Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi, lawyer. I am not wrong.

The only valid reasons for quitting and qualifying for unemployment is if the material circumstances of a job change so significantly that it is essentially a different job AND the employee is unable to meet the new requirements. So, a full time job becomes part time, or the hours change to overnight, or something like that. She's making better than minimum wage; there is no law requiring any raises ever, even for cost of living.

Have it you way. However, as I know because I quit a job because my duties were increased and no raise. I received unemployment, in VA, without a problem.

Anonymous wrote:OP here

Thank you all for the advices and insights.

I would never quit and apply for unemployment.

I will write them this week. The thing is, at this point, I don't want one dollar raise but at least 2. Should I just ask for 17 or 18 and try to negotiate to 17? I am sure they won't pay 18.

Ask for $20 and keep looking for a new job because the most they will give you if a $1.00/hr raise. In future, as part of your contract, have annual raise of minimum of $1.00/hr and more, depending on new child/ren added to your duties.

Learn to look after yourself because no one else will!

Anonymous wrote:OP here

Thank you all for the advices and insights.

I would never quit and apply for unemployment.

I will write them this week. The thing is, at this point, I don't want one dollar raise but at least 2. Should I just ask for 17 or 18 and try to negotiate to 17? I am sure they won't pay 18.

You should ask for 18, whatever you ask for will likely be met with a compromise given your previous description.

OP here

Thank you all for the advices and insights.

I would never quit and apply for unemployment.

I will write them this week. The thing is, at this point, I don't want one dollar raise but at least 2. Should I just ask for 17 or 18 and try to negotiate to 17? I am sure they won't pay 18.

If you are totally confident in your ability to find another comparable/likable job that pays more, then demand a raise, and don't be shy about it. Don't be wishy washy.

Say- it's been 3 years, and 2 kids is more responsibility. A market rate raise is $2, so it is fair that I now be paid $17.

However, ONLY do this is you are fully prepared to be terminated and look for another job. If you are a great nanny, she will want to pay you extra to keep you.
-MB who manages many employees at work

PP here again. Also, DO NOT quit and assume you will receive unemployment compensation.

No government will pay you just because you no longer wanted to work for the salary you accepted previously. That's terrible, and wrong advice that was given to you.

Anonymous wrote:Are you prepared to look for a new job? Because anyone who would employ you for three years with no raise, and then say "no" when approached about one directly, is not likely to be swayed by a well-phrased email. In fact, they are likely to claim poverty b/c of the new baby.

I encourage you to start a job search now. After you have gone on an interview or two, you will feel much more confident about asking for the raise, because it won't matter if you get it; you'll know you can move on.

But, to answer your question, you have excellent wording here:

"I love [your] family and the girls, but after 3 years making 15 dollars an hour, I think I am entitled to earn a new rate. ... I can't keep working for the same hourly rate."

At this point, you should receive at least $17/hr, which is the least I would imagine someone agreeing to start this job would take.

I think this is the best advice on here OP. I would reword it a bit, and wouldn't use the word "entitled" but otherwise it's excellent advice. You can certainly say "I believe that my reliability and level of care I have provided for three years for your children merits an increase, as does the addition of an infant to the family. I also think my experience would command a significantly higher rate in the marketplace, but my preference would be to stay with all of you. I love the kids and enjoy this job. Is there no opportunity for my income to increase while remaining with your family?"

End w/ a question that demands a response, not a threat (like "I'll have to look elsewhere"). But I fundamentally agree w/ this poster that this family is not likely to compensate you as they should and your best option is to look for another position. Of course, if you get an offer then you're in an incredibly strong bargaining position w/ your current family but you might have already decided to leave.

In any case, 3 years without an increase of any kind is pretty inexcusable in my option. I have always given an annual increase, with no increase in the number of kids and including years when they began going to preschool.

- MB