Request more hours or a raise?

[Anonymous]

I've been a nanny for a now 14 month old for a year now making $18 an hour and working 36 hours a week/4 days a week. My employers are not wealthy people by any means and the only reason they limit my hours to 36 is due to the cost. I absolutely merit an annual increase but think that a regular schedule might be better for my charge. He is happy on the days I leave at 5PM but cries when I leave at 3:30. Is it nuts to request more hours (4 more) at the same pay rather than a raise? It would be twice as much money for me ($72 more a week as compared to $36).

I also don't want to get into a negotiation on adding just two more hours rather than a raise. I think that would be unfair to me and wouldn't serve the purpose of making my charge's schedule consistent.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't. Request a raise and do not give them the option. Of course they will jump at 2 more hours at the same rate (and you will have a hard time defending wanting 4 more) which is basically working your harder for the same increase you'd get with a raise.

My NF has me working my fewest hours on Mondays so they can pay me less for all federal holidays that fall on a Monday. I bet it is the same for you -- your 3:30 day is a Monday, right?

[Anonymous]

You say they're maxed out already. Just get another PT job. That would have many additional benefits as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You say they're maxed out already. Just get another PT job. That would have many additional benefits as well.

They are not wealthy but they understand I deserve a raise. They can find $36 a week, I know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You say they're maxed out already. Just get another PT job. That would have many additional benefits as well.

They are not wealthy but they understand I deserve a raise. They can find $36 a week, I know.

Then by all means, ask them. You certainly know the situation better than we do.

[Anonymous]

Go for the raise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go for the raise.

+1 You've earned it.

[Anonymous]

Go for the raise, no question. They will never go for a four hour increase at 72 a week so don't even mention it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go for the raise.

+1 You've earned it.

Earned it why? Because she has been there for a year? $18/hr for one child is already on the higher end, the parents could easily find someone in the $12-15/hr range and have room built in for raises.
If you know they are maxed out, OP, why are you even going to ask? Be prepared to have some very concrete reasons why you think you deserve $19/hr if you do bring it up, be prepared to be out of a job as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go for the raise.

+1 You've earned it.

Earned it why? Because she has been there for a year? $18/hr for one child is already on the higher end, the parents could easily find someone in the $12-15/hr range and have room built in for raises.
If you know they are maxed out, OP, why are you even going to ask? Be prepared to have some very concrete reasons why you think you deserve $19/hr if you do bring it up, be prepared to be out of a job as well.

You mean aside from the fact that I am teaching their son to read, to sign and will start early potty training as reasons why I deserve a raise? What about the fact that I have a BA in Education, have never once been late or called in sick, and have never once used my phone to call or text anyone but them when I'm working? How about the fact that I am the best nanny I have ever seen or met and undersold myself initially? What about a simple cost of living increase?

I find parents like you stunningly irritating. I care for my employers child magnificently and he is thriving in my care - that should be reason enough for a merit raise after one full year of employment. I am not a young girl - I have worked in other fields in my life and all involved salary increases after the first year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go for the raise.

+1 You've earned it.

Earned it why? Because she has been there for a year? $18/hr for one child is already on the higher end, the parents could easily find someone in the $12-15/hr range and have room built in for raises.
If you know they are maxed out, OP, why are you even going to ask? Be prepared to have some very concrete reasons why you think you deserve $19/hr if you do bring it up, be prepared to be out of a job as well.

You mean aside from the fact that I am teaching their son to read, to sign and will start early potty training as reasons why I deserve a raise? What about the fact that I have a BA in Education, have never once been late or called in sick, and have never once used my phone to call or text anyone but them when I'm working? How about the fact that I am the best nanny I have ever seen or met and undersold myself initially? What about a simple cost of living increase?

I find parents like you stunningly irritating. I care for my employers child magnificently and he is thriving in my care - that should be reason enough for a merit raise after one full year of employment. I am not a young girl - I have worked in other fields in my life and all involved salary increases after the first year.

MB here. You deserve the raise, OP. I'd give it to you in a hot New York minute!

[Anonymous]

Go for the raise, OP. I just read a truly rotten comment from an MB who basically admitted crying poor to her nanny to justify only a 5% raise after two years and then came here boasting about it and instructing other MBs to do the same.

You are a highly qualified and dedicated nanny - you could easily get more than 19/hourly from an educated family.

[Anonymous]

Yay for the smart MB's on this thread.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think you need a new job. If they are stretching to pay you as it is, you are not going to get the increases and bonuses you deserve over time, and you are already kind of resentful of the situation.

You said you undersold yourself; so try again and don't do that. My guess is that this family would not have even considered you if you had asked for more to begin with because they know they can't afford it, not because you aren't awesome.

Not to mention, $18 for one child is not a bad rate, unless you bring something special to the table. For some families, your degree and experience would not only be special, but also something they could afford to compensate.

I would try an agency if I were you and had your credentials. Families who can afford agencies can also afford a higher hourly rate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I think you need a new job. If they are stretching to pay you as it is, you are not going to get the increases and bonuses you deserve over time, and you are already kind of resentful of the situation.

You said you undersold yourself; so try again and don't do that. My guess is that this family would not have even considered you if you had asked for more to begin with because they know they can't afford it, not because you aren't awesome.

Not to mention, $18 for one child is not a bad rate, unless you bring something special to the table. For some families, your degree and experience would not only be special, but also something they could afford to compensate.

I would try an agency if I were you and had your credentials. Families who can afford agencies can also afford a higher hourly rate.

OP here. DB is finishing his residency and will be working in a year and a half so they will no longer primarily be supported by only MB's salary. I am being paid partially out of their savings now but they wanted an educated and experienced nanny so they think it is worth it. Their money crunch in temporary.

I would not and will not unsell myself again but I am devoted to my charge at this point and don't want to leave him until he starts school. He is learning so fast now -- it's quite rewarding.