Thursday

We Can't Believe You're Even Considering This...

   
 Hello fellow nannies, parents, au pairs, and readers! There has come an opportunity, my way and I am seeking advice!
      I am in my mid thirties and I have a college education from an excellent university. Pre-college, during college and after college, I have worked as a nanny. (Years of experience) For a short while, I worked in the field of study I majored in. I missed being a nanny. I absolutely love children. I'm returning back to what I truly love to do. I believe I am "worthy" as a nanny, based on what I have to offer, but not in a pompous way.
      I have come across an opportunity and need advice! Never in my experiences have I had such an opportunity with so many hours, a lot of responsibilities and this would be a live in position, which is not typical for me. I have not been a live in before.
      Okay, here is the scoop. The family lives in Baltimore Maryland. To be cared for are two newborn twins (boys), a 3 year old girl in the late afternoons and early evenings (she attends school 5 days a week), my days to work are SIX days per week, 11 hours per day. So that is 66 hours per week as a live in nanny and... housekeeper. All washing and laundry (clothing and bedding) is expected to be completed by me as well as full housekeeping (wash floors, vacuum, clean bathrooms, kitchen, empty trash) on a weekly basis. Sounds like a lot of work to me! The house is not enormous so I think I could possibly and hopefully get the twins on a sleep schedule and do cleaning/laundry then?        Or do you think this is too much and I'll wear myself out. I don't want to accept the job if I don't think I can handle it. I'm at a crossroads here! I need advice. I would have my own bedroom and bathroom on a separate level, food is provided and the weekly compensation is $300 cash, under the table. I have my own health insurance and I have my own transportation. I am American, have an excellent reputation in the area, offered to cook but the family has religious restrictions on their diet. (I'm okay with this) I'm wondering if I asked for more money and how much (?) if that would be fair. I don't want to break the bank as this is a kind family with values (hard to find in this area). Please help! Much appreciated in advance!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is way way WAY too little for all those hours and responsibility. You need to ask for twice what they are offering. Responsibility wise you'd basically be like a stay at home mom. It doesn't sound unmanageable, but you need more money!

Omg said...

That's insane! You're watching children! They want a nanny and a maid for pocket change? Why don't you just marry her husband and do it all for free. Why have twins if you can't care for them. That's a whole lot of work. I watch two babies for maybe 5 hours less and I'm in my early 20's. I don't feel like I could do all those things be satisfied w $300 a week. I'd ask for a minimum of $600. I love my job but it's tiring and that's without house duties. Consider your happiness and quality of life.

JESS LEIGH said...

Wow, my sister has a (illegal)Ugandan nanny with one eye and a bad limp who doesn't do dishes or bathrooms but will ocassionally vacuum or sweep up cracker crumbs. Oh, and she pays her 600 for 50 hours.

hermenia t said...

Baltimore. Why?
You could end up getting shot in gang crossfire. If your experience is as good as you say, you could easily make bank in NYC.

melissa said...

Absolutely not. Anything less than $15 an hour would be unacceptable. But honestly, so is this position. They can't afford both and are trying to get two for the price of one (and that's not even the price for one). Run away from this "opportunity." It really isn't one. It's an insult to you if you have the degree and experience you claim you do.

Ashley said...

I hope that you will consider looking for another position. I understand that you enjoy working with children but if you continue to look, you will find other positions. The expectations that this family has are simply unreasonable and the amount that they are offering is unfair to you. Even if they offered you more money, the hours and workload sound exhausting. I've been a professional nanny for 3 years with a wonderful family. But our relationship is mutually beneficial. They are fair and flexible and therefore I am also fair and flexible. Please, please, please consider declining this offer and finding a position that you deserve. I wish you all the best.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry but I find this hard to believe. There's no way OP is serious, did you forget a 0 next to that 300? First of all, you're college educated with several years of experience. That alone is $15dls per hour, this is 3 kids we're talking about and you also have to do housekeeping? Please, run as fast as you can from these abusive parents.

Anonymous said...

If you didn't take the job, I have a better job to offer you (also Baltimore).

Anonymous said...

Is this a real post? Come on OP use your brain.

Nannybear said...

$4.54 per hour is what this comes down to... Run. Run, as fast as you can.