Nanny Moving to San Diego....advice Pls!!!

I am a nanny. I make 15/hr. I work 40hrs per week. I would definitely ask for more plus moving expenses, etc.

NO -that is not enough for 3 kids that young! Quite honestly, you would be getting ripped off. If they sent those kids to daycare, they would be paying around 3000 per month with an infant involved unless they could catch a break on a government funded prek for the 4 year old. Especially if you have to keep paying rent and you only get one day off -why would you want to do this?

It sounds low to me. Here in San Jose nannies average between $12 and $16 an hour. I'd cruise the San Diego Craigslist ads and see what nannies and apartments average there.

We employed a nanny here in New Mexico for two years, and paid her $14/hour when she was live-out and slightly less when she was live-in since we paid for her housing and food. She moved with us to another city, and we paid for all expenses related to the move, plus gave her a decent raise.

Last year she moved to San Diego to go back to college (it was time for my kids to go to school too, so we no longer needed a nanny). She's working as a part time nanny while she goes to school. I just texted her and she said the going rate for a nanny in the San Diego metro area is about $15/hour for live-out for three kids.

So the family that you're moving with is offering you barely half of the going rate (and $8 is barely above minimum wage!). I can't tell from your post if you'll be living with them - but even so, you should be making more than $10/hour. What are they paying you now? It's up to you whether you keep your apartment in Lexington -- in my mind the family shouldn't be paying you more because you decided to keep your apartment. But they DO need to pay you enough for the hours you're working. And I could see them paying you extra for the first three months as an incentive to have you come with them.

Good luck negotiating!

Just say no. A doctor by me pays $20 per hour minimum for her kids to be babysat at home.

I would say no. Say that you will do it for a minimum of "X" whatever you determine the going rate for a full time nanny for a family here in my area is $10 - $15 an hour. So no way for 8 dollars an hour. If he is a surgeon he will be making enough to pay you. San Diego is mega expensive. I lived there in the early 80's. it was expensive then I can only imagine it has went up.

I agree! I would not move - even for a few months - for that salary. Not only would I ask for more per hour, but also might throw in some type of moving incentive bonus. I would want all this in a contract. What I don't know is the rest of your fringe benefits ... how much of your living expenses are covered, food, would you be living with them free of charge, etc. The fact is that they could probably get someone else cheaper, especially in the Sand Diego area, especially an illegal. They may use that to negotiate, but if I were you I would write out all the reasons why you feel that you would be the best choice for them, including the obvious things like stability for their children, etc., and do this before you talk to them about it. I am assuming that you like the job alot or you wouldn't be willing to move, and if so I would emphasize this as well. I would also discuss the fact that, because you cannot know if you would be staying on in SD for good, that you will need to continue to pay rent in KY. This would greatly influence the rate for any live-in nanny. I would also do online searches and find resources (including on here - exactly what you are doing) to compare rates in the area. As far as that goes, I don't really know what the going rates are. I only know that unless I was desperate, I wouldn't take that job for that rate. And I know that cardiologists can definitely afford to pay more. Good luck!

Sounds low to me too especially considering you're relocating your life!

No way! Especially with a baby being added to the mix. They need to give you a cost of living raise too. San Diego is EXPENSIVE!!!!!

I would say no. First of all they are moving to an area with a higher cost of living and should make adjustments because of that. $8 an hour for three kids is low in general. I used to work in day care. My advice, research the area, find out what day cares and private nanny services are charging in the area they are moving to. That way you have information available when you tell them you can't do it for $8 a hour. It can be something like, "well this is what all of these places charge, so I am asking for this". Obviously you know the family pretty well and the children know you. I'm sure if you show them what it would take to totally change to something else other than you, they should have no problem compensating you more. Hope this makes sense.

Are you kidding me? That's an insult! We almost moved and thought about asking our nanny to come for awhile but we'd have bribed her! Granted, getting to see San Diego for awhile is cool but not for $8 an hour. And that's a long week! If you're living with them, I kind of can see $10 an hour but they'd need to compensate you for the cost of moving out of your apartment assuming that's what they think you should do. That's not free. Believe me, moving and getting your nanny to come right when youre having a baby should be worth a premium to them. You'd be making their lives much easier.

I think you need to weigh the pro's and con's carefully. You will be uprooting yourself literally across the country to an area that may not be to your liking. Smart choice to not give up your apartment! Cardiologist income is substantial and the amount being offered is insulting. Even if the 4-year old starts school in August, there is still a 2-year and infant that will require care. You have the upper hand in this scenario and now would be the time to assert yourself. Add in your Lexington apartment rental amount and 1/2 day on Saturday. You'll want some fun time, too! It seems like a compromise is due here. Many people offer low and hope the person will take the first offer and they'll giggle up a storm about "getting over". I don't mean to sound bitter, it is a recurring event that I've noticed over years of carefully observing people both personally and professionally. Don't ever take the first offer! Especially if you are holding the cards! This family will not want a stranger to move with them. Good luck.

nope not enough have to tell them its just not going to work for that amount you need more money or they should go without you

First of all, if you decide to go with them, get a contract signed. I am a nanny and I just moved with the family from San Jose, Calif to Durham, North Carolina. They must pay ALL of your moving expenses and pay you additional compensation for the first 3 months while you are paying rent on two apartments. The cost of living is very high in San Diego and $2000 a month is nothing for 60 hours/week. A cardiologist in San Diego is getting very good income and should be paying you at least $3000 a month plus benefits for 3 kids. Do you currently get any benefits? It really comes down to what do they want for their children. Yes, they can get someone cheaper especially in San Diego. Someone that English is their 2nd language so will not be teaching any language skills that's for sure. Or when it comes to teaching the alphabet, numbers, writing skills, etc. how well can they learn from someone that may not speak very good english.

I find with parents a lot of times they want the best private school, the best and nicest home, high quality cars, etc. but don't want to pay top dollar for their nanny. If they don't want to pay you more than $2000/month, ask them if they would be willing to compromise value for something cheaper in the school their kids attend or the home they will be living in. Or, better yet, maybe they can drive a Ford like I do instead of the BMW's they drive.

Hope this helps you make your decision.

$2000 a month for 60 hours a week after having to relocate. Now wait before I go off. How much are you getting now? Is this an increase or a
decrease? I am thinking NYC nanny pay so I say not enough but not
familiar with other area of the countries.

In San Diego (I am from Orange County) that is not enough to live on. Rent over there will be at least $1400 a month for a 1 bedroom apartment and then you will have food, gas, bills, and of course you will need some extra money for whatever like emergencies or going out for fun. I would say you need at least $3000 a month just to live out there. San Diego is not a cheap area to live in. Good luck!

$8 an hour is not enough to survive on in San Diego. And, working 60 hours a week, you are giving up your life. If I was giving up my freedom for a family, I would certainly ask for more money. I think no less than $10 an hour. If they can't afford that, I would certainly give them the 3 months in San Diego to find a new nanny and then return home to find another job.