The difference between helping out and being underpaid
We’ve all been there. The moment the parent(s) ask, “What do you charge?’ You freeze. You had a plan coming in to the conversation, but, ironically, every word and thought in your brain has magically disappeared. What do you do? What HAVE you done?
Five tips to fair compensation
Hi, I’m Kristi. Conductor of the lose your brain train! As a current nanny, former au-pair, babysitter since age 15, I GET IT. As a nanny, I’ve been on both sides of the spectrum: severely underpaid to beyond generously compensated. I believe every situation is different, but there are a few keys to success that I’ve learned and live by when setting my rates as a nanny (or one time babysitter).
1) BOUNDARIES. If you didn’t think this was coming, welcome to my learning curve. If you want something, ask for it. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised and also to have to fight for yourself. We all wish the first was true of every situation, but that’s not always the case.
2) NECESSITY. Know what you NEED to survive. You can’t go below this number. What do your monthly bills cost i.e., Healthcare? Rent? Etc? The point isn’t to have to have 15 jobs to pay your bills. Know your worth. Know your rate and run with it!
3) RESEARCH. Ask other nannies what they are being paid and propose your pay accordingly. Remember to take into account that each nanny is asked to do different tasks throughout the day/week (dishes, laundry, homework, etc). Ask around. Research the going rate in your city.
4) COMMUNICATE. Communicate with the family about your compensation desires and WHY you feel you deserve the number you’re asking for. You know what you can ask for? A trial period. 1-3 months of testing out to see if your compensation is fair based upon the expectations on you in your job. After the agreed upon amount of time, you AND the family can discuss potential change or keeping your compensation the same. This is allowing equal communication between both parties and a chance for everyone to be heard and valued.
5) DO IT. I, often, have to write down the things I’m going to say before I say it in case my brain short circuits. I remember coming to my nanny family with a number in mind, only to be shocked when their number was far beyond what I was going to ask for. (yes, I cried, it’s fine). As my little girl tells herself before she does something scary, “I can do this. I can do this.” And so can you.
Send me an email and let me know how it goes! Cheering you on!
