Sunday
what is a reasonable wage?
I recently (about 2 months ago) started nannying for a family with two children ages 3 and 4. I was background checked, cpr certified and the whole 9 yards. I have about 4 years of experience and have wonderful relationships with the previous families I have nannied for. I was hired for a nanny/assistant position. I took the job with the pay of 15/hr. During the day while the kids are at school for a couple hours, I do all the laundry, (not just the kids, the mother and fathers too) make all the beds, do all the dishes, run any errands the mother leaves on the daily list for me, some of these errands usually include taking the dog to the groomers, dry cleaning pick up and drop off, preparing dinner so the mom literally just has to put it in the oven when she gets home (which most of the time I end up doing anyway), I mail letters for them, I ship things at ups for them, shop for them, grocery shop for them, pick up fresh flowers for their home for them,bathe their kids and get them in their pajamas/ready for bed by the time the parents come home most nights, I do a lot of driving for errands and activities for the children and put about 200+ miles a week on my car for them. I'm not compensated for mileage although I get about $20 a week for gas, which isn't enough seeing as how my car runs on miles and is a lease. When I talked to the mom about mileage she said the government rate of .55 a mile added up to quick and she would rather just give me $20 a week for gas. I went with it. This family is very well off. They live on the water, have a Lamborghini, Maserati and bmw, a yacht, condos in different location across the world, THEY ARE VERY WEALTHY. I stay everyday hours later than I am supposed to (which I get the same hourly rate for) without them asking me if I have to leave, if I have plans, nothing. They just expect my schedule is free to stay and help them all night. I just feel that I make life very easy for them and do almost everything for them. They ask me to do something- I do it without question and with a smile. I feel really taken advantage of a lot of the time. I have so many bills to pay and barely make it with the 15/hr I am currently getting. I think it would be reasonable to be paid the 15/hr during the hours I have both kids but during the day when I do everything and anything for them I feel it should be more. I don't even get a chance to go to the bathroom or have a sip of water during the day because of the list the mother leaves me. I am not a confrontational person and I am wondering how to propose a possible raise to the mother. Also, I was wondering what you guys think the reasonable wage I should get is?
Stop letting them take advantage of you. Easier said than done I know. But just look in the mirror and repeat, " I deserve better". They really should give you a car to use. Especially with all the driving you do. Besides, gas money what about the wear and tear on your car, oil changes, etc.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a contract? If so it should state what hours you work. Also, they need to pay OT. For all you do I would ask for $20-25 an hour. If it's too much work see if they can hire someone to help out with housework, or someone that can relieve you at night. But they sound cheap. Probably won't change. Reading this I see their value is in material items.
You need to ask for a raise of at least $20/hr or more. If they don't agree you need to find a new family. You are going to burn out! That is so so much to do.
ReplyDeleteYou need to ask for a raise of at least $20/hr or more. If they don't agree you need to find a new family. You are going to burn out! That is so so much to do.
ReplyDeleteWell where are you located? I know the prices are different depending on where you live. But I would definitely ask for 20 an hour. Let us know how it goes!
ReplyDeleteYou are a house manager $25 an hour plus use of a car or quit. Life is too short.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely, poor woman cant even take abreak, its disgusting what people get away with!!
DeleteI live in Daytona. I have been putting on this conversation with the Mother for way to long and I think I need to say something tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI hate to say it but your essentially a personal assistant along with being a nanny. Its a disgrace how people treat the help they so depend on. Ive been a nanny 25 years and I am also a household manager essentially doing your job for $22/hr and .54/mile if I use my car. My current employer is well off like yours and she bought me an older work car so only when I choose to use my car do I do so and still get reimbursed for mileage. If I were you I would first ask for a letter of recommendation, then after you have it start looking for a new family with it, when all your ducks are in a row youll then be in a place where you can negotiate..... ask for a $5.00/hr raise and if they dont want to compensate you appropriately then move on. Ive been self employed my whole adult life, you need to be a savvy business woman if you want to make a decent income, set your own standard. And for goodness sakes take a break during the day, its your right!
ReplyDeleteThe key factor in long term Nanny position is a good, open and honest communication with your employers (the parents). If you feel taken advantage of, over worked and under paid, please speak up!
ReplyDeleteIf you feel you can't ask for a raise or stand up for yourself you can quit, or if you care about a good reference or review, keep working until you have found another position then give a proper notice.
A Nanny is for the most part considered self employed, meaning you have to look out for your own interests. Interviews with new families is your opportunity to ask questions and get answers. It is the best time to share what you can and are willing to do for the family, what you want to be paid for that service, if you are looking for benefits like paid holidays, vacation and sick days, and finally, it is also your opportunity to set boundaries. If there is something you won't do (for example cleaning bath rooms) or something that is not acceptable (children verbally abuse you) state that during your meeting so it is clear to everyone involved.
If you happen to be the lucky chosen one ask to get everything you discussed during the interview in writing.
Look out for yourself and don't let yourself be taken advantage of, or worse, let someone step all over you!
Best
Nanny/Assistant with 20+ years