Is this inappropriate to ask my employer?

[Anonymous]

I was originally hired as a "nanny/housekeeper" and the contract stated that it would include some driving, and that I would be reimbursed 50 cents per mile. Since the beginning of the summer, the job has transitioned to a misrule "taxi/chauffeur" position. Last week I had to drive 100 miles for them. The only problem is - a lot of this driving is during rush hour traffic. So while driving somewhere that's 5 miles away at 6pm might take me 20 minutes due to traffic, I'm only getting $2.50 back for it.

I don't even know how to approach this with them but I seriously cannot afford it. Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

"To a misrule" should read "to a mostly"

[Anonymous]

The job description has changed, so the terms need to change. Figure out what you want, then figure out what you'd be willing to settle for, then approach your boss to ask for what you want. If you don't get what you're willing to settle for, then start looking for a new job.

[Anonymous]

You also receive an hourly rate, correct? So why is it now an issue?

[Anonymous]

Because the hourly rate is separate from the gas reimbursement. I should not be spending this much of my own money to drive these kids around.

[Anonymous]

You should remind them of the IRS rate for mileage reimbursement and expect that.

The time it takes you to drive in traffic is irrelevant. Stick to the mileage reimbursement.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

What would you like, OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because the hourly rate is separate from the gas reimbursement. I should not be spending this much of my own money to drive these kids around.

How are you spending more money, or any of your own money, driving the children? You are receiving gas reimbursement and your hourly rate, correct? Your clarification on my original question missed the mark. I agree with a PP, you should be receiving federal mileage rate, other than that, I'm not sure what the issue is.

[Anonymous]

My issue is that if I'm driving 5 miles I'm getting reiumbrsed $2.50. They ONLY have me drive during rush hour traffic. So driving five miles costs a lot! Burning gas for all that time ..

[Anonymous]

OP - How much money are you losing each week by driving during rush hour?

[nannydebsays]

OP, what sort of gas mileage does your vehicle get? If you are literally burning way more than $2.50 worth of gas in your Hummer, then maybe asking for a higher reimbursement is a logical idea.

But honestly, if you worked for me and told me you wanted more than the IRS mileage reimbursement because you are "burning gas" driving 5 miles in rush hour traffic, I would privately laugh at you, give you a small talk about realistic expectations, and start considering where to look for your replacement.

[Anonymous]

nannydebsays wrote:OP, what sort of gas mileage does your vehicle get? If you are literally burning way more than $2.50 worth of gas in your Hummer, then maybe asking for a higher reimbursement is a logical idea.

But honestly, if you worked for me and told me you wanted more than the IRS mileage reimbursement because you are "burning gas" driving 5 miles in rush hour traffic, I would privately laugh at you, give you a small talk about realistic expectations, and start considering where to look for your replacement.

You are a cheap bitch. I would understand because it does birn more gas on rudh hour, particularly wien using AC. Maybe OP shoild just let the precious snowflakes swelter to keep from using so much gas.

[Anonymous]

OP here - not that I'm suggesting this but I'm just asking... Why shouldn't they pay for all of the gas I use while driving their kids around?

[Anonymous]

So you aren't getting paid fifty cents per mile that you drive while working? Maybe I am missing something here, but if you are getting paid mileage money, how does the timing of the driving/the driving conditions make your mileage worth a higher reimbursement rate?

If you drive 5 miles, you've used 5 miles worth of gas, yes? Are you hoping they will pay you an additional fee based on the time you spend in the car? IOW, do you want to earn more per hour when driving?

[Anonymous]

If gas costs $3 / gallon (estimating on the high side) and you only get 20 miles / gallon (which is very low), that's only $0.15/mile. There is no way you are losing money at $0.50/mile.