a week. It would be a nice perk but not necessary, at least for me.
I'm sure your babysitter would greatly appreciate if you paid her. Especially if it's only for 2 days, it won't make a big difference to you. If she is as good as you say I'm sure she will be very grateful that you paid her and probably go above and beyond when you get back. For me, I don't expect to get paid from part time jobs when I'm not working, but when I do I definitely put in a better effort at work because I feel more appreciated.
If she works for you one day a week every single week then I consider her part time rather than an occasional sitter and I'd pay her if you can. She very well may need that money to pay bills.
First of all, you're certainly not obligated to pay her anything, as she is so very part time. But if she is as wonderful as you say, and you can afford it, then there is nothing wrong with compensating her for the lost work as a gesture to show how much you value her and appreciate that she sets that time aside each week to work for your family.
I have a 20 hr nanny job, am in school full time and have worked for another family for 2 years, 3 hours a week. The SAHM just wants some time to herself. These people have been so wonderful to me that I really stretch my schedule to make sure my classes fit and everything, last term I even took my second choice elective instead of my first preference so I could work for this family. It's overloading my plate a bit but I like them so much and they compensate me well, doing things like you're suggesting. Had we not had this sort of relationship, I would have said "Sry, gotta take a class", and then just lost contact. The little deeds the mom has done for me stand out, and I really make the effort for them.
Also, It sounds as if your nanny, with her hours being cut and rearranged also likely is stressed about finances, and a gesture like this would certainly not go unnoticed, and would likely make your arrangement a priority for her, if it came down to having to find a new job in place of Family A.
It seems to me that this nanny feels committed to your family and your family feels the same way about her. If you felt inclined to give her compensation while you are away, I think you should do it. Yes, she is very part time but a good worker is a good worker and they deserve the credit where credit is due.
Also, like Nanny S said, she will probably go above and beyond for you in the future if you treat her right. You never know if you will ever need her last minute or more in the future.
PS, you seem like a great lady to work for :)
This is not a casual sitter who comes for date night. She has committed herself to this one day a week, and you need her to get your work done.
My philosophy re my work families is, just as you can count on me always to be available in the times you need me, I need to be able to count on my income.
She will lose two days pay 3-4 times a year, and she probably needs it. I do think you should pay her, or at least offer her the chance to make up the hours by sitting in the evenings.
As a very part-time Nanny, I do not think you are obligated to pay her when you go out of town. However, she will lose the money so I like Manhattan Nanny's idea of giving her extra hours for babysitting aside from her one day a week. Perhaps a "date night" with the hubby? That way she doesn't lose any money she may need to pay bills.
You sound like a great person to work for. The fact that you will give her a great holiday bonus despite only working 8 hrs/week is wonderful. I wish all families were like you. You sound like you appreciate what a great Nanny you have. I sure hope she appreciates what a great MomBoss she has!!! ♥♥
I really think the ideal solution is one someone already suggested- arrange separate hours when she will lose those 4 hours. So she wont work two Thursdays in a row- schedule an evening or afternoon or something for another week. Do it as far in advance as possible, so she can plan to have that day off (and she'll appreciate a random day off without real loss of income), and offer to pay her when you regularly do so that she wont be short for bills or anything. :)
Wow...I know this is an old post but I just have to say THANK YOU!!! You sound fantastic to work for, I wish all MBs and DBs were this great!! Your nanny is very very lucky.
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