Fastforward to the end of the week, now the couple has realized that their vacation is going a little longer, 4 more days, 11 days total. I tell them this is fine and I will continue to take care of their dogs as usual until they return. Last night I come home to find jack in the living room, he tells me he is dying. Thinking he is speaking figuratively, I asked him if he was sick. He then proceeded to tell me that he is not sick, he is in fact dying because he just attempted suicide by injecting himself with large amounts of drugs and drinking large amounts of alcohol, and shows me needle marks on his arms. I used my judgement and decided to call 911. The paramedics took him to the hospital where they told his parents I in fact saved his life. Now he will be in the hospital on suicide watch until they return.
My question is - How can I politely ask for a raise? Honestly with the stress and the added hours I feel like I should be paid DOUBLE what I agreed to originally, but I feel uncomfortable asking for such a higher amount than we agreed to. Also, if it matters I was paid cash up front for the job. So the family is thinking I have been paid. How can I ask for more money when they return if justified? Thank you
Sorry but you're going to have to take your cash up front as full payment and be grateful for having your wits about you. This family knew what they were doing by not sharing with you that their son was always home. I think they knew that your receiving your payment in full was going to make you obligated to continue to walk their dogs. Also how convenient for their holiday to be extended. It was probably always for that length of time and when they saw that "drunk Jack on the floor" didn't scare you off, they knew they could stay longer. Truth is you worked more days than you were paid for so you have every right to ask for payment; however I don't have any advice for asking a family for $100 or so when the child they obviously no longer cared about almost died. If they left a suicidal son at home so they could go on an extended holiday and cared more about their dogs being alive when they came back, I don't think they would be trying to pay you if you pursued it. You could send them an invoice and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteWell stated. I hope they update us and that "jack" made it
ReplyDeleteEye roll. That’s all I’ve got.
ReplyDeleteSo... this is BELOW your pay grade? You’re complaining you didn’t get paid ENOUGH, right? If it’s above your pay grade, it means they’re paying you too much...
ReplyDeleteI usually make up the titles LOL, maybe I put it the wrong way, I was trying to convey that the Op was not getting paid enough for the requirements
ReplyDeleteYou ask for payment for extra four days.
ReplyDeleteI think you need to look at this as a contract (written or verbal) or an agreement a the least. You say raise and I know what you mean, but a contract or an agreement is cleaner, defines parameters, AND is the best path to proper compensation. You obviously have a good moral character and went beyond the call of duty, but by simply asking for a raise, the couple in question may not see it as such and might try to imply unseen responsibility.
ReplyDeleteI would sit down with them when they get back, give them a summary of what went on, remind them of the original agreement, sell them on the fact that you provided a good outcome:
1. Son is not dead (you saved him)
2. Dogs were taken care of
3. Things were done in an orderly fashion as agreed, despite the addition occurrences.
Having brought up those points, humbly ask for more compensation. I think if the couple is somewhat rational, they will understand and be willing to compensate you accordingly.
In the future, if you don't already have one, I'd develop a contract with what is expected, what compensation shall be given, and how what you will expect to be compensated for "overages".