S/O Educating Employers

[Anonymous]

A poster responded on the thread about guaranteed pay and I don’t want to hijack.

I have a position for 15 hours a week and initially did not discuss guaranteed pay as I thought I would get a 'main' position in addition that I would consider my legal position and ask to be paid on the books as well as receive guaranteed pay. Well, it has been a couple months and I have not found a position that either works with my schedule, is part time, or family willing to pay on the books. Thanksgiving week I was not paid and I definitely can't go on with a job that pays me as needed like this.

I discussed with mb about receiving guaranteed pay and she told me she would think about it. She also said that she could use me during the winter break when kids are out of school, but if I wasn't available, would my cousin be (she provided care for a date night). I really don't want a position in which the parents are going to add hours to justify paying me or if I'm not available, not pay me.

The family is very nice and this is pretty much my only big issue. How can I go about this tactfully?

[Anonymous]

I'm the poster who mentioned guaranteed hours in the other thread. This is an issue easiest resolved prior to signing your contract, which is what I did, but if you want to try to negotiate it now I would suggest offering something in return.

You're not in a very good position to negotiate, so guaranteed hours with the expectation of making up a maximum number of hours in the same pay period might be the best you can get. You could offer to make up a maximum of 4-5 hours (a date night). That way you aren't giving up your whole weekend, or staying late every day to make up for missed hours, but they get something from the deal, and you have predictable income.

You may need to consider moving on to a job that suits your needs (the right amount of hours, on the books, guaranteed hours and PTO) but be sure to negotiate and get it in writing before you accept the job. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks pp. Yes, since I didn't ask beforehand, I know it isn't ideal to expect it now. Yes, since Thanksgiving week I have been casually job hunting but not serious yet. I just know if I don't get guaranteed hours during Christmas break, which would be half my monthly pay, it won't work out financially. Will see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Ok, I'm confused. They are offering you work with pay and you are refusing as they are "creating hours." Isn't that what you want - to work and be paid? Or, are you just looking to be paid without putting in the hours. If I paid someone part time, I'd expect them to work or offer other times available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok, I'm confused. They are offering you work with pay and you are refusing as they are "creating hours." Isn't that what you want - to work and be paid? Or, are you just looking to be paid without putting in the hours. If I paid someone part time, I'd expect them to work or offer other times available.

She's saying she doesn't love the idea of making up hours outside of the ones she is normally available to work. Also all time and hours aren't equal. I worked part time in college and could usually rearrange my schedule to make up hours if I needed to. I still work part time and own a business and now I have a family. I'm available during my regular schedule, but I wouldn't view exchanging hours outside of that schedule as an equal exchange. You don't need me Monday morning? Cool, but I'm not giving up Friday night with my kid to make up for it. Its not about being paid to do nothing.

That being said, PP is right OP, in that its going to be hard to negotiate this after the fact, and you're probably going to have to meet them in the middle, if they give you anything at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok, I'm confused. They are offering you work with pay and you are refusing as they are "creating hours." Isn't that what you want - to work and be paid? Or, are you just looking to be paid without putting in the hours. If I paid someone part time, I'd expect them to work or offer other times available.

She's saying she doesn't love the idea of making up hours outside of the ones she is normally available to work. Also all time and hours aren't equal. I worked part time in college and could usually rearrange my schedule to make up hours if I needed to. I still work part time and own a business and now I have a family. I'm available during my regular schedule, but I wouldn't view exchanging hours outside of that schedule as an equal exchange. You don't need me Monday morning? Cool, but I'm not giving up Friday night with my kid to make up for it. Its not about being paid to do nothing.

That being said, PP is right OP, in that its going to be hard to negotiate this after the fact, and you're probably going to have to meet them in the middle, if they give you anything at all.

Yes, op here and this is exactly what I mean. I do agree that asking after being hired isn't fair but I would prefer to leave than meet in the middle and if parent lets me know it's not financially feasible, I completely understand.

[Anonymous]

You probably need to find a new job, OP, and negotiate it up front. Perks like guaranteed hours are unusual in very part time jobs. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Then leave. Life is about compromise. You are an hourly employee and get paid for hours worked.