Saturday

Working Out the Particulars

OPINION
I'm in the process of negotiating a contract with what will be my new nanny family. I have been hired, but we're working out the details. The job isn't to start until April 2013. I will be caring for 3 young kids. I will be caring for a 3 year old, a 15 month old, and a 1 month old. Here's what we've agreed on so far: my schedule will be 4 days a week, 12 hour days, and living out. All holidays will be paid off time. All vacations will be paid. All time off due to parents not needing me or sending me home will be paid. I will have 10 days of PTO/Sick days paid, 2 weeks of vacation of my choosing paid, 2 weeks vacation paid of family's choosing around the Christmas holidays.

I will be expected to travel with family up to twice a year 2 weeks each for international travel. I will be provided with a car for the job all expenses and insurance covered. Health insurance including dental and vision. They will also be contributing to my education. I am in school part time. They value education and they offered this when they found out I was in school and to increase contribution for each semester I'm in school and employed with them. I will be required to remain certified in CPR and First aid. They also want me to take a defensive driving course which they will cover. No chores. Not even kids meals or laundry etc. Basically I want suggestions on things to make sure I'm not over looking anything in the contract. I also what to hear opinions on salary. They asked my requirements. I have a figure in my mind, but I want to make sure I'm asking a fair amount. Job will be in the Providence, RI area. Thanks in advance. - Anonymous

14 comments:

missmary said...

Wow, this job sounds amazing.
I'd make sure to include an overtime rate, and a bit about giving notice/ severance.

Susannah said...

This job does sound amazing, on paper any way!

I'm curious if they have a nanny for two little ones now, and if so why is she leaving an amazing job.


Anyway, I would make sure to get ovetime rates, and travel rates & accomodation entirely covered.

I would also ask for an hourly wage. You can word it so you recieve the same amount each week even on a short work week.

I don't know your area very well, but I would assume for two toddlers and a newborn you should get no less than $20-$25/hr.

Congrats on the new job. Please come back in April and tell us how it's going!

Manhattan Nanny said...

Congratulations, you are getting fantastic benefits in that contract. Full health insurance covered, including dental and vision is very unusual.

In addition to termination notice, you need to cover the time you travel with the family. Usually all expenses paid, hourly rate for time over your usual hours, and an overnight rate. Also discuss whether you will be off at night, or sleeping with the infant in your room as he will probably be getting up at night for the first few months.

It is hard to suggest a salary without knowing your education and experience, but I would guess they are used to paying in the $1,000-$1,500 range. With all the benefits they are offering I would be happy to start at $1,000. GL

OceanBlue said...

Wow! You've scored yourself an awesome deal.

Echo what the others have suggested.

Just a thought I work in Rhode Island and make $20 caring for twins. Caring for 3 little ones I would ask for no less than that.

I may have missed it in your post, but it sounds like you will be driving the kids. Make sure you are fully insured as a driver on their insurance plan.

Get a visa card for on the job expenses, like outings and gas.

Have them install a seprate set of carseats in the car you'll be using.

Will the 3 year old be attending preschool?

Make sure you are clear on the picking up and dropping off and how they would like to handle communications between you, them, and her teacher if she will be in preschool.

If you like I can give you some tips on places to go in the area that are great for little kids if you aren't familiar with spots already.

Congrats!

MissMannah said...

I have to say, I am jealous! You are getting some awesome benefits. I don't have a salary suggestion because I don't know what's reasonable up there. But I would say that make sure you give them an hourly rate and include time and a half for OT in the contract. Also, you should specify what constitutes a holiday. Some people have different idea when it comes to holidays. I consider only the big ones (Christmas, etc) but some people consider minor ones like Columbus Day or President's Day.

nycmom said...

Others have given you great suggestions.

I am a little confused on the idea that the job does not require any meal prep for the 3 children when you are working 12-hour days. Does the family employ a full-time chef? If so, then I would be leaning toward a fairly high rate since this family -- regardless of the perks -- will likely expect a high level of service from you. I would suggest at least $20/hr x 40 hrs, then $30 x 8 hrs for an approximate weekly gross salary of $1040.00.

As Susannah said, I would also want to know why the current caregiver is leaving and to speak with her. Finally, the start date of 4/2013 worries be a little. So much can happen in 6 months. Are you employed now? Are you willing to be unemployed for 6 months? What if the family changes their mind or circumstances? I think I would also want some sort of financial incentive to wait 6 months to start work.

katydid said...

Great advice from others!

I strongly suggest you speak to the current nanny.

I would also make sure your duties are extremely detailed in the contract. You'd be surprised at how differently people can view things

I would also request a log be implemented. If you are working 12 hour days it's likely there will not be much time for chit/ chat at the start and end of the day.


I would also be concerned about signing a contract so far in advance.

Do you have back up should things fall through?

Bethany said...

Fantastic benefits!

Most nannies have a hard time negotiating basic coverage into their contracts and you got it all.

The school thing is absolutely amazing.

did you find this job through an agency?

Will they be willing and able to help you if this jo doesn't go through?

I'm not trying to be a Debie Downer, but there was a post on her not too long ago from a nanny that had a job fall through due to tragic circumstances.

I would advise a backcup plan.

I would also include in your contract a plan for bad weather. Your job is in New England and they are notorious for terrible winters.

Also since you are in school, I would try and find out when they take the trips you will need to travel with them. That way you can coordinate things with your professors and plan for other areas of your life.

Good luck and congrats!

Tales from the (Nanny)Hood said...

The job sounds fantastic. I would include a clause about severance and notice, and I would NOT take the job unless they pay you some sort of fee to suspend your job search. I'm blank right now on what to call the fee, but frankly, I would ask for 4 weeks pay upfront right now so that if this falls through you will have a small cushion while you seek new work.

Also, detail your duties while traveling. Hours, and so forth. Get VERY specific.

This sounds like a 60K+ job to me, depending on your level of experience and education. 3 kids close in age, international travel, etc.

jelly said...

Seriously, this kind of job exists? This sounds amazing. I think I live in the wrong area. Good Luck OP!

OP said...

Op here

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I do have a job right now but that is supposed to end right before this gig starts. The timing will be perfect if all goes well.

I think I will ask for some sort of insurance pay.

I do have a little saved up so it won't be too terrible if I have to keep looking.

I have met the current nanny and we talked she had nothing truly negative to say . She's been with the family since the oldest was a neborn, and she's only leaving now because she's getting married and moving back to her home state of Tennessee. Mom & dad seem like honest good people.

But I'll keep my eyes open because its too good to be true right?

op said...

@nycmom

It's is no cooking all the kids meals will be ready to go, the most I'll have to do ist heat up a meal.

Birminghamsitter said...

Congrats on this job! Finally I see a family being responsible to look the nanny job as a very special one by considering you to give you not only a salary but also benefits!
From one of the many previous experience I can share with you this so you can come up with a better plan, if it is helpful also.
I worked 45 to 50 hours weekly, living out. Two kids in kindergarten and preschool. The family had their own car. I was in charge to run errands and drive kids to any other activity. They gave me a Credit card. But sometimes the CC wasn´t paid on time and that was a little annoying to deal with it. But I just used twice my card (while changing oil to their car and emergency groceries they needed). I did laundry for the kids and in charge to keep the kitchen tidy. Making beds for kids and organizing their rooms. I had holidays paid, two weeks vacation paid, and any day that they wouldn't be at home and took the kids with them, I was still paid. My schedule was given every Sunday evening.
My salary was 10 per hour (first year) and 10.50 hourly (starting second year). In the city where I live this income still wasn't the one I desired but it helped me to pay my rent and all my house expenses, but I couldn't pay my own medical insurance.
If you will have a contract, I would suggest have it written and signed by them and you.
Currently I am a part time babysitter, I work 4 hours per day, and I am not required to do laundry, errands or house chores, but to be just in charge of the kid and driving him to school. I am being paid 15 hourly (including gas expenses).
I have a friend who does practically the same as you, and she goes to school but she is living in. She gets paid weekly a rate of 250.
In your case, consider your gas expenses, your rent (if you pay rent), and any other financial expenses you need to cover aside the benefits you will get from this job.
Another friend told me of a friend of her who works living out for a family, and does not do anything but just to take care of the kids (I am not sure how many kids, If I remember well, they were 3, but that was two years ago. She earned at that time 20 per hour, plus she was covered by health insurance).
Again, congratulations and hope everything works out well with you and the family!

nycmom said...

OP,

Thanks for clarifying. It sounds like you have thought things through very well and the job sounds great! I think the prior nanny is the best resource as to how the job, parents and kids will play out. If she is saying things are great, I think that is a great sign.

If you are comfortable and had a good rapport with the nanny, I would consider asking her a general question about salary to make sure you don't undersell yourself. You can ask her what she feels the average starting salary for a job like this one would be, clarifying that you are not asking how much she earns, but rather trying to gauge a general comp for the area and job. Good luck!