I think it is fine to ask for a raise, but when you ask, focus on the good work you do, not on COL increases or rate changes.

Raises should be earned, not automatic, and you are much more likely to be granted one based on your good work.

Oh and I also receive monthly alimony from my ex husband and so that with what I make as a nanny get me by.

I do not live large, but I am okay.

As long as my head is above water and I am not drowning, I am happy.

OP Here:

I was thinking of only asking for a dollar more per hour.

And not to be conceited or anything, but this family is really happy with my services at this point and I think I have proved myself to be a stellar nanny/sitter so I am almost positive that they would pay the extra hourly dollar vs. start fresh and hire a brand new person to come into their home and care for their son.

They are first time parents and their son is special needs. Without going into too much detail, he has a very very rare heart disorder that takes certain precautions physically that I am already trained in.

For such a part-time position, you are better off letting them know your rates will be increasing as of x date by a dollar or whatever. You run the risk that they will stop using you but my guess is they will accept a reasonable increase in rates if they can afford it.

Of course you have the right to ask for raise.... it's up to them if they want to do it, and it's up to you if you want to continue with the job.

Anonymous wrote:If they get a COL increase every year, then so should you. My weekly housecleaning charges a 1.00/he COL every yr. She has a right to a decent life too.

I think in OPs situation, she needs to tell them her rates are changing vs asking for a raise. One of DS' babysitters has done this twice (although not for COL but more because she started when she was 16).

Babysitters are responsible for their cost of living adjustments. Give them ample, written notice, like a short friendly note or email, that your rates will change on X date to keep up with the rising cost of living. I personally would give two months notice and do it in person. It's also a good time to let them know of any new skills, credentials, or availability you have.

Good luck.

If they get a COL increase every year, then so should you. My weekly housecleaning charges a 1.00/he COL every yr. She has a right to a decent life too.

Everyone has the right to ask for a raise after a year - even someone who only works one hour a month.

But why are you working this job that pays so little? With a year's experience you could command more with a new family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you work 6 or 7 days a month I don't think you should expect a raise. You can certainly ask and I guess the worst that could happen is they could say no (but then it could be awkward). I just don't think that a raise is expected for such a part-time position.

Agreed. DS has a part time nanny at 24 hrs a week and she gets a yearly raise, bonus, and benefits. Your set up sounds more like a sitter than a nanny because you are so part time

+1.

Anonymous wrote:If you work 6 or 7 days a month I don't think you should expect a raise. You can certainly ask and I guess the worst that could happen is they could say no (but then it could be awkward). I just don't think that a raise is expected for such a part-time position.

Agreed. DS has a part time nanny at 24 hrs a week and she gets a yearly raise, bonus, and benefits. Your set up sounds more like a sitter than a nanny because you are so part time

You can ask but you are a very part time employee. Just be prepared to find a new job as you are replaceable.

If you work 6 or 7 days a month I don't think you should expect a raise. You can certainly ask and I guess the worst that could happen is they could say no (but then it could be awkward). I just don't think that a raise is expected for such a part-time position.

No, you have no rights.

I currently nanny for a family a little boy that is almost (!) two years old. In July, I will have been with them for exactly one year.

I have only been working six 9Hr. shifts a month for them and occasional 4Hr. date night here and there.

I currently make twelve dollars an hour and was wondering since I am not full-time, do I even have a right to ask for a raise from them?

Thanks in advance everyone for any advice or input!