Chasing my check...

[Anonymous]

I'm so frustrated with my new MB. In the 2 months I have worked for her my pay dates have gone from Fridays to Mondays, then from weekly to biweekly with no notice. Today should have been a payday, but she forgot to go by the bank over the weekend. Now after working all day, I will have the pleasure of sitting in traffic for an extra 30 minutes this afternoon in order to get my check since MB won't be home when I leave. The alternative would be to wait until Thursday and hope she actually remembers. I'm starting to feel like a debt collector. Is this normal for nannies? I've never had to ask for my check when I worked for other families.

[Anonymous]

Not normal. You need to have a sit down with MB and figure out a consistent system that works for you both.

[Anonymous]

That's not normal or acceptable. You should talk to her and explain you need a consistent pay schedule.

[Anonymous]

Does she do your taxes??
If not, tell her you will expect cash tomorrow morning, or you will not be working the day. You have got to be firm with this irresponsible woman. She's majorly taking advantage of you. Stop allowing the abuse.

[Anonymous]

She has paid me cash in the past with the understanding that DB needs to figure out & pay their share of the taxes. Today should be an actual check. I'm keeping track of my hours/income just in case they don't give me a W-2. From the outside, they look like a responsible couple living within their means, but I'm starting to get the feeling that they are having some financial issues. It's a shame, because I really like working for them.

[Anonymous]

That's awful. I would tell her that you can't work with this - you have bills to pay etc... and need to know that you'll be paid on time. Also the taxes thing is very worrying, as is the all cash. I'm an MB and can't think of any good reason to handle your salary this way - it seems like all kinds of red flags for me.

If I were you I'd be keeping two eyes on other job opportunities.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

She is putting you off because sbe is robbing Peter to pay Paul. Get all your money owed you and tell her that you will quit if your pay is ever late again. FYI, not being paid properly is a valid reason for quitting and you can collect unemployment while finding new job.

[Anonymous]

I've been in this situation before with a family who never paid me on time. There was always an excuse- she forgot, he forgot, they lost their debit card...I had enough and finally quit after 8 months. Having to constantly remind your employer to pay you is not acceptable. I think you should bring this to their attention and let them know you need to be paid ON TIME as you have your own financial responsibilities.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I met MB after work yesterday and she paid me much less than I was owed. I've told her that I cannot work until the remaining money due has been paid, and of course she had an excuse and promised to pay. If nothing else, she should realize that failing to pay in full or in a timely manner will result in an upset nanny. No matter how professional I may be, children are perceptive and will sense the tension.

I've started looking for another position.

[Anonymous]

Good OP.. DOn't let her talk you into working unless you get the remainder of your pay. She needs someone to care for her child or else she can't go to work. I'm sure she gets paid on time. Make sure you do too. She obviously doesnt appreciate you and is taking you for granted, BAD!

[nannydebsays]

Plan to take her to small claims court, and let her know within 48 hours of getting your short pay that you will be doing just that unless you have all your money by X date.

[Anonymous]

OP, PLEASE find a new family to work for. This is the type of MB who most likely never goes a day without her drive-thru coffee in the AM. Most likely has nice, expensive items yet, when it comes to paying you, she dicks you around and tries to nickel and dime you. It wont get better, she obviously resents paying you.

[Anonymous]

She is the type of person who stops for expensive coffee and an pricey adult-sized decaf version of her drink for the baby every single day. I think she hopes that I will quit suddenly so that she can stay home with the baby. DB has a great job and thinks MB should work outside of the home, but MB wants to be a SAHM. They keep their finances separate, so DB probably doesn't have a clue that I'm not being paid in a timely manner. I'm scheduled to go back on Thursday. If she pays me when I arrive, I will continue to work until I find the right family. If not, I will go home. I can't afford to work for free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She is the type of person who stops for expensive coffee and an pricey adult-sized decaf version of her drink for the baby every single day. I think she hopes that I will quit suddenly so that she can stay home with the baby. DB has a great job and thinks MB should work outside of the home, but MB wants to be a SAHM. They keep their finances separate, so DB probably doesn't have a clue that I'm not being paid in a timely manner. I'm scheduled to go back on Thursday. If she pays me when I arrive, I will continue to work until I find the right family. If not, I will go home. I can't afford to work for free.

This line of reasoning is completely illogical.

If you can't afford to work for free, then you can't afford to miss that day's pay whether you're working or not. Call her and tell her you need her to direct deposit or drop off the money she owes you by noon tomorrow or you won't be at work on Thursday. And start looking for another gig for Thursday now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This line of reasoning is completely illogical.

If you can't afford to work for free, then you can't afford to miss that day's pay whether you're working or not. Call her and tell her you need her to direct deposit or drop off the money she owes you by noon tomorrow or you won't be at work on Thursday. And start looking for another gig for Thursday now.

You are correct, I should have phrased it differently. I refuse to work for free.