I thought I had a bite!
It was interesting, really. I applied for a long term position with a schedule that sounded workable for me. However, after playing e-mail and phone tag due to a busy Memorial Day weekend for my family and the potential employer family, the prospective MB and I finally got on the phone together.
She explained their needs and we had a long conversation about expectations and a possible meeting date.
Then came the question: what was my rate?
Really? It was clearly posted.
So I tell her. It's two kids, one a toddler. It includes driving around and taking the kids places, which is very cool. I love a parent who gives me free reign on outings.
She insisted on paying $2 below the low end of the going rate in our area. She felt like I was a great match, but they were unwilling to go up $2 an hour from their anticipated pay rate.
No go.
I had a man contact me about a position in his home for his children. I asked the normal questions, what were the duties and hours and days needed?
I truly do not understand people. I mean, really. You want private care and you want to pay less than daycare rates.
He told me their family's expectations. Early morning, get older kids ready for school, fix breakfast for all, transport to school.
No biggie.
Take baby to scheduled classes, like music. Do educational activities with baby. Pick up child who goes to school half day, fix lunch, put kids down for naps, do laundry, change all beds, sweep, vacuum. Get kids up, pick up older child from school come home, help with homework, start dinner, play with kids (no tv). Some grocery errands as needed.
Possible that some nights I would need to stay to put kids to bed, in which case I would be responsible for baths and making sure backpacks and lunches were in order for the next day for the school aged kids.
Pay? $200-$250 a week. Oh, and no gas reimbursement for trips unless I drove more than 10 miles in a single trip.
Never mind that I could easily go over 10 miles a day in all the little single trips combined together.
Oh, and they had a dog who was their 'baby' before their kids came along. Any nanny taking the job would need to be willing to treat DOG as the first child and given as much attention as the kids so she didn't feel left out.
YES. I SWEAR TO YOU. The DOG!
What do you think I said to THAT fine offer?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Job Seeking
Wow, has it really been months since I last updated?
A lot going on in my nanny world! I am officially looking for employment again. the family I worked for won't need me again until Fall, and even then my hours will be way down from before because both boys will be in school most of the week. I've told former MB that if I find a job that allows me to work the one day a week they will need me, that I will do so. But in the meantime, I am looking for more full time work.
I was planning to just take the summer off, and am looking for jobs that have start dates for mid August or Fall. I can afford to do that, as my husband is the main wage earner and we can live quite comfortably on his income alone. However, I came across a job 2 weeks ago that was too good to pass up, that had a start date of immediately, so I applied and interviewed for this job.
The funny thing is, this couple ended up taking a much, much cheaper option of in home daycare. These were people offering between $32000 - $38000 a year for a nanny working 25-40 hours! When we got into the discussion about what is required tax-wise, etc, this corporate executive mother got very confused. Seriously, she abandoned a private nanny over the issue of employer taxes for an unlicensed in-home center that is now costing her probably about $4000 a year?!??!!
My mind is boggled.
But nevermind that......
This has lent me to now kick around the idea of actively seeking for summer, altho I am still not certain I wanna work during summer. The hours and pay would just have to be right, and I am lucky enough to be picky and wait.
Another note: I had a woman pursuing me on a care site, and the hours sounded good. The start date was mid-August, also good. So, in interest, I sent back a reply to this woman's request asking for more details, including that of her pay.
She wrote back giving me all the details I had asked for, except the one about pay.
Now, I am not trying to be a biddy. But with gas prices the way they are, I don't see any need to waste anyone's time on setting up interviews and getting hopes up when something that is a deal breaker can be noted upfront. I am efficient like that, and I admit not everyone appreciates it! When initially corresponding, I make certain the hours, days and pay specifically match up between us or I see no sense in wasting anyone's time. I've been tangled up with too many parents who say things to get me 'in', only to switch the game around to something I very clearly do not want. Like with the Indian couple who pursued me and said they would be flexible and all when I stated that it didn't seem the hours they needed a nanny matched what I wanted in a schedule. Once they got me 'in' tho.....they changed all of that, Added on hours and lessened pay.
Ummmm.....no.
IMO, all of that can be avoided. I believe in communicating clearly. In the case of this mother who didn't answer my question, I wrote her back again and told her everything she said sounded good. However, my minimum charge was X, and that was solely for the care of the baby and the cleaning associated only with my being there (meaning I clean up the messes baby and I made while there). If she wanted extra housework, laundry, etc, the charge would be more. I asked her, was this within her range?
I never heard back. Oh well.
Another family, just a few weeks ago, also started pursuing me. I asked the father (who contacted me) for details. Days, hours? He simply said, "8 hours a day 5 days a week"
Well, THAT told me NOTHING. Not to mention, my former family knew of this family and sorta gave the advice to steer clear of them. So I did not write this guy back when he clearly did not answer my question for details.
He then wrote again. I told him it didn't appear as if my needs matched what they needed.
So then he had his wife email me. She was a tad more sociable, it seemed. I basically told her 'no'.
But then I changed my mind, and they had already found someone else!! LOL
Oh well again.
So, anyway, that is my update. I'll keep ya posted on the interesting stories as they happen!
A lot going on in my nanny world! I am officially looking for employment again. the family I worked for won't need me again until Fall, and even then my hours will be way down from before because both boys will be in school most of the week. I've told former MB that if I find a job that allows me to work the one day a week they will need me, that I will do so. But in the meantime, I am looking for more full time work.
I was planning to just take the summer off, and am looking for jobs that have start dates for mid August or Fall. I can afford to do that, as my husband is the main wage earner and we can live quite comfortably on his income alone. However, I came across a job 2 weeks ago that was too good to pass up, that had a start date of immediately, so I applied and interviewed for this job.
The funny thing is, this couple ended up taking a much, much cheaper option of in home daycare. These were people offering between $32000 - $38000 a year for a nanny working 25-40 hours! When we got into the discussion about what is required tax-wise, etc, this corporate executive mother got very confused. Seriously, she abandoned a private nanny over the issue of employer taxes for an unlicensed in-home center that is now costing her probably about $4000 a year?!??!!
My mind is boggled.
But nevermind that......
This has lent me to now kick around the idea of actively seeking for summer, altho I am still not certain I wanna work during summer. The hours and pay would just have to be right, and I am lucky enough to be picky and wait.
Another note: I had a woman pursuing me on a care site, and the hours sounded good. The start date was mid-August, also good. So, in interest, I sent back a reply to this woman's request asking for more details, including that of her pay.
She wrote back giving me all the details I had asked for, except the one about pay.
Now, I am not trying to be a biddy. But with gas prices the way they are, I don't see any need to waste anyone's time on setting up interviews and getting hopes up when something that is a deal breaker can be noted upfront. I am efficient like that, and I admit not everyone appreciates it! When initially corresponding, I make certain the hours, days and pay specifically match up between us or I see no sense in wasting anyone's time. I've been tangled up with too many parents who say things to get me 'in', only to switch the game around to something I very clearly do not want. Like with the Indian couple who pursued me and said they would be flexible and all when I stated that it didn't seem the hours they needed a nanny matched what I wanted in a schedule. Once they got me 'in' tho.....they changed all of that, Added on hours and lessened pay.
Ummmm.....no.
IMO, all of that can be avoided. I believe in communicating clearly. In the case of this mother who didn't answer my question, I wrote her back again and told her everything she said sounded good. However, my minimum charge was X, and that was solely for the care of the baby and the cleaning associated only with my being there (meaning I clean up the messes baby and I made while there). If she wanted extra housework, laundry, etc, the charge would be more. I asked her, was this within her range?
I never heard back. Oh well.
Another family, just a few weeks ago, also started pursuing me. I asked the father (who contacted me) for details. Days, hours? He simply said, "8 hours a day 5 days a week"
Well, THAT told me NOTHING. Not to mention, my former family knew of this family and sorta gave the advice to steer clear of them. So I did not write this guy back when he clearly did not answer my question for details.
He then wrote again. I told him it didn't appear as if my needs matched what they needed.
So then he had his wife email me. She was a tad more sociable, it seemed. I basically told her 'no'.
But then I changed my mind, and they had already found someone else!! LOL
Oh well again.
So, anyway, that is my update. I'll keep ya posted on the interesting stories as they happen!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day!
Life has been busy, both in the job and outside the job! I haven't had much time to update!
What we're doing today? The sun is out (finally) and the weather may be slightly decent. Besides going out and soaking in some much needed rays, we plan to cook today! Here is one of our cooking projects - http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/heart-tarts-975751/
And for Momma, the boys and I are going to make some chocolate covered strawberries to go with their handmade cards. So, busy day planned!!!
Happy Valentines Day to everyone! I'd be interested in what fun you have planned for your charges!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Just a Job?
It's tough out there.
Hubby and I were talking about the competition in the nanny field vs years ago, before the internet. Sure, you could go through an agency or newspaper ad, but you couldn't just daily browse ads with ease and 'shop around', so to speak, as you can easily do today. I would imagine for parents that it is exceedingly frightening to know the nanny you love could up and leave at any moment because she found something that pays better, is closer, or has a better schedule/duties for the money. (on the same note, maybe many don't really care.)
Not all nannies are looking for 'something better', so to speak. Sometimes, jobs will fall in their laps because a parent looking will see a profile.
The parents, of course, have a plethora of nannies to choose from. But they have an extra burden, one that nannies carry as well but not to the degree, and with the same implications, as parents do. It's the finding someone with whom your children will be safe. Someone who will not neglect your children, or treat them badly.
This is the problem, I think, with simply seeing your nanny job as a means to an end, or as strictly a business relationship. (or, from the parents' end, simply seeing your nanny as a common house servant). Dadboss and I had this discussion just last week. I was telling him that I have seen some nannies who seem to merely view their position as a 'job'. Oh, they may do their 'job' well. But it's just that - a job. And the relationship with the family, or at least the parents, is pretty impersonal and businesslike. I believe that, of course, there is a business aspect to the relationship that is just that. However, one must find a balance between the business and the personal. For what I am doing as a nanny, I believe, is very personal. I am caring for someone's child, basically replacing the parent-position when they are not home. I am in their house, taking care of it on a daily basis, cooking their meals. There is a vast level of personalness there. It goes beyond just doing my job, and doing it well.
Maybe some parents want that, the businesslike relationship with no personal interest in their nanny as an individual, or as an important influence on the children and therefore the family itself. Seen only for the job she does and nothing more. Maybe some nannies are comfortable with that. I am not one in either category who would want that, as an family-service employee or as one who might hire a care giver for my own children. As a parent, I want whoever is caring for my children to actually care, as well as be skilled. And caring for the children that one nannies involves caring for the family from which the children come.
I read sometime ago someone say that nannies who think that families actually care about them are fooling themselves. They will cut you if needed, and won't think twice.
This is true in most cases. I don't fully agree that all families would not think twice, but bottom line is, people must make decisions in their life and sometimes those decisions are tough to make when times require it. This does not necessarily mean that the families do not care at all.
I mean, I love the kids I care for, and I adore the family. I go over and beyond for them in many ways, and they reciprocate that as well. I do things like that because I want to, because I do care how it impacts them. They do things for me over and beyond for the same reason, because they greatly appreciate me.
But if I ever had a choice to make involving the well being of my own children and family, then I would have to choose my family's well being. If there was a schedule change with my husband, or we had to move.......I would have no choice. It would be very hard, and I would be very concerned about the impact on my bosses and charges, and I would do all I could to help make the transition as easy as I could until they found a replacement -- but only as I was able.
Why are parents expected to do any less?
Yes, some do not care much. Just as there are some nannies who really do not care all that much either.
Hubby and I were talking about the competition in the nanny field vs years ago, before the internet. Sure, you could go through an agency or newspaper ad, but you couldn't just daily browse ads with ease and 'shop around', so to speak, as you can easily do today. I would imagine for parents that it is exceedingly frightening to know the nanny you love could up and leave at any moment because she found something that pays better, is closer, or has a better schedule/duties for the money. (on the same note, maybe many don't really care.)
Not all nannies are looking for 'something better', so to speak. Sometimes, jobs will fall in their laps because a parent looking will see a profile.
The parents, of course, have a plethora of nannies to choose from. But they have an extra burden, one that nannies carry as well but not to the degree, and with the same implications, as parents do. It's the finding someone with whom your children will be safe. Someone who will not neglect your children, or treat them badly.
This is the problem, I think, with simply seeing your nanny job as a means to an end, or as strictly a business relationship. (or, from the parents' end, simply seeing your nanny as a common house servant). Dadboss and I had this discussion just last week. I was telling him that I have seen some nannies who seem to merely view their position as a 'job'. Oh, they may do their 'job' well. But it's just that - a job. And the relationship with the family, or at least the parents, is pretty impersonal and businesslike. I believe that, of course, there is a business aspect to the relationship that is just that. However, one must find a balance between the business and the personal. For what I am doing as a nanny, I believe, is very personal. I am caring for someone's child, basically replacing the parent-position when they are not home. I am in their house, taking care of it on a daily basis, cooking their meals. There is a vast level of personalness there. It goes beyond just doing my job, and doing it well.
Maybe some parents want that, the businesslike relationship with no personal interest in their nanny as an individual, or as an important influence on the children and therefore the family itself. Seen only for the job she does and nothing more. Maybe some nannies are comfortable with that. I am not one in either category who would want that, as an family-service employee or as one who might hire a care giver for my own children. As a parent, I want whoever is caring for my children to actually care, as well as be skilled. And caring for the children that one nannies involves caring for the family from which the children come.
I read sometime ago someone say that nannies who think that families actually care about them are fooling themselves. They will cut you if needed, and won't think twice.
This is true in most cases. I don't fully agree that all families would not think twice, but bottom line is, people must make decisions in their life and sometimes those decisions are tough to make when times require it. This does not necessarily mean that the families do not care at all.
I mean, I love the kids I care for, and I adore the family. I go over and beyond for them in many ways, and they reciprocate that as well. I do things like that because I want to, because I do care how it impacts them. They do things for me over and beyond for the same reason, because they greatly appreciate me.
But if I ever had a choice to make involving the well being of my own children and family, then I would have to choose my family's well being. If there was a schedule change with my husband, or we had to move.......I would have no choice. It would be very hard, and I would be very concerned about the impact on my bosses and charges, and I would do all I could to help make the transition as easy as I could until they found a replacement -- but only as I was able.
Why are parents expected to do any less?
Yes, some do not care much. Just as there are some nannies who really do not care all that much either.
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