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MrsBurgos09
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 915 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Childcare payment question
Ok so short story is we have been interviewing sitters for before school help approx 1hr help and after school help approx 3hrs. I was all set to book a young lady(19/20) and she just advised me that after discussing with her parents she needs us to factor her wear and tear on vehicle and the time it takes to get to me. She’s about 15-20mina away-15 miles..
So she basically is asking for us to factor in travel time I her hourly wage - which increases our expense by about 100 dollars a week.
Would you do it?
I understand why she’s asking but I feel it’s a bit much.
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Posted 10/1/20 12:57 PM  |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7612 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Childcare payment question
She wants you to pay her to drive to you? As long as you’re paying her a fair amount I think it’s kinda ridiculous. I drive 15 miles to get to work every day and they don’t compensate me for it. An extra $100 is pretty substantial.
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| Posted 10/1/20 5:04 AM |
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MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22132 total posts
Name:
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Childcare payment question
In the real world, she might drive an hour each way to work and not get compensated. If the driving is done WHILE working, then there is wear and tear compensation. So if she was driving your kids to sports while on the clock, yeah. But going to and from work?
Message edited 10/1/2020 6:18:35 AM.
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| Posted 10/1/20 6:18 AM |
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MrsBurgos09
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 915 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Childcare payment question
So her rate is 15/hr. That was higher than what I wanted but seems to be the starting rate.
I asked her to sign an agreement and it outline our hours and expectations etc. At this moment in time there are no activities - it’s home to school and back. Instead of paying from when she arrives to my home and leaves she is adding 30 mins before and after. In essence an hour everyday.
It just doesn’t sit right with me... for exactly as a couple of you have said. My job doesn’t pay me to commute. That’s not realistic...
I don’t think 15 is unreasonable. I am not asking for any chores or anything to be done...
It doesn’t seem like much but it will add up and on days that we will need more hours it will be significant... I feel conflicted like I’m being cheap but at the same time I think the request is unreasonable
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| Posted 10/1/20 6:38 AM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: Childcare payment question
I’d say no. My MIL does this for a local family to me. She lives 20 min from here and doesn’t get compensated for the drive. As a PP has stated, in the real world, travel is part of your job. As long as she’s getting a fair wage - no. Her parents are steering her in the wrong direction with saying that. She’s in for a rude awakening when entering the workforce
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| Posted 10/1/20 6:40 AM |
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queensgal
Smile
Member since 4/09 3287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Everyone I know pays $18 an hour for college aged babysitting. Also the hours you are seeking are choppy so my friend was paying $20 for that flexibility.
That’s probably what made her come up with this. Are you willing to compromise and raise her hourly wage?
You can stick to your position, I don’t think you are wrong. But if she starts the job disappointed, is she going to flake out or get a better offer and quit. I’d also be afraid the person would kind of neglect my child as “payback” in some way. I thought it was a lot too but we paid $18 an hour this summer to make us feel better about these points.
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| Posted 10/1/20 6:57 AM |
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Hopefulmama
LIF Adult
Member since 4/14 1014 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Ordinarily I would say hell no. No one is compensated for their commuting time! However since she technically has to make the trip twice a day (if I read correctly) I might bump up her pay a bit.
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| Posted 10/1/20 7:24 AM |
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LImom2EZ
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/20 2 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
I completely agree with everything the other posters have mentioned. Her parents are doing a complete disservice to her and are setting her up to fail in the real world. Instead of just flat out saying no to their request, would you be willing to give her a raise sooner rather than later if she has proven herself? That might help with any concerns of her slacking, like queengals mentioned. And if she does prove to be amazing with your kids, maybe she’ll be worth the extra $.. and if she isn’t, then it buys you some extra time to find someone else.
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| Posted 10/1/20 7:25 AM |
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nycbuslady
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 1063 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Posted by Hopefulmama
Ordinarily I would say hell no. No one is compensated for their commuting time! However since she technically has to make the trip twice a day (if I read correctly) I might bump up her pay a bit.
I hadn't thought about her making the trip twice. Perhaps in that instance I guess I could understand why she asked. But, it was still ballsy to ask.
Frankly, I'd try to keep looking to see if you can find someone closer to home. (Although I understand you're probably in a time crunch.)
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| Posted 10/1/20 7:38 AM |
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ap123
LIF Infant
Member since 10/10 268 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Rather than asking for a travel fee she should have just said she wants to be paid more. It’s hard to fill a job that requires a morning and afternoon to make $60.
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| Posted 10/1/20 7:44 AM |
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Childcare payment question
Hell no. No employer will pay her to travel or for wear and tear of commuting, no way. I wouldn’t hire her likely and would keep looking. Not for nothing but the “I talked to my parents” statement threw me. She’s 20 and cant determine if she wants a job? Really?! I get she’s coming back and forth twice a day which yes is time, it’s part of the job that she’s signing up for. $100 a week is steep just for commuting purposes. Maybe like an extra $25 a week for inconvenience. My old job we traveled site to site and were paid for travel between. So maybe travel leaving your house and then back in the afternoon seems more fair but not for travel too and from work.
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| Posted 10/1/20 8:20 AM |
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Mrs213
????????
Member since 2/09 18986 total posts
Name:
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Childcare payment question
My job doesn't pay me for my travel time to work lol. That sounds ridiculous. This would be a turnoff for me.
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| Posted 10/1/20 8:25 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Childcare payment question
What everyone else said....
When you get a job, the commute to work is on you.
If they send me to an office different than my assigned office- for example when I have to travel to the NYC office- they pay for my commute.
Otherwise, it's on you to get to work.
I wouldn't give her anything more.
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| Posted 10/1/20 8:31 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17789 total posts
Name:
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Childcare payment question
I think it's a bit strange to ask for wear and tear. I would offer more money though once she starts driving to activities - as she will be using more gas.
ETA - I feel though that most college aged babysitters make more in the $20 range.
Message edited 10/1/2020 8:51:15 AM.
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| Posted 10/1/20 8:50 AM |
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ap123
LIF Infant
Member since 10/10 268 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
I’m surprised by how many people think it’s ridiculous. We all commute without being paid for it, but would you drive 60 miles to make $60?? That seems ridiculous to me
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| Posted 10/1/20 9:18 AM |
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CookiePuss
Cake from Outer Space!
Member since 5/05 14007 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Is she expected to use her car to drive your children to and from school? If so, I would compensate her for that in wear & tear and gas. As for her commute- that is part of the job. If she wishes not to have to drive for a commute - she should look for work that she can walk or bike to.
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| Posted 10/1/20 9:19 AM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Childcare payment question
Posted by ap123
I’m surprised by how many people think it’s ridiculous. We all commute without being paid for it, but would you drive 60 miles to make $60?? That seems ridiculous to me
Then you don’t take the job. You can’t expect your employer to compensate you more because you’re taking a job further away from where you live. I can see if she asked for a higher rate as part of negotiation but to ask to be paid for wear and tear on the car that is part of your commute to work is ridiculous? Sorry that’s called the real world. Just like people who commute by bus and train. How you get to work is on you.
I could even get on board if she negotiated $1-2 more because of the driving back and forth to get the kids. Then you are using your car at work. And there is a mileage & gas calculation you can use.
Eta: I’ve been interviewing lately. Since I living in NJ but work in NYC, I always get asked if the commute is ok for me and if I can do it. Because it’s not their problem or expense on how I get to work.
Message edited 10/1/2020 9:31:11 AM.
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| Posted 10/1/20 9:28 AM |
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MrsBurgos09
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 915 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Childcare payment question
Thank you all for your insight as usual... I really do see a points as valid and I think all your comments helped me accept that there is no "right" answer other than what my family can afford/do.
I just have to woman up and make a choice and just deal with it...
COVID 19 has me all stressed as many of us moms can relate - trying to have a backup plan and then plans c-z all the while trying to work.
I appreciate you all as usual!
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| Posted 10/1/20 9:30 AM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Childcare payment question
Posted by CookiePuss
Is she expected to use her car to drive your children to and from school? If so, I would compensate her for that in wear & tear and gas. As for her commute- that is part of the job. If she wishes not to have to drive for a commute - she should look for work that she can walk or bike to.
Exactly! 
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| Posted 10/1/20 9:32 AM |
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ap123
LIF Infant
Member since 10/10 268 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Posted by Sash
Posted by ap123
I’m surprised by how many people think it’s ridiculous. We all commute without being paid for it, but would you drive 60 miles to make $60?? That seems ridiculous to me
Then you don’t take the job. You can’t expect your employer to compensate you more because you’re taking a job further away from where you live. I can see if she asked for a higher rate as part of negotiation but to ask to be paid for wear and tear on the car that is part of your commute to work is ridiculous? Sorry that’s called the real world. Just like people who commute by bus and train. How you get to work is on you.
I could even get on board if she negotiated $1-2 more because of the driving back and forth to get the kids. Then you are using your car at work. And there is a mileage & gas calculation you can use.
Eta: I’ve been interviewing lately. Since I living in NJ but work in NYC, I always get asked if the commute is ok for me and if I can do it. Because it’s not their problem or expense on how I get to work.
I totally agree with you that a commute comes with the job. My point was more that I think it's hard to find someone to do that specific job, so if the person you found lives 15 miles away, you have to make it worth their time. I don't see it as a 4 hour job, its back and forth and I'm surprised someone would do that for $60.
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| Posted 10/1/20 10:46 AM |
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CSK
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 892 total posts
Name:
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Childcare payment question
you're asking her to drive 30 miles round trip, likely 45 minutes to make $15, seems like a crappy situation. 2hrs invested, gas and wear on the car for $15.
Its one thing if you were giving her 4 hrs of work straight, you're killing both ends of her day and having her come back twice. Thats not "normal" commuting.
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| Posted 10/1/20 11:47 AM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Posted by CSK
you're asking her to drive 30 miles round trip, likely 45 minutes to make $15, seems like a crappy situation. 2hrs invested, gas and wear on the car for $15.
Its one thing if you were giving her 4 hrs of work straight, you're killing both ends of her day and having her come back twice. Thats not "normal" commuting.
I agree.
I'm also impressed she spoke up and requested what she wants. Never hurts to negotiate. Not sure I could've done that at 19/20.
Message edited 10/1/2020 11:56:03 AM.
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| Posted 10/1/20 11:53 AM |
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BFNY516
LIF Adult
Member since 7/20 1187 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Posted by CSK
you're asking her to drive 30 miles round trip, likely 45 minutes to make $15, seems like a crappy situation. 2hrs invested, gas and wear on the car for $15.
Its one thing if you were giving her 4 hrs of work straight, you're killing both ends of her day and having her come back twice. Thats not "normal" commuting.
This. If I’m reading correctly.
Her parents aren’t setting her up for failure. They are teaching a young woman how to advocate for herself and negotiate a deal that is equitable.
Message edited 10/1/2020 11:54:35 AM.
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| Posted 10/1/20 11:54 AM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7272 total posts
Name:
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Re: Childcare payment question
Posted by BFNY516
Posted by CSK
you're asking her to drive 30 miles round trip, likely 45 minutes to make $15, seems like a crappy situation. 2hrs invested, gas and wear on the car for $15.
Its one thing if you were giving her 4 hrs of work straight, you're killing both ends of her day and having her come back twice. Thats not "normal" commuting.
This. If I’m reading correctly.
Her parents aren’t setting her up for failure. They are teaching a young woman how to advocate for herself and negotiate a deal that is equitable.
Yes and no. I feel she negated that when she said "I spoke with my parents and...."
The wording is odd. I get what the sitter is saying but I agree with PPs who said it makes more sense to just increase the hourly rate. Personally, I'd probably just pay a lump sum for the week and then let her know that she will be compensated $15 per hour for anything over 4 hours a day.
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| Posted 10/1/20 12:26 PM |
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olive98
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/12 791 total posts
Name:
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Childcare payment question
She is going back and forth 4 times not 2. I think she needs to be compensated for the travel time from and to your house after her morning shift. So if this takes an hour, an extra hour of pay daily. This isn't a normal commute situation. Also I know plenty of people that have negotiated extra money for thier commute if they live far away
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| Posted 10/1/20 12:38 PM |
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