Sunday

Need Advice on How to Ask for A Raise

     I have been a nanny for my current family for just about 5 months now. It is more of a mothers helper position then a nanny. For the most part, either the M or DB are home when I am with the kids. They are 2 boys, the youngest just turned 1 and the older boy just turned 4. The older boy has mild to moderate autism, but will grow out of it if we continue to help him develop. I make 9 dollars per hour, in the Fort Worth, Texas area. I fold all laundry and put it away, and clean all baby bottles on a daily basis. I clean up after baby and 4 year old, and do all other things related to children mostly by myself, unless the older child is being particularly difficult. The only assistance I often require is getting him to eat, since they prefer to bribe the child rather then discipline him. I am not willing to force feed him. My parenting philosophy is different from theirs in this way. I work about 35 hours a week, and am going up to 50 the end of this month. I work 7 days a week. I have no set day with an entire day off, and my schedule is not very consistent, but I always get plenty of hours. My question is, how do I go about asking for a raise? I currently make 9 per hour, and would like to make 10. This is the lowest wage I have ever accepted, but when I initially took this job it was extra income, not my main supply. I don't want to leave this family, but I will have to without a higher wage. I am starting my second year of college the end of August, and the extra money to put away in savings would make me feel much more secure. I have 3 years of experience and the going rate in my area is 13.50 for 2 children with 2-5 years of experience. I am currently renewing my CPR/First aid certification since 1 year old is getting more curious. In addition, it will give me an advanced child care certification as well. Any advice would be much appreciated!!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is this real? Going to grow out of autism? Sounds like you deserve to be paid under market with your "expertise". Also never understand why people want to stay in a job like this. Parents don't sound all that great but who is the idiot that would stay in a job like this?

Anonymous said...

I'm ABA certified and a college minor in special education. First off lol no such thing as growing out of autism 2nd it's difficult to get a young child with autism to eat (food texture issues) so bribe away as long as the child eats. No offense but since you know nothing about autism $9.00 is the best your going to get- I'd suggest find a new family

Me said...

This is a horrid family, but you are also shockingly lacking in expertise and information. Please find the courses that will help you become a better informed nanny who never has to work for pennies again.

RBTC said...

please do not let anyone insult you - you are a great nanny - and you care about your kids - and you are learning - yes you are being paid too low - you need to go to your family/mom and just state the facts with regret/love - you can get a job paying more easily. You are a great nanny and lean in special care - the sky is the limit - let us know what happens

this_nick said...

Ignore anonymous trolls who have nothing constructive to add. Just talk honestly to the parents, explaining that you can't afford to keep working at this rate but would love to stay on with them if a salary increase could be worked out.

Anonymous said...

Hey!! Autism mama here!!,, you dont grow out of autism!!!!..you improve,.progress, get new skills, master new skills, learn...Autism us a neurological condition ... needs a lot of support, Therapy, ..but absolutely you don't grow out of it! !!!

Jenny said...

Sit with your family and politely explain that your salary is insufficient. Find out if they're willing to pay enough to keep you or if you need to look elsewhere.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for encouraging her...we all started with little to no experience and had to grow and learn from each job. So the people on here judging her abilities are so wrong. I don't know if I would want them to care for my babies seeing as they lack sympathy