Some banks allow a cash advance if you have direct deposit. I'd look into that before asking my boss for an advance.

MB here. I consider it unprofessional. Your cashflow issues should never come to my attention. Ask a family member or friend.

If the hours were already worked, then it is understandable and reasonable for a nanny to need the money.

You know...Sometimes needs arise that need taken care of immediately. Food, gas, bills, etc.

However, if she hasn't worked and earned the money yet, I wouldn't do it. Too tacky.

Anonymous wrote:For anyone else having a temporary financial squeeze, I think it's fine to get paid daily, or they can pay you on Monday for the week, if they prefer.

I would not allow a two week hold, unless I had background checks on them.

But the thing is, every other job does have a two week hold. I did once get an advance when I worked at a daycare (for $100, and I had already worked the hours to cover it), but I can't imagine that would go over at a large organization. I could probably never get an advance from my public school district.

For my after school job, I get paid at the end of the week. I was going to ask if they could pay me on Wednesday for the first 3 days of the week, but I got lucky in that I didn't need to.

OP, I'm a nanny employer. Your follow up details make it much easier to address your question.

I would not have a problem if you asked for a paycheck advance and I wouldn't judge your reasons for asking. That said, we have employed the same nanny for several years and she doesn't have a habit of asking for advances.

So, basically, if you were my nanny and we had a history and you weren't asking for advances frequently, I would be happy to help you out.

If you were new, I might wonder about your reasons, but I still can't imagine thinking poorly of you for asking. I may not be able to accommodate you, but I wouldn't fault you for asking.

I hope this helps.

For anyone else having a temporary financial squeeze, I think it's fine to get paid daily, or they can pay you on Monday for the week, if they prefer.

I would not allow a two week hold, unless I had background checks on them.

OP here: I typically work as a summer nanny but in public schools during the year. The fall transition between jobs can be a bit difficult to manage as I typically have to go a longer time in between paychecks. In the past, the transition hasn't been too difficult as I usually have enough money saved up. This summer was pretty rough on me though as I had a large unexpected expense come up (I had to buy a new used car).

I was a bit worried about making rent this month (the difference between what's in my bank account and what I owe is small, but nobody wants a bounced check). I also have an after-school driver/sitter job and was thinking about asking the parents to pay me for 2 or 3 days already worked before I would regularly get my check. Luckily my financial aid reimbursement check came in the other day so I'm all set and expect everything will be fine for the remainder of the year. I just wanted to know what you guys (especially nanny employers) thought.


tl;dr version: I had a small shortfall that would mean a bounced rent check but I got the money elsewhere.

Anonymous wrote:Unprofessional

How is it unprofessional to ask for pay for hours that have already been worked?

If it's a temporary situation, go ahead and ask. I would do it for my nanny.

Unprofessional

I guess it depends how long and close you are with the family. If you've just started months ago they may not be comfortable but if you've been with them for years, building trust and rarely ask for such an advance than maybe, perhaps.
I wouldn't know, I've never asked.

We all understand that it's unprofessional to ask a boss-family for a loan. But how about a paycheck advance? Does it make a difference if the advance only covers hours already worked?