Wednesday

TAKETHISJOB-1-1
I put in my two weeks notice today. I have been with this family for 4.5 months working 35 hours a week caring for their infant twins and taking home $425 every week. They seemed a little surprised that I was going. I'm surprised they thought they could keep a nanny for more than a few months for so little pay. They were nice enough, but the nickle and dime type, always trying to find a way to save a penny. That's their right, and it is my right to earn more. They were unable or unwilling to pay more so I'm moving on. My message is this: Parents, pay your nannies well if you intend to keep them.

17 comments:

Sounds finetome said...

I guess it depends on where you live, but that pay seems fine to me for 35 hours even though it is two babies. 12/hr is not amazing for someone with experience but in this job market I wouldn't call it horrible.

Wendi said...

I agree that it doesn't sound too bad to me, however the bottom line here is if you are unhappy w/your salary then it is best for all involved if you move on.

Keep in mind though the economy sucks right now and jobs of ANY kind are tough to secure these days. You may not find a better-paying job soon...it may take a few months or more so be prepared.

I love your last sentence. Parents need to keep this in mind when paying their child's caregiver.

I have left many positions where I was nickle and dimed to death.

princess said...

I think you made the right choice! I would be unhappy with that rate also. But.. I wouldn't have accepted it in the first place!! Also I'm wondering if you're talking gross or net, if its on the books, and any benefits. Regardless, two infants would cost more for me to care for, I'm just curious about those other things.

nycmom said...

Did they lie in the interview about the job description or salary? Why would they be surprised otherwise, if they advertised a position and salary and you accepted?

MissMannah said...

1. That salary seems fine to me. It is more than what I make, though it is for only one baby. Admittedly, I make well over the average for my area.

2. You accepted that salary. Did you really expect a raise in your first 4 months?

Bethany said...

Congrats?

I hope you have a job lined up.

While the pay wasn't the greatest for twins it's better than nothing.

Amy Lee said...

I have a new job contract signed and all that.

I accepted the job and new the wages were low I had to talk them into to giving me that.

They were constantly tring to find ways to save themselves a dime. Wanting to let me come and go early in exchange for staying later. I put a stop to that right away, and a few other annoyances.

I took the job because I needed to work. My safety net was draining. I had moved back in with my parents, and was supporting them.

I needed a job, so I took this one, and I actually hoped initially things would work out, but I came to realize that things would not change no matter how long I stayed, so I started looking and found a a better fit.

If they want to keep a nanny longer next time. perhaps they should cut back on the sailing trips and the beach house and toss a little more the nanny's way.

You're kidding yourself if you think someone is going to hang around a year or more for less than 2K a month.

Manhattan Nanny said...

Twelve an hour for infant twins is way below the going rate in my neck of the woods.

That being said however, I think it was unethical of you to accept the job at that salary, and then walk out on them after four months.

workingmom said...

I don't understand your outrage, either. You accepted the pay rate when you accepted the job. You stood firm against job creep, and apparently 'won'. You have only been in the job a short time and have made the decision to move on, rather than drag it out, so - not much time wasted.

Stop resenting these parents for your poor decision-making, and negotiate better in your next position. It's as simple as that.

p.s. Their income level and lifestyle has little to do with the rate you are paid - that is determined by your experience, education, ability, and ages, number of children per hours cared for according to market rates.

Bethany said...

I think there is something missing here.
did they promise to pay you more after 4 months and then pull back?
You seem to have so much resentment towards these parents, who other than paying you a low salary. That you accepted don't seem to have been that terrible.

I also think i's better that you decided to leave. Am unhappy nanny isn't good for any parties.
I understand needing to take a job even a low paying one just to get by. I even understand looking for and leaving for a better one after only a few months.

I think you should have given them more than two weeks notice.

Lyn said...

You didn't give them any notice? And you agreed to the rate they were paying you?
So they were a skipping stone family until you found something better. Did you know from the beginning that is what they would be? Or did something happen that made the rate agreed upon not worth it to you?

UPS package said...

If she's taking home $425/35 hours, she is grossing MORE than $12/hour.

Why did you agree to a salary that pisses you off???

no moniker said...

RE-post for Anonymous...
As a Nanny with many years of experience I can sympathize with your feelings. When you accepted the pay rate you could not have predicted the nickle and diming, which is very demeaning. Each incident is a little chip in the relationship. If they've been happy with your services and care they should have treated you with the utmost respect. I hope you'll find a job where they are able to show the appreciation in those little ways that make you want to stay. Good Luck!

Ughh said...

I get 11/hr for twin infants and I work 37-47 hours. I want to leave, too!!!!!

Katie said...

I'm torn on this.
I know what it's like to accept a low paying job so you can pay the bills. I agree you have the right to earn more money.

What I don't understand, is your need to leave right now.

I hope your new job works out well for you.

DontBeLate said...

Resentment appears to be the #1 reason nannies quit. Wouldn't it be so much better for the children, nanny & family if things were properly handled pre-employment. I want to own a nanny agency, because I am so passionate about this. Continuity of care is essential in early childhood.

I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. Every time I see a low paying gig, I know whomever they hire will eventually leave, bc there will always be something better on the horizon. I think you should be honest as to why you're moving on. The whole asking you to leave early & then work late is total BS & abusive of your time. I am so glad that u stood up for yourself. You deserve better. Id write them a letter, explaining that the work isn't in line with the job, their requests are unreasonable & why you felt they were being particularly cheap. If you tell them then they will have a chance to fix this with the next nanny. The babies deserve it. Gl

Cali Nanny said...

If both sides of the relationship feel they're being treated unfairly (they think they're paying too much, you think you're making too little) then the only thing to come from it is continuous resentment and bitterness. Which is sad for the children in these circumstances. As said, you have a right to get paid more and they have a right to refuse that dollar amount. Neither person is necessarily right or wrong.

Did you have a clear raise schedule outlined in your contract?

You did the right thing by giving two weeks notice!! Good luck!