Anonymous wrote:OP here- thanks all. I agree with the posts about it not being necessary-- I will just tell her that a raise isn't possible but that I will understand if she would like to look for a job with overtime.

That is a nice way to put it.

Anonymous wrote:She's been with you for three years.. Has she received any raises? If not then I would, if possible, give her one. Even if it's only 50 cents per hour. Three years is along time without a raise which is a good sign of appreciation regardless of what she's being paid.

That aside, yes you could but word it in a way that doesn't come off rude, you know?

Disagree. Nanny is being well-compensated especially given the fact that she does not drive or speak English.

PP here.. Forgot to add one thing. Your nanny's excuse for wanting a raise was NOT good. Having higher bills isn't your problem. She should have instead, laid out her strengths, qualities and her commitment to you and your family.

She's been with you for three years.. Has she received any raises? If not then I would, if possible, give her one. Even if it's only 50 cents per hour. Three years is along time without a raise which is a good sign of appreciation regardless of what she's being paid.

That aside, yes you could but word it in a way that doesn't come off rude, you know?

OP here- thanks all. I agree with the posts about it not being necessary-- I will just tell her that a raise isn't possible but that I will understand if she would like to look for a job with overtime.

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't't bother.

Just let her know you can't raise her salary because of what you said here, and let her know you'll be willing to write her a letter of reference on her last day of work after she gives her 2 week notice if she decides to move on.

Agree

Anonymous wrote:I think it's nice of you to offer to assist with finding another family. Maybe after a few interviews she will realize how good she has it with your family. Why don't you sit down and have a talk with her and ask her if she needs to move on due to her financial situation. Wish you luck.

This. At 40 hours per week, her take home is $18.75 per hour. That is VERY nice pay. I make just over that before taxes for two kids.
Everyone has bills.

I wouldn't't bother.

Just let her know you can't raise her salary because of what you said here, and let her know you'll be willing to write her a letter of reference on her last day of work after she gives her 2 week notice if she decides to move on.

I agree w/ 12:32 re assisting w/ a job search being appropriate for some situations but not necessarily this one. He/she laid that out well.

I think you are paying your nanny very fairly, and offering very competitive perks. If the time has come for her to move on you can be understanding and supportive but it's also fair to say that you're at your maximum regarding compensation.

Maybe you can offer to help her find additional after=hours work as a babysitter or something (if she's interested in that). Perhaps that would be more comfortable.

She might already have a job secured with her next family.

I think it's nice of you to offer to assist with finding another family. Maybe after a few interviews she will realize how good she has it with your family. Why don't you sit down and have a talk with her and ask her if she needs to move on due to her financial situation. Wish you luck.

12:32 again, wanted to add that part of the reason I think it's inappropriate in this situation is that it's kind of a conflict of interest on your part. You want her to stay, so what's to keep you from sending your nanny on a bunch of crappy low paying interviews and then saying "Wow, see, you really do have it pretty good here!". Not saying you necessarily would do that, but that as a nanny this idea would always be in the back of my mind, and I might not fully trust the families I was introduced to.

There are some situations where I'd say it's ok for an MB to assist in the job hunt. I don't think this is one of them. In cases where a nanny is working PT and wants to add another PT job, or if you were helping her find extra work during the hours the kids are at school, or if you have decided you don't need a Nanny at all any more and want to help her find a new job before moving forward, I think those are all appropriate situations.

Where it's just a matter of her wanting/needing more money, I think the onus needs to be on her to find that. I would reiterate your understanding of her situation, tell her you accept that she may need to look for a new job, offer to give a reference, and ask that she please give 2 weeks notice before leaving.

Sure, make your offer. In other words, just ask her!

I am happy with our nanny of 3 years. She loves our 3yo and 1.5yo and is completely trustworthy. She works 40 hours a week (9:30-5:30), helps with family laundry and loads/unloads the dishwasher (our weekly housekeeper does the cleaning). The 3yo is in preschool 3 days a week and the little one naps well. She gets 5 sick days per year and 3 weeks paid vacation (plus usually about a month or more of paid time off due to our travel) plus one weeks pay for a Christmas bonus. She is paid $750 net per week. She is legal with 15 years of experience but does not drive, does not speak English and is over 60. All that background to say- today she asked for a raise and said that she has a lot of bills to pay. I am not able or willing to increase salary right now as the older one will be in school full time next year and the younger one will be in preschool. With the flexible schedule and time off, I think that I am paying her well and would be so sad to have her leave. BUT-- if she needs to find a job that pays more money (I don't think there is one), I understand. Should I offer to help her with a job search or would you as a nanny be worried or upset if your MB offered that?