They want to pay me less when we travel?

[Anonymous]

I interviewed with a family from an agency this weekend, and according to the agency and the family, I am the most qualified person they've interviewed and we mesh very well, so I am more than likely going to get this job. They seem awesome- very kind, generous and flexible people. They're the type of family I could see myself becoming "part of the family". There is just one red flag.

They said they'd like me to travel with them sometimes, which I'm already not a huge fan of, but I suppose no job is absolutely perfect. But the mom said- and I quote- "since you wouldn't have as many responsibilities when we travel, we'd figure out a second way to pay you". Now, to me, this is her insinuating that the trip itself would suffice as most of my payment, or that they could buy me a fancy dinner and call t even. And that she thinks going on a trip with them is a perk that somehow has monetary value. I don't feel the same way- in fact I'd rather completely avoid traveling with families if I had my way. I'm also not willing to accept anything but money as "payment" for my services. From being on DCUM, I've learned that nannies should be making their normal rate, if not MORE, when we travel.

Now before you all say that they sound terrible to work for, it's quite the opposite. They sound fantastic except for this one thing. They are flexible, down to earth, incredibly wealthy but not at all stuck-up or big headed, and the pay is outstandingly high for the area, even higher than I would have asked for. I truly got along with them, and they seem like the type of family that I could consider myself "part of the family". They also have a current nanny, and seem knowledgeable in how they should be treated. Example: she suggested that if I ever watch the kids overnight while they are away, my pay will be higher because of the inconvenience of not being in my own home. Things like that show me that they know how to treat a nanny, so I'm just confused as to why she would suggest that I wouldn't be getting my full pay if I travelled with them. That's honestly the only red flag I have.

If I get this offered this job, which I'm 95% sure I will, I plan to take it. I suppose this isn't a complete dealbreaker, it's just something that rubbed me the wrong way and I'm sure when the time comes for me to travel with them, I'm going to dread it. If you were me, how would you approach this, if you would at all? I don't want to come off ungrateful for what, in their eyes, is an awesome paid-expenses trip they'd be taking me on. Should I talk to the agency or the family? Like I said, my pay will be exponentially higher than I was expecting, so I'm sure I could just put on a smile and look past this small issue. But should I say something? What would you do?

[Anonymous]

It all sounds very vague so I would ask the agency to ask the family for clarification.

[Anonymous]

If they offer the job, before accepting, just ask them to clarify what they meant by a second way to pay you. They might just have a flat rate that covers your day hours but not overnight hours or something like that. Don't make assumptions that they were planning to buy dinner and call it even unless that's exactly what they said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they offer the job, before accepting, just ask them to clarify what they meant by a second way to pay you. They might just have a flat rate that covers your day hours but not overnight hours or something like that. Don't make assumptions that they were planning to buy dinner and call it even unless that's exactly what they said.

This.

If you get an offer you say "Thank you so much. You seem great and I'm very interested. I have a couple of questions, could you clarify the scope of travel that might be involved, and how you envision compensation for that being different that the regular rate? (and anything else you want clarified)

A job offer is the start of the negotiation. Use the agency if they do, or respond directly to them if that's how it happens. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

You claim she's flexible. You claim she said if you watch the kids overnight you'd get paid extra for not getting to sleep in your own bed. Both of those would apply to traveling for work. Tell her "I'm really interested in working with your family and there's just one thing that gives me pause: it's the pay when traveling with the family. " And then tell her what you want = to be paid for traveling hours, your regular weekly hours PLUS any extra hours you're on the clock, meal stipend, etc.

Or, since you said the hourly rate they're offering is higher than normal, consider that your compensation for occasional travel.

[Anonymous]

If they want to screw you out if your tegular salary when you travel, which, in my opinion, you should be paid more for the inconvenience, then these people are nig nice. They are cheap and will nickel and dime you on everything.

[Anonymous]

No, no and NO! I charge considerably more when I travel with a family. First, I am not at my home which is a hardship. Second, this is NOT a vacation for me. Third, traveling takes me away for other potential evening jobs.

I get $350 a day with ALL expenses paid.

This MB is already trying to play you, OP. Run.