Anonymous
02/06/2014 15:52
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
nannydebsays wrote:One issue with an AP is that I believe they are limited to working no more than 9 hours per day, which doesn't fit your stated schedule.
A LO will not be easy at all to find - you want to pay no more than $440/week GROSS, and that would mean about $350 net. Paying rent, utilities, food, etc. on less than 18K a year in net income seems pretty impossible to me. IMO, a LO would need to make at least 35K gross to live decently on their own, possibly slightly less if they were married or had a roommate. (I based this on the COL in my area vs. the COL in Maryland, which is 15% higher.)
So, a LI is the answer for you. IDK if a college student would be able to pay tuition on a $10/hour salary, but a recent grad in a child-related field who doesn't have huge debt and wants to get a year of experience in childcare might work for you. The benefits are good, and the only change I would make there is giving your LI free access to everything in the kitchen within certain set house rules, and if she wants to drink pellegrino or eat brie and drink lots of wine that's on her $.
They can work 10 hours a day, or 45 hours a week. You're probably thinking 9 hours a day becuause that would be the limit if they work M-F. In OP's case, an au pair could work 10 hour days Monday through Thursday and she'd still have five hours left for a weekly date night or something.
nannydebsays
02/06/2014 15:43
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
One issue with an AP is that I believe they are limited to working no more than 9 hours per day, which doesn't fit your stated schedule.
A LO will not be easy at all to find - you want to pay no more than $440/week GROSS, and that would mean about $350 net. Paying rent, utilities, food, etc. on less than 18K a year in net income seems pretty impossible to me. IMO, a LO would need to make at least 35K gross to live decently on their own, possibly slightly less if they were married or had a roommate. (I based this on the COL in my area vs. the COL in Maryland, which is 15% higher.)
So, a LI is the answer for you. IDK if a college student would be able to pay tuition on a $10/hour salary, but a recent grad in a child-related field who doesn't have huge debt and wants to get a year of experience in childcare might work for you. The benefits are good, and the only change I would make there is giving your LI free access to everything in the kitchen within certain set house rules, and if she wants to drink pellegrino or eat brie and drink lots of wine that's on her $.
A LO will not be easy at all to find - you want to pay no more than $440/week GROSS, and that would mean about $350 net. Paying rent, utilities, food, etc. on less than 18K a year in net income seems pretty impossible to me. IMO, a LO would need to make at least 35K gross to live decently on their own, possibly slightly less if they were married or had a roommate. (I based this on the COL in my area vs. the COL in Maryland, which is 15% higher.)
So, a LI is the answer for you. IDK if a college student would be able to pay tuition on a $10/hour salary, but a recent grad in a child-related field who doesn't have huge debt and wants to get a year of experience in childcare might work for you. The benefits are good, and the only change I would make there is giving your LI free access to everything in the kitchen within certain set house rules, and if she wants to drink pellegrino or eat brie and drink lots of wine that's on her $.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 15:36
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:But can I ask, given your generous offer, why you don't want someone with any experience? Are you simply unconcerned with that or are you hoping the benefits package, being so high, would mean you could pay a lower rate to an inexperienced nanny?
I only ask because with that package you could easily find a nanny with 5+ years experience at $18-$20/hr. I mean, if the stars align you could probably find super nanny at that rate!
Well that's exactly the issue. We're equipped to offer a fantastic benefits package - we have enough leave and back up care benefits through work & the room in our home & the extra food we're already getting through the farm share - that we can offer generous PTO, room & board, but we can't offer the greatest hourly rate (plus with the new health care exchanges, it's just so cheap to cover an individual's premiums so might as well). $10-11 is probably our max budget so I'm trying to see if we offer a lower rate + all these great extras, could we realistically expect to get some one?
Of course I'm not opposed to an experienced person, but from what I understand even some one with just 1 year's experience would want at least $13/hr. So I'm wondering could we pay less, offer more of the other perks that we're already equipped to offer just by circumstance, and get some one who's naturally good with kids, maybe has worked in some unrelated field but has proved to be timely & responsible, and willing to commit to us for a year? I realize the answer might be no, but I figure it's this or an au pair or put both the kids in a center. I'd really love to have some one who comes to us, drive our older one, and who can do the basics of the kids' laundry & unloading the dishwasher. I know that sounds like no big deal but it would make my life so much easier, so just trying to see if it's even a possibility for us.
Ok, I understand now.
You are unlikely to find anyone you'd be sensible to trust at that rate for a live-out, but it would work fine for a live-in.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 15:09
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
I think a live in is your best bet. The benefits sound great however I wouldn't be able to pay my bills with 10-11 p/h
Anonymous
02/06/2014 15:05
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
I disagree that a share is a good option. It'd be difficult to find a family willing to match the level of benefits and amount of PTO OP is offering. So if OP's max is $11/hour, she and any share family she finds would be offering less than $20/hour likely for 3 children and more average benefits. She could do much better offering the job as a live in position.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 15:02
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
13:04 here. I think live-in would be your best bet. Given your whole package, you could offer $9-$10/hour, and likely attract very good candidates. I wouldn't sell yourself short. You didn't say what ages your children are, but you likely want *some* level of experience in your nanny.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 14:53
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
While your benefits offered is excellent, your hourly wage will not attract many qualified candidates especially if you have two children. I'd look for a share or a live in but your own live out might be out of reach.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 14:52
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
Anonymous wrote:We are thinking about an au pair and that's probably our next option but being responsible for bringing some one over from overseas is a little daunting to us - we'd have to take time off to get them a driver's license, open a bank account, teach them how to navigate public transit. Plus they've come all this way to live with you & your family so I'd feel the pressure to socialize with her/him in my free time when I really just want to lie in bed when the kids are asleep. I think some one who's already here would have their own friends, family, life and know how to get around.
Nanny share - is that an option when you've got two kids? We would need some one to pick up our older child from preschool. I'd be open to it but it hadn't occurred to me that another family would want to share with us under those circumstances.
An au pair doesn't sound like a great fit for you then. Not only is it about $21-25k annually anyway, but part of the reason that it is a little cheaper is that it is also a huge time commitment. Yes, you would have to take a day or two or more off to orient them and get them set up, and they will want to be seen as part of the family.
A nanny share could definitely be an option - you'd just have to find a family and a nanny that was ok with your two kids being included.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 14:30
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
We are thinking about an au pair and that's probably our next option but being responsible for bringing some one over from overseas is a little daunting to us - we'd have to take time off to get them a driver's license, open a bank account, teach them how to navigate public transit. Plus they've come all this way to live with you & your family so I'd feel the pressure to socialize with her/him in my free time when I really just want to lie in bed when the kids are asleep. I think some one who's already here would have their own friends, family, life and know how to get around.
Nanny share - is that an option when you've got two kids? We would need some one to pick up our older child from preschool. I'd be open to it but it hadn't occurred to me that another family would want to share with us under those circumstances.
Nanny share - is that an option when you've got two kids? We would need some one to pick up our older child from preschool. I'd be open to it but it hadn't occurred to me that another family would want to share with us under those circumstances.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 14:23
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
Ok, got it. You could definitely get an entry-level live-in for $11/hour with that package and the three day weekends. Not sure you'll like the candidates that could accept that for live-out. What about an au pair? Or a nanny share?
Anonymous
02/06/2014 14:20
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
Anonymous wrote:But can I ask, given your generous offer, why you don't want someone with any experience? Are you simply unconcerned with that or are you hoping the benefits package, being so high, would mean you could pay a lower rate to an inexperienced nanny?
I only ask because with that package you could easily find a nanny with 5+ years experience at $18-$20/hr. I mean, if the stars align you could probably find super nanny at that rate!
Well that's exactly the issue. We're equipped to offer a fantastic benefits package - we have enough leave and back up care benefits through work & the room in our home & the extra food we're already getting through the farm share - that we can offer generous PTO, room & board, but we can't offer the greatest hourly rate (plus with the new health care exchanges, it's just so cheap to cover an individual's premiums so might as well). $10-11 is probably our max budget so I'm trying to see if we offer a lower rate + all these great extras, could we realistically expect to get some one?
Of course I'm not opposed to an experienced person, but from what I understand even some one with just 1 year's experience would want at least $13/hr. So I'm wondering could we pay less, offer more of the other perks that we're already equipped to offer just by circumstance, and get some one who's naturally good with kids, maybe has worked in some unrelated field but has proved to be timely & responsible, and willing to commit to us for a year? I realize the answer might be no, but I figure it's this or an au pair or put both the kids in a center. I'd really love to have some one who comes to us, drive our older one, and who can do the basics of the kids' laundry & unloading the dishwasher. I know that sounds like no big deal but it would make my life so much easier, so just trying to see if it's even a possibility for us.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 13:58
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
This is an exceptionally good offer - I do not believe your PTO is low in any respect; she gets, essentially, a week of vacation, a week of sick days, and two weeks of bonus vacation when you're out of town (plus all fed holidays!) That's very appealing. As is the upfront offer to pay for training (something most nannies want but are uncomfortable requesting) and the offer to eat freely means she will feel very comfortable at your home. Health insurance really seals the deal and you will have TONS of applicants, so be prepared to wade through a lot of unsuitable candidates!
But can I ask, given your generous offer, why you don't want someone with any experience? Are you simply unconcerned with that or are you hoping the benefits package, being so high, would mean you could pay a lower rate to an inexperienced nanny?
I only ask because with that package you could easily find a nanny with 5+ years experience at $18-$20/hr. I mean, if the stars align you could probably find super nanny at that rate!
But can I ask, given your generous offer, why you don't want someone with any experience? Are you simply unconcerned with that or are you hoping the benefits package, being so high, would mean you could pay a lower rate to an inexperienced nanny?
I only ask because with that package you could easily find a nanny with 5+ years experience at $18-$20/hr. I mean, if the stars align you could probably find super nanny at that rate!
Anonymous
02/06/2014 13:51
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
Thanks! I'm trying to make it appealing and we want the person to be happy. We're in Bowie, MD.
For housing, we'd give free access to our food & kitchen so board would be included on a take it or leave it basis. We get our meat and produce from a farm share and it's more than enough to feed another adult. If she wanted a lot of items outside of that, other than what we normally get - like milk, cheese, nuts - I'd probably want her to take care of that herself.
Does any of that change your recommendation?
For housing, we'd give free access to our food & kitchen so board would be included on a take it or leave it basis. We get our meat and produce from a farm share and it's more than enough to feed another adult. If she wanted a lot of items outside of that, other than what we normally get - like milk, cheese, nuts - I'd probably want her to take care of that herself.
Does any of that change your recommendation?
Anonymous
02/06/2014 13:04
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
It sounds like an attractive and well thought out position! Where are you located?
You're giving her 10 days of combined PTO, which is low, but if you're guaranteeing the other 2 weeks of vacation, its not bad.
Considering all of the perks, for live out, I'd ask for $16/hour, so $640/week.
Live in, that would kind of depend on the space you'd be offering and if you'd include board, but assuming a value of $800-$1000/month, I'd expect $10-$11/hour or $400-$440/week.
You're giving her 10 days of combined PTO, which is low, but if you're guaranteeing the other 2 weeks of vacation, its not bad.
Considering all of the perks, for live out, I'd ask for $16/hour, so $640/week.
Live in, that would kind of depend on the space you'd be offering and if you'd include board, but assuming a value of $800-$1000/month, I'd expect $10-$11/hour or $400-$440/week.
Anonymous
02/06/2014 12:49
Subject: What's a reasonable weekly rate to offer for this situation?
10 hour days M-Th for two kids
Primary task is childcare obviously + driving to part time preschool & any other classes we might sign the kids up for
Secondary tasks: cooking lunch for the kids maybe 2xweek, do kids' laundry during naps, pick up toys, maybe unload the dishwasher if it's clean (but not load dirty dishes) but no other household tasks - just pick up after the kids and/or have the kids pick up their stuff at the end of the day
Benefits
Vacation: all federal holidays, 10 days paid of combined sick/vacation up to nanny's schedule, plus another 10 days paid based on our schedule
We'd pay for car insurance (option to drive our car)
health care premiums for individual (or we can pay for that portion of a family plan)
Lunch, coffee, tea, snacks, etc - self serve
Paid training if applicable (ie - we'd pay her for her time to get CPR certified if not already)
Requirements: no prior nanny experience required but at least need babysitting or summer camp experience + a reference who can attest to timeliness and professionalism. Clean driving record.
If you could give an estimate for live-out and live-in, that would also help. We live near a college campus and would be happy to have some one who's a part time student taking evening, weekend classes - some one like that might be more inclined to take the live-in option, I imagine.
Primary task is childcare obviously + driving to part time preschool & any other classes we might sign the kids up for
Secondary tasks: cooking lunch for the kids maybe 2xweek, do kids' laundry during naps, pick up toys, maybe unload the dishwasher if it's clean (but not load dirty dishes) but no other household tasks - just pick up after the kids and/or have the kids pick up their stuff at the end of the day
Benefits
Vacation: all federal holidays, 10 days paid of combined sick/vacation up to nanny's schedule, plus another 10 days paid based on our schedule
We'd pay for car insurance (option to drive our car)
health care premiums for individual (or we can pay for that portion of a family plan)
Lunch, coffee, tea, snacks, etc - self serve
Paid training if applicable (ie - we'd pay her for her time to get CPR certified if not already)
Requirements: no prior nanny experience required but at least need babysitting or summer camp experience + a reference who can attest to timeliness and professionalism. Clean driving record.
If you could give an estimate for live-out and live-in, that would also help. We live near a college campus and would be happy to have some one who's a part time student taking evening, weekend classes - some one like that might be more inclined to take the live-in option, I imagine.