Transition to Family Member

[Anonymous]

We have a long term nanny (4.5 years) who we are not going to need now that DS is headed to kindergarten. My sister (who lives close) will be having a baby and needing a nanny about the same time. During her tenure with us- we have given raises and time off that have far exceeded market rates so that now she is in a very high paying position. The problem, though, is that my sister does not make nearly the same salary and would not be able to afford the same rate-- and probably could find a great candidate for a lot less. The question is- would it be insulting for her to offer the job at market rates knowing that it is less than what nanny is making now-- even if it is probably at or above what she will be able to find somewhere else?

[Anonymous]

Not insulting at all. Nannies should be aware that you can't start a new position -- after years and raises with a family -- and expect to make the same amount.

[Anonymous]

You can offer with the understanding she will probably decline due to the drop in pay.

[Anonymous]

That's part of the nanny profession. You gotta start again somewhere because families aren't going to need you forever.

It wouldn't be insulting. I'd appreciate the offer regardless of rate.

[Anonymous]

I think your family member should offer the job; there is nothing insulting about a job offer paying average or slightly above average wage. If your nanny hasn't gained any new skills or doesn't market herself in a drastically different manner, 4.5 more years of experience is probably not going to allow her to start at or near the rate she currently has with you. The truth is that when you move families whom you've been with for a long time (and have experienced the regular rate increases that put you way above market), it takes an awfully long time to find someone who will pay near those rates from the get go. Just my 2 cents!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's part of the nanny profession. You gotta start again somewhere because families aren't going to need you forever.

It wouldn't be insulting. I'd appreciate the offer regardless of rate.

This. It might be more insulting if your nanny knows your sister needs a nanny at the same time she'll need to find a new job and you don't at least ask her. Plus, she probably knows she's in the high end of rates and it can be difficult to find a job with the same pay/benefits. I'd probably figure out a way to phrase it so that she doesn't feel bad if she does have to turn it down. Something like "Hi X. I know you know my sister is looking for a nanny right about the same time that DS is off to kindergarten. We've had such a great relationship with you and think you are a wonderful nanny, and my sister would be very lucky to have you help with her child. These are the rates she can afford, which I know are much less than you are making now. I/we won't be offended if you would rather seek out a higher paying position, but I/we at least wanted to offer you the position. "

[Anonymous]

She might find it difficult to find an above average rate for one child but she could find a job with two children that is similar or pays more. I've never had to decrease my rate when I had to find a new job or take on much more work. Unless she is making over $20 an hour for one child, I don't think she will have a difficult time.

Back to the point, op you should definitely offer the position with an honest explanation that it will be less money. If your sister really wants her, she could offer to do a nanny share so that your nanny has a similar pay rate. Otherwise, either of them could just politely turn down the offer

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She might find it difficult to find an above average rate for one child but she could find a job with two children that is similar or pays more. I've never had to decrease my rate when I had to find a new job or take on much more work. Unless she is making over $20 an hour for one child, I don't think she will have a difficult time.

Back to the point, op you should definitely offer the position with an honest explanation that it will be less money. If your sister really wants her, she could offer to do a nanny share so that your nanny has a similar pay rate. Otherwise, either of them could just politely turn down the offer

I find that very hard to believe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:She might find it difficult to find an above average rate for one child but she could find a job with two children that is similar or pays more. I've never had to decrease my rate when I had to find a new job or take on much more work. Unless she is making over $20 an hour for one child, I don't think she will have a difficult time.

Back to the point, op you should definitely offer the position with an honest explanation that it will be less money. If your sister really wants her, she could offer to do a nanny share so that your nanny has a similar pay rate. Otherwise, either of them could just politely turn down the offer

I find that very hard to believe.

I've never had to accept a lower rate when finding a new job.
I expect that I will reach the ceiling someday but I haven't in over 7 years.

[Anonymous]

OP, this is what I would do if in your shoes.

Have a talk w/your nanny and explain the situation to her one on one. Just like you told us. Let her know that your sister would like to hire her as her Nanny, but that she is unable to pay her what you have been paying her.

Then let your nanny decide.
It's best to take this approach instead of putting your nanny in the awkward position of having to be put on the spot.

If your nanny decides not to take your sister's offer, then you can always let your sister know and that way no awkward feelings will exist.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. I will offer her the job at the lower rate for my sister and maybe try to add in some time taking care of mine on off days to help bring the salary up some and see if she wants to look for something else or not.

[Anonymous]

It's fine, but really, your sister should be the one making the offer. She will be the nanny's new employer, and you don't want to set up a dynamic where you're still the one in charge. You can just tell the nanny that your sister is interested but that likely the rate will be lower, and encourage them to meet and discuss.