Extra Hours - Extra Pay?

[Anonymous]

So this is an odd situation that I would like to get some feedback from other nannies and MBs/DBs:

I work for a family with 4 children. I work in the afternoons and evenings (roughly 2-9pm), Mon-Fri and am paid hourly. I usually work between 30-35 hours, so I am not technically full time. No benefits, vacay time, etc. MB is SAHM and DB is frequently out of town.Lately, the parents have asked me to stay late or work on weekends. I probably work at least 3-5 late nights and 2 weekend days per month.

I usually jump at the chance for the extra money since there are other sitters and nannies they could ask. While I appreciate the opportunity to make some extra money, lately they are either getting home later and later without telling me or they give me no advance notice and tell me the day of. Please note the use of the word tell, not ask. I know many nannies struggle with parents coming home late. I'm struggling with wanting the extra money but also wanting the respect of giving me advance notice, being home at the time that I agreed to and also asking me, not assuming I can stay later.

Friends and other nannies keep saying I should charge more outside of my normal hours or charge more for when they are late. I feel like this might cause some issues with the family but can understand the point they are making.

Advice/Feedback/Help Please??

[Anonymous]

They should pay you your hourly rate for any time you are asked and/or do stay late (even if they have not asked -- though a reasonable "grace" period should be permitted, as long as it is not abused... i.e., one night late 15 min = no big deal). If you work more than 40 hours in any given week because of hours they have asked you to work in addition to your normal time, you should be paid overtime (i.e., time and a 1/2). I think you should talk to your MB and express your willingness to take on more hours as needed, and your expectation that you will be compensated for those hours. You can also respectfully ask to be given advance notice.

[Anonymous]

Nannies who allow the parents to "tell" them anything, become "doormats". Amazing how that seems to always work without fail.

[Anonymous]

Just say something to them when you show up for work every day - "So, you'll be back before 6pm tonight? If you're going to be later that's okay, I'm just trying to plan my evening." They should then tell you when they'll be home. If they show up late that night, say something the next time you're there - "I just wanted to check in briefly with you both. I am proud that I'm able to provide a lot of flexibility for the families I work for, but it is important that I know what time I'll be relieved at the end of the day. Recently you've been coming home late quite frequently and I just wanted to ask that you make a real effort to figure out what time you'll be home so I can be prepared. If you need me to stay longer, please call and ask with plenty of notice as I might have other things lined up that I'll need to go to."

Just be direct.

[Anonymous]

I think they should most definitely ASK you vs. TELL you that they will be coming home later. Plus, you deserve advance notice.

I would simply discuss with them that you need advance notice if they will need you longer on certain days.

Problem solved!~

[Anonymous]

Just say something to them when you show up for work every day - "So, you'll be back before 6pm tonight? If you're going to be later that's okay, I'm just trying to plan my evening." They should then tell you when they'll be home. If they show up late that night, say something the next time you're there - "I just wanted to check in briefly with you both. I am proud that I'm able to provide a lot of flexibility for the families I work for, but it is important that I know what time I'll be relieved at the end of the day. Recently you've been coming home late quite frequently and I just wanted to ask that you make a real effort to figure out what time you'll be home so I can be prepared. If you need me to stay longer, please call and ask with plenty of notice as I might have other things lined up that I'll need to go to."

Just be direct.

This. Since they know you want extra hours and you've never said anything, they have no idea that this is bothering you.

DD and her friend do the same activity. I take them to the practice during the week and the other mom takes them to the practice on the weekend. In the beginning, the other mom would call ahead and ask if it was OK to bring her child back to my house afterwards so she could stay late. It was fine. We did this a few times and now she'll call and say I can pick X up this time. We've done it so much and I am/was being completely honest that it is no problem for X to come back to my house. The girls do homework and have fun. I don't expect the other mom to have to word her text as asking me each time. If its a problem I will say something.

[Anonymous]

I talk with my MB every Friday about upcoming week. I ask her What days she *may*need me late and what days are normal 530 pm end time. I tell her if she is going to be later then agreeded upon times to call me because I most likley will be able to stay later but need to know to arrange after work plans. If there is one day of the week I know I have plans im sure to mention it to her then.

"Monday I need to be out on time but If you need me to stay late Tuesday please call me and I'll let you know if I can"

I also work part time so the extra hours are nice but not being able to plan anything because she asks me to stay late 2/4 nights a week is fustrating so we came up with the plan to talk the week before and it seems to helps.