Bit cheeky?

[Nannybyday]

I'm a nanny currently in between jobs. I will hopefully be starting with a new family in September. In the meantime I thought I'd just do some ad-hoc work. A family contacted me asking if I could help them out a couple of days a week until I start my new job so I met up with them tonight to have a chat.

They put me on the spot and asked if I'd be happy to reduce my hourly rate, £2 an hour difference. My rate is clearly advertised on my profile so they will have seen that when they contacted me. I said I would go away and think about it and get back to them. They then asked me that if I can't reduce my fee, would I be happy to pick up/drop off mum (she doesn't drive) to work on both days.

Again, I said I would go away and think about it and let them know my decision by tomorrow morning. I can't say I've ever experienced that before, especially the travel request (maybe I'm just lucky). All families that I've worked for have made their own way to and from work. Obviously I've been expected to transport the kids around but that's different. In regards to my fee, she explained that she's still training in her new job so she's on a low salary (I do sympathise but I'm trying to earn a living myself). The dad is a doctor.

AIBU?

VERY cheeky. I'd tell them to do one. (Unless you're desperate for the money!)

Just to clarify as I don't think I've explained myself very well. They will not pay any mileage expenses if I agree to take mum to and from work. They expect me to cover the costs if I'm not willing to reduce my fee.

YANBU They are trying to factor her travel costs into your child care fees. It would be a no on both request from me.

Mmm that's a lot to reduce your wage by isn't it

That is very cheeky of them!

I would absolutely decline. If you agree to it I'd suspect this will be the tip of the iceberg of cheeky requests.

I would agree to take mom to and from work every day for an extra hours pay - that way they're getting childcare, you're getting mileage and wear and tear paid for and you're not losing £2 an hour

I would tell them you are not interested and look elsewhere. It’s very cheeky and you would not do this to most other professions. The dropping off idea is really cheeky!!!

I would be saying no (unless you need the money of course)

@Returnoftheowl this. A thousand fold.

nope

cheeky and insulting ....no way

Just tell them you are not in a position to work for them if they cannot accept your conditions. You are a nanny to look after kids, not to be a taxi for the parents. And as your rate is clearly advertised you just state that it's non negotiable.

If you can afford to why don’t you offer to reduce the rate by £1 but either say no to the travel or arrange a suitable rate you will charge for petrol if you’re going to drive her. Just an idea.

I would say no and don't engage with them any further

You can guarantee they would be a nightmare to work for and the request for 'favours' will just keep coming

Well, it depends.

How much do you need the job? How likely that you can get another one?

When I was a freelancer, my rate was always negotiable. You have no obligation to lower yours, but if everything else makes sense, you can choose to.

You hold the power here.

I would say no to both and look elsewhere - they sound cheeky af! They are wasting your time, you know what you are worth!

How desperately do you need the money?

Her travel costs are not your concern. It's insulting for them to ask you to reduce your hourly wage, for a temporary contract in most industries the hourly wage is higher.

I would politely decline. Sounds like the thin end of the wedge to me

I know it’s a short term gig but you just know from this they’ll take the piss in other areas too once you agree to work for them. Say a flat out no and say why. (Also a nanny here)

I would check with your motor insurance company.
Acting as a taxi service for another person might invalidate your insurance.

I think they're being a bit cheeky , if I'm honest.
You've stated your rate and they've immediately tried to undercut that rate plus add on a little extra.

Think long and hard.

You’re not responsible for supporting her while she trains. You’re a professional working to support yourself/your own family.

They’re being major CFs, but by telling them you’d think about it you’ve made it seem like a reasonable request. Just tell them your hourly fee is non negotiable and if they want you to drop her to work they’ll need to pay appropriately for your time and expenses.

Absolutely no! So rude

Very cheeky. You know what you are worth. The “dad” or “mum” would probably not take a pay cut, so why should you.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's cheeky!

I'm not desperate for the money, but it would come in handy. I'd be happy to negotiate my fee and possibly reduce by a £1. More annoyed that they put me on the spot and didn't ask before we met up as it just wastes everyone's time if I can't reduce my price.

I don't feel comfortable providing lifts. What would happen if my car broke down? I could easily get a bus to their house so it wouldn't impact my job but how she would get to work? I don't feel happy being responsible for someone else. I think that's fair?

It sounds like they can't afford you

Tell her that childcare should not be paid out of the mother’s salary!

I wouldn’t agree to the £2 reduction or the chauffeuring.

They will be a bad family to work for.