I can think of a dozen jobs besides nanny that can get you $18/h today. If you sell yourself short it's your fault. They offered and you accepted why complain now?

Okay, well, here's the thing. Nannies are like cars. There is a big range of features and benefits and of drawbacks to different "models." What your friends are paid (let alone strangers on the internet) means nothing because for all we know they are a brand-new BMW and you are a decade-old Mazda. If you accepted this job then either you chose to accept a lowet offer for some reason, or this was the best offer you had at the time. If the latter then you need to look at what you are bringing to the table. How are your references, really (have a friend call and pretend to be a potential employer)? What is your background (do you need to step it up in terms of certifications, credentials, education)? How are you coming across in interviews? If you feel you are perfect then look for another job without changing anything, but my observation is that most nannies settle to the level that matches their credentials and then too many blame the families for their low compensation. You can't blame your employer for the free market.

OP here: I'm not bitter. I take care of both children like my own.

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, I'm going to be a dissenter here! $18/hour is not too low. And every circumstance is different. If you're unhappy quit. Period. I would not want my kid with an bitter nanny. Note that most people are busting their ass to make ends mear at minimum wage jobs with NO paid vacation. Be grateful you have a job.

Wrong. OP, find another job.

Sorry, I'm going to be a dissenter here! $18/hour is not too low. And every circumstance is different. If you're unhappy quit. Period. I would not want my kid with an bitter nanny. Note that most people are busting their ass to make ends mear at minimum wage jobs with NO paid vacation. Be grateful you have a job.

Anonymous wrote:OP here: they put my overtime to add up to $18. So for 45 hours I get $810 a week.

So you aren't really getting $18, per hour.

Rate*40+Rate*5*1.5=Salary
Rate(40+7.5)=810
Rate=810/47.5
Rate=$17.05/hour

That is way too low for a DC nanny share...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live in upper NW and pay $18 for my two kids. We offer lots of other perks but that's not the point. I'd ask what she is required to do for that hourly rate. It may be far more work than you are currently doing/would want to do. If I paid that much I would expect FAR more from my nanny in terms of cleaning, cooking etc. the grass isn't always greener.

Nannies take care of children. They are not maids, house maids, or gardners.

Yes I understand that. I don't require any child related cleaning, cooking, etc. I know lots of people who do. Also, the grass isn't always greener is a saying...not an attempt to have a nanny garden.

I'm an earlier MB who responded. $18/hr for one family is not low. $18/hr for a nanny share definitely is.

Start a search OP. I hope you find opportunities at a higher hourly rate and then, if you want to, you can give your current families a chance to match or beat what you're offered elsewhere (keeping in mind that sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don't.)

Good luck!

OP, I also talk to other Nannies at the playground, etc., and all of them make more ca$h than me. Bar none.

However I really like my family a lot and the kids I watch are very well-behaved.
There is nothing required except childcare....No laundry, etc. and this family NEVER takes advantage of me.

One of the Nannies who makes more money than me actually has a boss that has cameras installed all over the perimeter & interior of the house.
He also calls often "checking" up where they are, what they are doing, etc.

I personally would find that annoying and the cameras intrusive and I wouldn't be surprised if he was tracking their movements too.

Trust me....If the families that you work for now are awesome, then that in itself is priceless.

Anonymous wrote:OP here: I have two weeks vacation, one week the families will decide. Five sick days and some federal holidays. No health insurance, or snow days.

Why did you ever accept this job,? These people are cheap and you will be lucky if they give you a 25¢/hr raise on your one year anniversary. Start looking now and cut your losses. In your next job look out for yourself!

OP here: I have two weeks vacation, one week the families will decide. Five sick days and some federal holidays. No health insurance, or snow days.