Hi
I didn't work for them before, that was a new position that I've now been in for just over two years, they are making me redundant so I'm taking the opportunity to relocate next yr.
I am paid top rate but my child's needs totally come second, he has to go to classes etc that are arranged for my charges, if he's sick then I don't get to stay home to look after him, I have to make alternative arrangements.
If I'm needed to babysit as I was last night, he had to come with me as my husband was too sick to look after him, meaning he wasn't in his own bed until 10.30pm on a school night.
He has hospital appointments at the mo but I can't go as too frequent for the parents to be off work, so something quite personal I'm not able to deal with.
I couldn't go to my sons nativity because I had to look after them.
He has to be up at six every morning in the holidays to come with me.
So as a family there are sacrifices that have to be made in order for me to command that kind or wage and be the flexible cover that my family need.
I only work four days so flex up to do the fifth or change days.
It's not ideal so they feel paying me the above is a reflection of the reliability that I have provided over the last two and a bit years, I've had two sick days (throwing up) colds etc I've gone in even if a sofa day for me. In their eyes they get the same care as someone without own child, they respect that I still need to provide for my family. I do everything I can to go over and above what's expected on a daily basis.
I take deliveries for them, liaise with builders, cook family meals, do some of their washing, don't charge them if they are late as I do get off a few mins early here and there, reciprocal overnights.
I've worked full time since he was a few weeks old and never had a problem being paid around the level I am now within a few pence or two. I've had some temp roles and then two longer term positions.
Hope this is helpful!