I have an issue at work that I would like to speak to my bosses about- I am not sure how to address it. I care for their almost 2 1/2 year old boy who will become a big brother soon (mom is currently about 28 weeks) Mom informed me that her mom and sister (who is also pregnant) are coming to visit month of October (while dad is away on business.) I have been with family for almost 2 years and whenever family or friends come for a visit- I get time off/ no pay. I can't go a full month with no pay.
Also I was also informed that I would be caring for C (my current charge) OR the baby- in terms of C going out to activities or when he starts pre school in fall. Baby will not going out of house dyring cold season. That I understand. No raise has even been talked about yet- is it appropriate for me to bring up first? How do I address it?
4 comments:
Bring it up now. Schedule a sit down for as soon as possible, and let them know you are aware changes are coming and it would be best to start discussing these things now. Your concerns are valid and you definitely need to know what's on their minds. Even with a months notice, finding enough work to cover an entire month is too much. So you need to find out:
1. When family is in town, are they offering any hours at all? Are you free to seek other employment so you can pay bills. Have had a family tell me I'm off for two weeks, but ends up asking me to work a few days here and there leaving me having to say no to them or break my new commitment. Get clear on that so you can make plans for yourself.
2. When the baby is born, is she taking maternity leave? Most do! Ask about this now, because if one month off is rough just think about 3 or 4. One family expected me to wait (or rather to come back) after 6 months of the mothers leave! No pay of course.... we decided my last day would be a week before her due date when her parents would be in town. Discuss the plan now, even if they're not sure 100% they can give you an idea of what to expect.
3. Talk about post leave, because if you will only have one or the other, sounds like they're wanting to pay you the same older child rate for the new infant. Not sure about you, but I require more pay for an infant and you would deserve a raise for taking on a whole new human to get to know. It will definitely be different duties over the older child and the pay needs to reflect that they respect that increase in work.
Just keep it in business terms, you need to know for your own schedule and future. You don't need to tell them right away during the meeting if you learn things that make you want to leave. Take notes on what they say and process on your own time. Determine if their thoughts match with yours, and decide from there what you need to do. Honestly the addition of a new child has always been a transition point for me where I move on to a new family, and they have always taken at least 1-3 months off anyway so it works for them and for myself.
Bring it up now. Schedule a sit down for as soon as possible, and let them know you are aware changes are coming and it would be best to start discussing these things now. Your concerns are valid and you definitely need to know what's on their minds. Even with a months notice, finding enough work to cover an entire month is too much. So you need to find out:
1. When family is in town, are they offering any hours at all? Are you free to seek other employment so you can pay bills. Have had a family tell me I'm off for two weeks, but ends up asking me to work a few days here and there leaving me having to say no to them or break my new commitment. Get clear on that so you can make plans for yourself.
2. When the baby is born, is she taking maternity leave? Most do! Ask about this now, because if one month off is rough just think about 3 or 4. One family expected me to wait (or rather to come back) after 6 months of the mothers leave! No pay of course.... we decided my last day would be a week before her due date when her parents would be in town. Discuss the plan now, even if they're not sure 100% they can give you an idea of what to expect.
3. Talk about post leave, because if you will only have one or the other, sounds like they're wanting to pay you the same older child rate for the new infant. Not sure about you, but I require more pay for an infant and you would deserve a raise for taking on a whole new human to get to know. It will definitely be different duties over the older child and the pay needs to reflect that they respect that increase in work.
Just keep it in business terms, you need to know for your own schedule and future. You don't need to tell them right away during the meeting if you learn things that make you want to leave. Take notes on what they say and process on your own time. Determine if their thoughts match with yours, and decide from there what you need to do. Honestly the addition of a new child has always been a transition point for me where I move on to a new family, and they have always taken at least 1-3 months off anyway so it works for them and for myself.
I would be giving notice if my NF refused to pay me when THEY go on vacation/decide they don't need me. Nope nope nope. Next time get it in your contract that you are paid all days they're out AND get your own vacation days.
If you do work during maternity leave, your raise begins whenever you begin caring for baby in any fashion. Washing bottles and baby laundry? You get your raise starting then.
Agreed. Both responses are right on.Its
Always hard to bring up a raise because let's face it most families can't afford it or are just cheap IMO! Anyway start looking for jobs now because chances are they're expecting you to just take the month off and then work for the same rate when baby comes because mom will most likely be home for a few months helping. It actually makes your job way harder having to deal with the older sibling adjusting to a new baby in the home. If they truly value you they will give you pay for the month and a raise but I know it's a stretch. ..sucks I know but it's probably time to move on!
Post a Comment