Anonymous
Post 01/02/2016 17:53     Subject: Re:Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
I am really surprised reading this thread as a new mom who is just starting to look for a nanny. Hiring a nanny already takes a large chunk out of my salary, so adding another week or two week's pay as a bonus seems a lot to ask. Neither my husband nor I gets a year-end bonus, and that amount is more than we spend on gifts for family members. Is this de rigueur or what?
Anonymous
Post 12/31/2015 12:25     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
I received a gift that included a ton of thought.

Gift card to my favorite coffee shop, a mug personalized with my name on it.

Also inside mug, some peppermint hot cocoa, some of my favorite mints and my favorite choice of candy bar. Sees!

Not wildly expensive, but very very thoughtful as my NF remembered what my tastes are.
Anonymous
Post 12/31/2015 12:19     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Anonymous wrote:Ive been with my NF since early March, full time. I received no bonus. I received no extra time off, only Christmas Day and New Years Day, as specified in my contract; I am working my normal 8am-5:30pm shift every other day, including Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, even though MB has had that entire time off work, and DB has been off work most of those days as well. I was given a small gift, which they likely spent about $40 or so for, but I am shocked I didn't get any bonus or even a gift card.

I feel completely blind-sided by this. MB and DB have always showered me with praise; we had a meeting at the six month mark (September) and they had nothing but good things to say about my performance. I work my butt off for their family. They are not super wealthy, but I know they could afford to give me a bonus; MB has spent most of her time off the past week shopping and going to the spa. Even $100 cash would've been greatly appreciated, or the gift I received plus $50-- of course, anything would've been better than nothing!

MB and DB told me when they hired me they wanted me to commit long term; they continue to mention in conversation about how they hope I never move away; they want me to be a part of their family for a very long time, etc. I've mostly enjoyed working for them and I really did think I would stay long term, but the way I've been treated over these holidays has me considering my options :/


You are salty because you are being expected to work on the days and times you were scheduled for back in MARCH?!?!? Wierd....
Anonymous
Post 12/31/2015 11:28     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Ive been with my NF since early March, full time. I received no bonus. I received no extra time off, only Christmas Day and New Years Day, as specified in my contract; I am working my normal 8am-5:30pm shift every other day, including Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, even though MB has had that entire time off work, and DB has been off work most of those days as well. I was given a small gift, which they likely spent about $40 or so for, but I am shocked I didn't get any bonus or even a gift card.

I feel completely blind-sided by this. MB and DB have always showered me with praise; we had a meeting at the six month mark (September) and they had nothing but good things to say about my performance. I work my butt off for their family. They are not super wealthy, but I know they could afford to give me a bonus; MB has spent most of her time off the past week shopping and going to the spa. Even $100 cash would've been greatly appreciated, or the gift I received plus $50-- of course, anything would've been better than nothing!

MB and DB told me when they hired me they wanted me to commit long term; they continue to mention in conversation about how they hope I never move away; they want me to be a part of their family for a very long time, etc. I've mostly enjoyed working for them and I really did think I would stay long term, but the way I've been treated over these holidays has me considering my options :/


I hate your attitude. Some years at work I don't get a bonus. My company is publicly traded so I can look up how the company did, but just because they did well, it doesn't mean "they have money to give me" for a bonus. For all I know they're planning to expand into another country, acquire another, smaller company, etc. For all you know, your boss's company has rumors of layoffs, or they've just had a talk with a sibling about a senior citizen parent needing a nursing home or more care, or they're thinking of adding to their family.

Right now I am in Europe with my family for the holidays. Except I'm logging in remotely to work from "home" each day. I'm keeping odd hours (for here) to keep up with what's going on in my home office and be responsive to my team. Not everyone gets Christmas Eve day and NYE day off. You're not owed more time off than is specified in your contract. A friend of mine thinks i'm always on vacation. While it's true I travel a lot, he doesn't realize I'm working most of the places I go. Even when it's defined vacation I probably work half the time. You didn't get "nothing." You got a gift. Just because it's not what you want or as much as you want, don't dismiss it as nothing.


oh come on. They could have at least given her an extra day off if they've both been home.
Anonymous
Post 12/31/2015 10:38     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
I'm a 24hr Nanny, worked for billionaire family for 5 years.

This year I got $1000 bonus. And also nice tote bag that every female domestic worker got, including the wife's of the male workers.

I really want to be greatful. But I can't. They have the money to give generously. I am single handedly raising their children. For the last few years I got a special personal gift, and not the generic gift.

My feelings were hurt. This is a very intimate position in the service industry.
Anonymous
Post 12/31/2015 04:26     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Anonymous wrote:Ive been with my NF since early March, full time. I received no bonus. I received no extra time off, only Christmas Day and New Years Day, as specified in my contract; I am working my normal 8am-5:30pm shift every other day, including Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, even though MB has had that entire time off work, and DB has been off work most of those days as well. I was given a small gift, which they likely spent about $40 or so for, but I am shocked I didn't get any bonus or even a gift card.

I feel completely blind-sided by this. MB and DB have always showered me with praise; we had a meeting at the six month mark (September) and they had nothing but good things to say about my performance. I work my butt off for their family. They are not super wealthy, but I know they could afford to give me a bonus; MB has spent most of her time off the past week shopping and going to the spa. Even $100 cash would've been greatly appreciated, or the gift I received plus $50-- of course, anything would've been better than nothing!

MB and DB told me when they hired me they wanted me to commit long term; they continue to mention in conversation about how they hope I never move away; they want me to be a part of their family for a very long time, etc. I've mostly enjoyed working for them and I really did think I would stay long term, but the way I've been treated over these holidays has me considering my options :/


I hate your attitude. Some years at work I don't get a bonus. My company is publicly traded so I can look up how the company did, but just because they did well, it doesn't mean "they have money to give me" for a bonus. For all I know they're planning to expand into another country, acquire another, smaller company, etc. For all you know, your boss's company has rumors of layoffs, or they've just had a talk with a sibling about a senior citizen parent needing a nursing home or more care, or they're thinking of adding to their family.

Right now I am in Europe with my family for the holidays. Except I'm logging in remotely to work from "home" each day. I'm keeping odd hours (for here) to keep up with what's going on in my home office and be responsive to my team. Not everyone gets Christmas Eve day and NYE day off. You're not owed more time off than is specified in your contract. A friend of mine thinks i'm always on vacation. While it's true I travel a lot, he doesn't realize I'm working most of the places I go. Even when it's defined vacation I probably work half the time. You didn't get "nothing." You got a gift. Just because it's not what you want or as much as you want, don't dismiss it as nothing.
Anonymous
Post 12/31/2015 01:00     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Ive been with my NF since early March, full time. I received no bonus. I received no extra time off, only Christmas Day and New Years Day, as specified in my contract; I am working my normal 8am-5:30pm shift every other day, including Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, even though MB has had that entire time off work, and DB has been off work most of those days as well. I was given a small gift, which they likely spent about $40 or so for, but I am shocked I didn't get any bonus or even a gift card.

I feel completely blind-sided by this. MB and DB have always showered me with praise; we had a meeting at the six month mark (September) and they had nothing but good things to say about my performance. I work my butt off for their family. They are not super wealthy, but I know they could afford to give me a bonus; MB has spent most of her time off the past week shopping and going to the spa. Even $100 cash would've been greatly appreciated, or the gift I received plus $50-- of course, anything would've been better than nothing!

MB and DB told me when they hired me they wanted me to commit long term; they continue to mention in conversation about how they hope I never move away; they want me to be a part of their family for a very long time, etc. I've mostly enjoyed working for them and I really did think I would stay long term, but the way I've been treated over these holidays has me considering my options :/
Anonymous
Post 12/30/2015 22:58     Subject: Re:Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
I work 40 hours/week and was given a $500 bonus, plus a nice bottle of wine and a gift card to a store I like.

No extra time off, and certainly not a full week's pay, but I am happy with the gift!
Anonymous
Post 12/30/2015 14:09     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Part-time nanny 15 hours a week
2 weeks paid time off, card with $50 and since my birthday is close to Christmas, a birthday card with $30 gift card. May not seem much but this family is a good one, both in words and actions. Employed since July.
Anonymous
Post 12/30/2015 12:54     Subject: Re:Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Just began this job in September received $1000 plus 1 week paid vacation.i honestly didn't expect that greatly appreciated that!
Anonymous
Post 12/30/2015 10:22     Subject: Re:Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
$500 bonus
Kokopelli necklace (I'm obsessed with Kokopelli)
earrings with wolves (I love wolves)
bracelet (Kokopelli)
oversized wine glass with funny saying (they know I love wine)
coffee mug with a funny saying
another coffee mug that looks like a medicine cup (funny)
wine bottle stopper (with sugar skull - love it!!)
hoodie from a place we go a lot
pillow (devil emoji, I text that often and post on FB)
skull shot glasses (paranormal is my passion)

+ various items from grandma (MB's mom) from out of state. She sent me some little things in a package, each thing thoughtfully chosen.


I gave them some pretty cool things too.

Anonymous
Post 12/30/2015 08:25     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
$200 gift card and a gift - the same as last year.

I've been a nanny for several years and I've yet to encounter a family who actually gives any kind of holiday bonus, not to mention a full week of bonus pay. Would be nice.
Anonymous
Post 12/29/2015 20:03     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Been working part time (30 hours) for this family for 3 months, and they gave me chocolate and $100. Honestly unexpected! Very nice of them to do.
Anonymous
Post 12/29/2015 18:43     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Good god, why do all threads end in dissing nannying as a job...

I work 12hrs a week, so I got a week's worth of pay and some nice hand and face creams that the MB knows I like, and a lovely card.
Anonymous
Post 12/29/2015 14:22     Subject: Spill! Nannies, what did you get for Christmas?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:As an MB I just so love how nannies always want to be considered professionals with all the perks and protections of a real job yet they still want all the nanny benefits of being able to take off anytime they want for stupid things, getting huge bonuses and gifts because their bosses should love them, constant pats on the back and "thank you"s, etc.

Hint: Professional jobs don't offer constant praise for doing your job, they don't get bonuses for Christmas, 2 weeks paid off as a treat, Apple Watches and spa retreats, etc.


It depends on the job. My father is a CFO. The company's owner is very effusive with praise, gives bonuses to everyone in the company commensurate with job performance, they all get a minimum of 3 weeks vacation (my father doesn't have a cap, and I count myself lucky if he takes 1 month). Oh, and gifts? Hmmm, the owner gave away $20k at the holiday party in cash, the holiday party for the company topped $100k (not including gifts), and he recently gave a brand new car to someone who had been with the company for a long time. If you aren't treated well in your job, find another job. Leave the nannies alone who work for families who value the people who truly care for and love their children.


Yes, I'm sure out of the 3 billions jobs out there that some of them will have crazy bosses giving perks, but lets focus on jobs nannies could get, no manager at McDonalds or Whole Foods or Starbucks will be giving their employees iPads and $2000.


The problem often lies with those who assume nannies are nannies because they can't get any other job or only could get jobs with comparable or lower pay rates. It blows people's minds to know that some people are nannies because they prefer the profession, even if they could get "better" (higher-paying) jobs. However, everyone should be grateful for their jobs-whatever they may be-and not come to expect bonuses and gifts. Appreciation comes in many packages, and sometimes that just means that you do your job well and you continue to be employed.