New Year's Eve: am I being ridiculous?

[Anonymous]

A friend of mine asked if I wanted to do a babysitting job for someone she usually babysits for. She told me the job was for December 28th, and New Year's Eve. She told my rate to the mb, who then said my rate (regular, not nye) was too high for her. I told her that basically, my rate is my rate. It is what it is.

Now that the mb has given in to my regular rate ($15/hr) she thinks that that's what my New Years eve rate should be. I tried telling her that New Year's Eve, babysitting rates are much higher, and I wouldn't do it for less than $20 per hour. Am I being ridiculous? This is a big holiday. It's not just a typical Saturday night.

I kind of think I should just tell her I can't do new year for her.

[Anonymous]

You are right, OP. Don't waste your time on a cheapskate.

[Anonymous]

No you are not being ridiculous. I have never been paid less then $20/hr for NYE...last year it was $25/hr for 3 kids. Stand strong.

[Anonymous]

MB here. No, you are not being ridiculous. Just decline her job and sit for a family willing to pay your reasonable NYE rate.

[Anonymous]

Nope not unreasonable. Sounds like someone who doesn't normally use a sitter, if she balks at $15/hour. Just move on. Everyone needs a sitter that night.

[Anonymous]

If you can't find another family to sit for and aren't planning on going out I don't see what the big deal is

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can't find another family to sit for and aren't planning on going out I don't see what the big deal is

Then don't waste your time here.

[Anonymous]

Another MB here. You are definitely not being ridiculous. $15/hr is very low for NYE. If you really want to sit that night I'm sure you can find something else. Babysitters are in high demand that night. Don't accept this job.

[Anonymous]

+1 to (most of) the above. You can certainly find someone willing to pay $20/hr on NYE - that's even on the low end of reasonable for that night (at least where I am). Don't take the job.

[Anonymous]

I'd say 25/hr is fair for NYE.

[Anonymous]

Everyone knows babysitting rates are higher for NYE. Let her try and find someone cheaper than that while you either pick up a higher paying job or enjoy NYE yourself.

[Anonymous]

If you or your friend did not tell her what your NYE rate was, only your regular rate, then that is on you. If you told her both rates up front, then she should pay both rates. But if you told her one rate and now are saying you need more for NYE, then you should bite the bullet, follow through on your commitment and learn from the experience.

[Anonymous]

Don't go if you're not comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you or your friend did not tell her what your NYE rate was, only your regular rate, then that is on you. If you told her both rates up front, then she should pay both rates. But if you told her one rate and now are saying you need more for NYE, then you should bite the bullet, follow through on your commitment and learn from the experience.

Even dumb people know that NYE rates are higher than usual, don't you think?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you or your friend did not tell her what your NYE rate was, only your regular rate, then that is on you. If you told her both rates up front, then she should pay both rates. But if you told her one rate and now are saying you need more for NYE, then you should bite the bullet, follow through on your commitment and learn from the experience.

Even dumb people know that NYE rates are higher than usual, don't you think?

Not everyone rips people off on NYE, so no. Do grocery stores charge more on holidays? No. Does your electric bill go up becuse it's holiday? No. Do taxis and buses charge more because it's a holiday? No. (Most of the time they're free. Yes, free on NYE.) If you have the choice between sitting at home and earning $0 or working and making $15/hr wouldn't the $15 be more profitable? If you'd rather go out, then just go out. Why dick around about your rate?