Working as a part-time nanny poses many hurdles. I would argue that the number one hurdle revolves around money. For some unknown reason, at least to me, parents that work with “part-time” nannies are always trying to pull a fast one; whether they are aware of it or not. Here is my personal example.
I have been working with Lily’s family for over a year and a half now. When I met them Lily was about 13 months old and just learning to run around. I see them 3 days a week, every week, and have done numerous overnights with Lily. In all of this time, I have never been offered a raise. Yes, I did receive a little extra money for Christmas both years and a Starbucks gift card on my birthday but no raise. I never really expected one until baby number two came along.
Last summer, I started to feel like something was up. I mentioned the awkwardness and was told they loved me and everything was fine. A few weeks later, infant socks were on the counter and then one day a sonogram was floating around. I had a full on panic attack. I thought maybe they weren't telling me because they were thinking of firing me, or maybe they just wanted to wait until she was past the first trimester. I’ve never had a child; I don’t know how this “I’m having a baby!” thing works?! They decided to finally tell me in August when Lily’s mom was visibly 6 months pregnant . Mainly because family was coming in town for Lily’s birthday and they knew the cat would crawl out of the bag. I acted surprised.
You would think that the “we’re having another baby for you to watch” money conversation would happen soon after that, but no. It finally happened 2 weeks ago after I had watched both babies together and was not paid for it. I brought it up to Lily’s mother and she said they were trying to figure it out. I was patient. They finally decided on a $2 raise for the hours that I had both children. I basically said I thought that was ridiculous in the nicest way possible. and then came home and cried to my boyfriend. (Super mature, I know.) I’m scheduled to watch both kids next week… I really have no idea what I will be paid.
Here’s the truth: I’m AWFUL with money conversations. I avoid them all the time. My advice is to have these conversations with all of the “what if’s” when you first get started. Possibly avoiding all of the nonsense that I am currently caught in the middle of.
I love this family dearly but I feel a lack of respect at the end of the day. I have spent countless hours with Lily. I introduced Lily to her baby sister. We have recently put a car seat in my car for her and added chores into my routine. In any profession you would expect some form of a raise within a year and a half, especially if the work load doubles. Parents working with part-time nannies tend to play on the guilt of how expensive everything else is. But you must be strong!!
The moral of the story comes down to advice from You’ve Got Mail, or The Godfather depending on whom you are talking to: IT’S NOT PERSONAL IT’S BUSINESS!
I have been working with Lily’s family for over a year and a half now. When I met them Lily was about 13 months old and just learning to run around. I see them 3 days a week, every week, and have done numerous overnights with Lily. In all of this time, I have never been offered a raise. Yes, I did receive a little extra money for Christmas both years and a Starbucks gift card on my birthday but no raise. I never really expected one until baby number two came along.
Last summer, I started to feel like something was up. I mentioned the awkwardness and was told they loved me and everything was fine. A few weeks later, infant socks were on the counter and then one day a sonogram was floating around. I had a full on panic attack. I thought maybe they weren't telling me because they were thinking of firing me, or maybe they just wanted to wait until she was past the first trimester. I’ve never had a child; I don’t know how this “I’m having a baby!” thing works?! They decided to finally tell me in August when Lily’s mom was visibly 6 months pregnant . Mainly because family was coming in town for Lily’s birthday and they knew the cat would crawl out of the bag. I acted surprised.
You would think that the “we’re having another baby for you to watch” money conversation would happen soon after that, but no. It finally happened 2 weeks ago after I had watched both babies together and was not paid for it. I brought it up to Lily’s mother and she said they were trying to figure it out. I was patient. They finally decided on a $2 raise for the hours that I had both children. I basically said I thought that was ridiculous in the nicest way possible. and then came home and cried to my boyfriend. (Super mature, I know.) I’m scheduled to watch both kids next week… I really have no idea what I will be paid.
Here’s the truth: I’m AWFUL with money conversations. I avoid them all the time. My advice is to have these conversations with all of the “what if’s” when you first get started. Possibly avoiding all of the nonsense that I am currently caught in the middle of.
I love this family dearly but I feel a lack of respect at the end of the day. I have spent countless hours with Lily. I introduced Lily to her baby sister. We have recently put a car seat in my car for her and added chores into my routine. In any profession you would expect some form of a raise within a year and a half, especially if the work load doubles. Parents working with part-time nannies tend to play on the guilt of how expensive everything else is. But you must be strong!!
The moral of the story comes down to advice from You’ve Got Mail, or The Godfather depending on whom you are talking to: IT’S NOT PERSONAL IT’S BUSINESS!
So, take it to the mattresses. Get down to business. Be bold. But playing nice with these situations never gets you very far. Trust me.
*And for the parents out there, try to do the math. Put yourself in your nannies shoes or at least ask yourself how much your peace of mind is worth.
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