Community Chat

[ROMARY]

I haven't yet read the other posts. Knowing myself, I would call them every single morning that I was scheduled to work, just to make sure that I would have the babysitting job for that day. No matter what, just call them every morning. Tell them that gas is expensive these days. (Just in case they don't know......)

[Jannabelle]

On 6/26/2014 nygirl20 said: I went to babysit yesterday and was told that I was watching all 4 kids. I also had to stay 2 hours later than anticipated once again I was given no advanced notice. I was only given $20 more for all of this. I have decided to quit I just don't know how to go about this.

Easy, hon, just tell them you babysit to make money and you are not making enough to make it worth your while, if they offer more, be prepared to ask what you need, charge them a bit extra for their jerk behavior, if they don't, then you have done all you can do, I am sure you can find something much better, many people will pay well to have a reliable sitter ,

[raven-blackbird]

essentially...........you are a business...........and you need to conduct this babysitting job as a business.........I would definitely do an employment contract with anyone I was doing babysitting work for.........I would include, hours, days, and what charges they will encore if they "call out".......I would include overtime, AND I would include a higher rate for holidays..........you need to factor in your costs, gas, and travel time, into your charges, if you're going to their home...........AND you need to have a termination clause..........what is expected should you quit or if they do..............you have to be fair to yourself and to them.........so far it's not sounding like they are being real fair...................................................raven

[OnlyShopsOnline]

When my daughter was in college, she had several full-time babysitting jobs during those summers. She got paid on a weekly basis. If they didn't need her, she got paid for that time. If they went on vacation for a week, she got paid for that week. She was also provided with meals and a pool membership so she could take the kids swimming, and a car to use when she had to take them to various activities.

If people are interested in making you their "go-to" babysitter, you need to have a contract stating your terms, and what services you will provide to them in return.

If this is income that you rely on, you also might want to check out a "nanny" employment agency, and possibly register with them. They get a percentage, but they also handle the contracts.

[Love my grandkids]

So OP, what did you decide?

[CardinalGirl]

I disagree with saying you'll be there, only to either call at the last minute to cancel...or just failing to show up altogether. Either of these options would make you no better than your employers.

I think if you want to continue babysitting for these people, then you need to be up front with them. When they call for your services again, tell them you want the job, but if they fail to notify you again, they either need to pay you anyway or that your business relationship will be over.

You have to approach this problem in a mature and calm manner. Any other way drags you down to their level.