I think your schedule makes it obvious that you're trying to avoid overtime, and it it would make your job less attractive to me because of the lack of OT, and because you look like someone who cuts corners. Where else would you try to skimp? Are you going to be one of those parents who gets mad when they have to pay for hours they didn't use, even though you agreed to guaranteed hours? What about days your mom can't come? Are you going to expect me to be available? It just makes you look like a less desirable employer OP. that is your problem, not your rate.

I don't see too much of an issue. I had no problem getting applicants (thru care.com) for my 4 1/2 days/week job - 9,9,9,9,4. (8:30 to 5:30). My nanny loves she is off at 12:30 on Fridays (we can't do 4 days as I work 1/2 day on Friday as well). And that rate is good imo.

Is there a way you could shorten an hour a day and make Thursday a full day too?

Are the days Monday- Friday?

When is the exact start time and endtime?

A 10-10-10-5-5 schedule that is Monday-Friday with a start time of 6:30 or 7:30 is vastly different than a

10-10-10-5-5 schedule that requires weekend work or hours that end later in the evening like 8:00pm for example.

I worked a job with a schedule like this a few years back, but my days ended at 8 or 8:30 pm after 18 months I decided it wasn't for me.

Anonymous wrote:

MB here. I think $18/hr is a great rate OP - it's $720/week for a 40 hour week.

I don't really know why that would be a problem and I think it's strange that you're not getting good applicants. Have you asked around your neighborhood listservs, moms groups, etc...?

A 10 hour day is pretty standard. The half-time days isn't so much but that seems like a bonus to me, not a negative.

I really don't think the problem is your rate. (Unless you're looking for something really unusual or very specific experience/background.)

+1. Another MB here.

+1 Nanny here. There are plenty of good nannies who have no problem working 5 days a week without overtime. I would see if you can be flexible with the two days that you need 5 hours, I know this would have been an ideal situation when I was taking classes at night. Otherwise, see if you can swing changing the position to 4 days with you/your partner taking a morning shift and your mother taking the afternoon one day a week.

I would reach out on sites like care.com too. I have been a nanny for 10 years off and on and have never used neighborhood listserves, nor do many nannies who aren't planning on doing this for a career (not that we are any less competent or dedicated). When I was helping my SIL search for a nanny through her neighborhood resources, she too had a hard time finding anyone who would accommodate a non-traditional schedule and who had life plans outside of nannying. Most of the candidates she found this way were very specific about what they would/wouldn't do and offered little of the flexibility that someone who hires a nanny needs.

MB here. I think $18/hr is a great rate OP - it's $720/week for a 40 hour week.

I don't really know why that would be a problem and I think it's strange that you're not getting good applicants. Have you asked around your neighborhood listservs, moms groups, etc...?

A 10 hour day is pretty standard. The half-time days isn't so much but that seems like a bonus to me, not a negative.

I really don't think the problem is your rate. (Unless you're looking for something really unusual or very specific experience/background.)

+1. Another MB here.

MB here. I think $18/hr is a great rate OP - it's $720/week for a 40 hour week.

I don't really know why that would be a problem and I think it's strange that you're not getting good applicants. Have you asked around your neighborhood listservs, moms groups, etc...?

A 10 hour day is pretty standard. The half-time days isn't so much but that seems like a bonus to me, not a negative.

I really don't think the problem is your rate. (Unless you're looking for something really unusual or very specific experience/background.)

Anonymous wrote:To have someone work a ten hour day without paying overtime would be illegal.

Depends. Some states I believe it's anything over 8 hrs a day. Others it's over 40 hours a week

Anonymous wrote:My suggestion would to be late start Monday (5 hours before you'll be home) 10 t, w, th, and 5 morning hours fri. This gives the idea of a long weekend.

It also may be the fact that you're looking for 10 hour days without the possibility of OT pay.

I could do the Monday but my mother won't babysit any time but afternoons.

That schedule wouldn't work for me, OP, when a 4 day a week 10 hour day would be fantastic! I think it is your schedule that is putting off better applicants.

Anonymous wrote:Up your hourly rate. Most people who think they're offering a competitive rate, really aren't.

If the price is right, you can get almost anything. Same in your field, right?

OP here - we are offering $18 an hour in Falls Church. Is that not considered competitive? (Honest question)

Anonymous wrote:To have someone work a ten hour day without paying overtime would be illegal.

No it isn't. It is over 40 hours a week that demands overtime.

Up your hourly rate. Most people who think they're offering a competitive rate, really aren't.

If the price is right, you can get almost anything. Same in your field, right?

To have someone work a ten hour day without paying overtime would be illegal.

My suggestion would to be late start Monday (5 hours before you'll be home) 10 t, w, th, and 5 morning hours fri. This gives the idea of a long weekend.

It also may be the fact that you're looking for 10 hour days without the possibility of OT pay.

We are in the process of looking for a nanny for our newborn. We are trying to avoid paying overtime so my mother will be stepping in two afternoons a week to care for the baby. We are offering a competitive salary with benefits.

We are not getting any good applicants. I'm beginning to think it is the schedule. My mother doesn't want to babysit for a full day at a time so I that is not an option.

Is this really a bad schedule?