How early should I say something?

[Anonymous]

I'm a nanny. I work for a family I love, but I don't really see myself working for them for much longer. I started part time and was actually going to quit this summer, but the mom got pregnant again and they offered me a full-time position. I figure I will stay until about fall of 2015, at which point the older 2 kids will both be in 3-morning per week school and the baby will be over age 1. The mom is a SAHM, so I have just been helping give her breaks, but at that point she will only have one toddler. Even if they wanted to pay me to be full-time at that point, I doubt. I would want to. The family isn't really on the same page discipline-wise and, more importantly, I am not allowed to take the kids anywhere but the neighborhood park. They are also not paying me all that well ($13 per hour as a live in, 40 hours per week), and I would really rather be working 50-60 hours as a live-out making at least $16 plus overtime and gettin to take the kids to different parks, museums, libraries, etc.

But as I said, I love the family and am willing to stick it out for one more year to help with the new addition. The mom talks about how she will still have me working years from now, and so far I have just smiled and said nothing, but it's starting to feel deceitful. Should I have this conversation now, or not until. I am starting to look for a new job?

[Anonymous]

Another nanny being taken advantage of.
You can do better, OP.

[Anonymous]

Get a new job lined up, then give her two weeks notice. But expect her to have a royal toddler temper tantrum, so she may fire you on the spot. Hugs. This woman does not deserve your kindness and generosity.

[Anonymous]

Not until you are looking for a new job. Don't do or say anything that will make her think you plan to be around forever, but saying that you plan to quit in a year will not work out well for you. This is going to be my last year with my current family as well. I plan to give them 30 days notice, more if possible.

[Anonymous]

Hard to even imagine parents like that, but we all know they're everywhere. It's really so sad. I feel sorry for their children.
By the same token, I adore parents who go out of their way to express their appreciation of a good nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hard to even imagine parents like that, but we all know they're everywhere. It's really so sad. I feel sorry for their children.
By the same token, I adore parents who go out of their way to express their appreciation of a good nanny.

OP here. I am surprised at the critical responses. This family has been great for me. They are considerate and respectful employers. What leads you all to believe I am being "taken advantage of?"

[Anonymous]

What city are you in, OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What city are you in, OP?

McLean

[Anonymous]

Where you are, OP, your wages are considered "slave" wages, at $13/hour. Are they doing it off the books?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where you are, OP, your wages are considered "slave" wages, at $13/hour. Are they doing it off the books?

Even as a live-in? No, I am on the books. I was making $18 an hour as a part-time live-out nanny, but we agreed on this rate as a live-in.

[Anonymous]

As a live-in $13/hour actually isn't a horrible wage, its the not being able to tale the kids anywhere is what would kill me.

If you're planning to move on to a new nanny situation in Fall 2015 then I would suggest that you don't say anything to your current employers until you are ready to start actively looking for new positions. Also, since you're a live-in, look up your local tenant laws to protect yourself. Some MB/DB's get weird when they know their nanny is job hunting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Where you are, OP, your wages are considered "slave" wages, at $13/hour. Are they doing it off the books?

Even as a live-in? No, I am on the books. I was making $18 an hour as a part-time live-out nanny, but we agreed on this rate as a live-in.

It's good that they at least pay you on the books. Seeing that your pay reduction is so significant as a live-in, I hope you have luxury accommodations. Personally, I don't consider ANY discounted rates for living in, unless I have an entire suite with kitchen and private entrance, not to mention effective sound proofing. In fact, I know I should charge MORE to put up with the lack of privacy and all the other associated issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a live-in $13/hour actually isn't a horrible wage, its the not being able to tale the kids anywhere is what would kill me.

If you're planning to move on to a new nanny situation in Fall 2015 then I would suggest that you don't say anything to your current employers until you are ready to start actively looking for new positions. Also, since you're a live-in, look up your local tenant laws to protect yourself. Some MB/DB's get weird when they know their nanny is job hunting.

Thanks. This was my take on the wage. I know I could do better, especially as a live-out, but I really love this family and can make this work for one more year (and they have historically been generous with bonuses, so that helps).

Thanks for this advice. I am not too concerned about the livig situation as I have people. I could stay with if it really came to that, but I obviously hope that won't be a concern and it's always good to know my rights.

[Anonymous]

Do you have a written agreement with them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a written agreement with them?

Yes.