Reply to Pissed but I somewhat understand...sick kid

Forum Index » General Discussion

Reply to "Pissed but I somewhat understand...sick kid"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Why resort to personal attacks when someone actually points out how a professional relationship works?  I am completely in favor of nannies getting PTO and sick leave (and offer generous paid leave to my own nanny).  I am having a hard time understanding why nannies who want to be treated as professionals can't act like professionals when it comes to advocating for their own self-interests and negotiating contracts.  [/quote]

Why not direct some of your outrage at the parents/employers who refuse to offer sane working conditions/benefits to their nannies? Most nannies live paycheck to paycheck or very close to it, so they might not always be in a position to demand fair treatment when looking for a new job or renewing a contract. The responsibility lies with the employer to offer what is right and fair; just because you understand WHY some parents want to be selfish doesn't make it acceptable.[/quote]

I am the PP you are quoting.  I am honestly confused by [b]all your angry worked up responses[/b] because at the end of the day, I AGREE parents should offer paid leave, including paid sick leave, and other benefits.  I am not sure where from my posts (or really anyone's posts on this thread) you got otherwise.  [b]You can get as angry with all parents and employers as you want[/b], but the responsibility at the end of the day to negotiate these things lies with the nanny.  According to the law, parents are expected to pay more than minimum wage and offer overtime.  Nannies are hourly employees and legally parents have NO obligation to pay for any hours not worked.  Do I think there should be guaranteed hours and sick pay anyway?  Of course I do.  Everyone has to pay bills and needs to be able to depend on an income.  But it doesn't make an employer a bad or immoral person if they don't offer benefits nannies don't ask for.   I had to negotiate the salary and certain benefits I wanted from my employer too - that is how the professional world works.  Y[b]ou can keep on ranting and name calling if you think it's entertaining, of course, but at the end of the day you are doing yourself and other nannies a disservice by not standing up for yourself and being your own advocate.[/b]

FWIW - OP got some good advice on this thread.  I hope she is able to negotiate some sick days and if not, move on to another job.[/quote]

I am the PP you're responding to and I'd just like to clarify that none of the ranting or name calling have come from me. I suppose that's the danger of an anonymous forum but sincerely, it isn't me.

I do think parents have a moral responsibility to offer a fair package - that is, if they want coverage for serious ill kids, they offer paid sick days and if they don't offer paid sick days, they are understanding of a nanny who insists on limiting her exposure to their infections. It is taking advantage of the situation - i.e. the fact that you are hiring someone who probably doesn't have a lot of extra income or much of a nest egg - not to do so upfront. I also agree nannies should advocate for themselves and demand a fair work package, decent work environment, living wage, etc., of course, but not all parents want nannies who'll do that - some want to hire the cheapest labor they can find, ideally someone who'll be at their beck and call. Now, I have wonderful employers and it sounds like you're also probably a great MB to work for, but that isn't always the case -[b] in many cases, the nanny who stands firm in her negotiations finds herself passed over for more desperate, and therefore compliant, options. [/b]It's very unfortunate and, I believe, unethical.[/quote]

This! It's easy for everyone to say "just ask for what you want! Be a professional!" But the truth is, there are SOOO many parents offering job with little to no PTO or benefits and so many unskilled uneducated babysitters calling themselves nannies, that if you are the nanny requiring a decent wage for your experience and background, appropriate benefits and PTO, you will be passed over more often than not for the cheaper less demanding option. I've learned to cut my losses and look for the best situation I can find but even still the job I have doesn't offer everything I feel It should (no sick days or health insurance). Because my bosses chose to offer an incomplete package, despite my attempt to negotiate, they do not get coverage for serious illnesses. I make myself valuable in other ways, and they accept this as part of our arrangement. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics