How do I ask my employer for a raise?
Hello, I work as a job as a nanny in someone's private home. I work 3 days a week, 10 hours a day for $270 a week, so $1080 a month living in San Diego. When I first took this job, I viewed it as a temporary position until I could find something better. However, since I have been working there (about a month now), I have really come to enjoy the job and love spending time with the children. The problem is that in San Diego, the cost of living is ridiculously expensive, and I support myself and another person. At my last nannying job, I got $15 an hour. At this one I get $9. Since I started working there, the mother went back to work, so I know their income is doubled, so I know they can afford more. I did the math and to comfortably make a living there I need $12.50 an hour at the minimum. They clearly like me because they offered a live-in position. I need to approach the subject of a pay increase, but I'm nervous I haven't been working there long enough. But I'm having no luck finding a better job and at this rate I'm taping into my savings and within 3 months the two of us will be homeless if they don't offer me more.
Comments
Are you going to take the live-in position? If so, maybe tell them, you would love the live-in if they at least gave you a small raise (10/hour or so should be fine if you're living in). If you want to stay as a live-out, then ask for a bigger raise (13/hour or whatever you want), but I would wait until you've been there a little longer. Asking for a raise after working there for a month is kind of unacceptable, in my opinion! See what/how much they give you for Christmas. Maybe they'll give you a really great bonus or something =]
Just wanted to add that I do agree with you in the fact that 9/hour is way too little, especially for nannying (and especially after taxes). I make 10/hour to babysit! I make almost double for nannying and I'm a first-time nanny (and no, I don't live in some rich city or work for filthy rich employers)
doesnt hurt to tell the truth.