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59% of American parents plan to spend more than $18,000 per child on their care expenses in 2023. Last year, this amount totaled $10,000. With such an increase in costs, it’s no surprise that some parents want to cut corners to make it to the next month.

Unfortunately, sometimes they try to cheap out on hiring a babysitter. From asking them to work weekends with no notice to offering $70 a week, these parents are attempting to hire caregivers with little to no pay or benefits.

Our team at Bored Panda has collected some of the most demanding and lowest-paying nanny job offers from all over the internet. Below is a list of parents who wanted the best for their children but failed in the eyes of caregivers.

#1

And Then There Is This

And Then There Is This

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Say What
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They think providing all things needed for the child's care is like a bonus or something?

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#2

They Couldn’t Even Feed Those Children At $100 A Week

They Couldn’t Even Feed Those Children At $100 A Week

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Jason
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This seems like a troll. Must work weekends without notice and pay. Also vegan organic food is mad expensive here unless you grow your own

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#3

Watch My Kids Overnight For Free And Also Have The Pleasure Of Renting An Overpriced Room In A Super Loud House. How On Earth Can This Person Post This Thinking They'll Get Any Takers?

Watch My Kids Overnight For Free And Also Have The Pleasure Of Renting An Overpriced Room In A Super Loud House. How On Earth Can This Person Post This Thinking They'll Get Any Takers?

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Say What
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So he or she is asking a complete stranger to be their kids' parent.

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People who devalue nannies' work might not realize just how much it entails. An article from KidSit.com provides an extensive list of 23 common duties that parents expect from their nannies. For comparison, a new survey has found that the average front-line worker has 11 tasks to complete by the end of each shift.

#4

Is This Real Life?

Is This Real Life?

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JoMeBee
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good lord, I feel bad for her kids. They'll be either little monsters or little mice dealing with this kind of parent! And who on earth thought it was a good idea to breed with her???

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#5

Full-Time Babysitter For $5/Hr For 4 Kids. Plus Cleaning My House And Picking Up Dog Poop

Full-Time Babysitter For $5/Hr For 4 Kids. Plus Cleaning My House And Picking Up Dog Poop

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Fat Harry
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My recommendation is to pay more than slave-labour wages and live in the real world. I'd love to know if these people get a reality check in the comments.

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#6

Always Amazes Me How Cheap People Can Be, Especially Regarding Their Children. Like, You Think A 3 Dollar An Hour "Nanny" Is Gonna Be Good To Your Kid?

Always Amazes Me How Cheap People Can Be, Especially Regarding Their Children. Like, You Think A 3 Dollar An Hour "Nanny" Is Gonna Be Good To Your Kid?

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A few expectations that parents have for babysitters include keeping their children under a watchful eye at all times, preparing meals and snacks, helping with homework, changing diapers, and giving medication, all while avoiding any allergies, sticking to a time schedule, and keeping everything tidy. Not to mention these extra tasks, like dropping off or picking up the children, doing laundry and other household chores, handling temper tantrums, and coming up with enjoyable activities.

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#7

In Search Of Someone Who Doesn't Value Their Time Whatsoever

In Search Of Someone Who Doesn't Value Their Time Whatsoever

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JoMeBee
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why did they even bother to have kids? They don't sound capable of raising a plant without assistance. Poor kids...

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#8

I Could Do An Entire Series On Just This One Woman's Posts In Our Local Group

I Could Do An Entire Series On Just This One Woman's Posts In Our Local Group

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#9

Person On Facebook Marketplace Asking For A Live-In Babysitter And $100 In Rent, Not Including Utilities Or Food

Person On Facebook Marketplace Asking For A Live-In Babysitter And $100 In Rent, Not Including Utilities Or Food

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sbj
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only people who would apply for this will probably turn out to be a psychopath

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In general, nannies don’t have to obtain licensing or have official education in the field. Most states in the US also haven't set a minimum age required for babysitting, and it’s up to the parents to make the decision for their children’s well-being. The only two states that have established the minimum age for nannying are Illinois (14 years old) and Maryland (13 years old).

#10

She Wants Someone To Watch Her Kid For Less Than $3/Hour, 40+ Hours Per Week

She Wants Someone To Watch Her Kid For Less Than $3/Hour, 40+ Hours Per Week

She keeps blocking everyone who comments telling her she’s paying poverty wages. On her own page, she charges $40 a night for childcare while turning around and asking for just $25 a day for her own child.

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#11

Look After My Child, Cook Meals, And Walk The Dog In Exchange For Living In A Frozen Caravan With Us

Look After My Child, Cook Meals, And Walk The Dog In Exchange For Living In A Frozen Caravan With Us

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#12

How Dare She Want To Have A Life Outside Of Being A Nanny

How Dare She Want To Have A Life Outside Of Being A Nanny

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Even though there are no official qualifications for nannies, parents want to make sure that the person watching their children is trustworthy and capable of doing so. Babysitters who apply are usually required to have a driver's license, first aid certifications, and experience (sometimes special needs). The most common degree among nannies is a high school diploma, with 37% of them having one. The second and third are a bachelor’s degree with 35% and a college diploma with 16%. An advanced education provides better opportunities for caregivers, such as a boost in expertise and a higher salary.

#13

Nanny, Chef, Tutor, Chauffeur For $2.73 An Hour

Nanny, Chef, Tutor, Chauffeur For $2.73 An Hour

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#14

Looking For A Nanny

Looking For A Nanny

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Ron Baza
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I right in reading this as “Pay us $900 per month to be our nanny”?

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#15

Not Even Minimum Wage

Not Even Minimum Wage

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Oddly Me
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is still bad, but better than others we're seeing.

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#16

This Was In My Local "What's Happening" Page

This Was In My Local "What's Happening" Page

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David
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For comparison, I made more money per hour working a part time farm job in the early 70s when I was 12.

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Considering how many responsibilities nannies carry, their salary is quite low as it is. Babysitters in the US earn an average of $17.50 an hour, whereas the average hourly earnings for a US citizen are $34. That’s almost double the rate babysitters get. Even 94% of qualified specialists working in this field find it difficult to make ends meet due to living below the minimum wage.

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#17

Woman Thinks Two Jobs Are One

Woman Thinks Two Jobs Are One

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sbj
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're earning £15ph it's not very likely that you can afford to own a horse

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#18

Experience Presence Through The Eyes Of A Toddler

Experience Presence Through The Eyes Of A Toddler

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StarlightPanda!
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like some advertisement for a tropical vacation or something - except it comes with a toddler.

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#19

Where Do I Sign Up? No Kitchen Access, She Says You Can Buy A Microwave And Use Their Deep Freezer. Oh, And Pay Us To Be Our Nanny

Where Do I Sign Up? No Kitchen Access, She Says You Can Buy A Microwave And Use Their Deep Freezer. Oh, And Pay Us To Be Our Nanny

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Thrillion
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is an HOA community? What does that have to do with it other than maybe you can't park at the house? I guess this would work if a couple applies with one the nanny/house keeper and the other working for pay.

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However, parents (when they're not trying to bully nannies into working for pennies) also deserve some sympathy. Families seeking child care often end up on daycare centers’ waitlists, and single or low-income households can’t afford costlier alternatives. That’s why sometimes parents try to hire nannies with little pay and unrealistic expectations.

In an interview with Nanny Magazine, working babysitter Justine Mattson advises families who can't pay for it to look into other options, such as “nanny share”. It’s a mix of daycare and nannying when two or more families split a babysitter's salary. The nanny watches the children together at once and alternates between houses. It’s a great deal on both ends: the caregiver earns more than they would for a single family, and the parents save on children’s care.

#20

Give My Kid All Your Attention, Be Available 24/7, And Do It For Basically Only Your Love Of Kids

Give My Kid All Your Attention, Be Available 24/7, And Do It For Basically Only Your Love Of Kids

I've seen a lot of posts asking for childcare at below-poverty wages. And a lot of the time I get it, childcare is stupidly expensive and yet it's a necessity for most families. But this woman's request takes the cake. The audacity and delusion are just top-notch. She has since deleted any negative comments to her post, but the request is still up.

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Amy E
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a parent, but I would be suspicious of someone who wants to hang out with small children for long periods of time for no money. Very suspicious.

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#21

$18 A Day. What An Opportunity

$18 A Day. What An Opportunity

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David
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bonus points for it being split shift and red flag that they keep their kitchen cabinets locked up. Locking one cabinet where you keep some alcohol / expensive stuff = okay. Locking all your cabinets = controlling freak show.

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#22

Seven Days A Week, $100. Don't Teach Them Another Language And You Don't Have To Do Dishes Unless They're Dirty

Seven Days A Week, $100. Don't Teach Them Another Language And You Don't Have To Do Dishes Unless They're Dirty

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Another cheaper option for parents is an au pair, a young person from abroad who comes to work and lives in the U.S. with an American family. They provide childcare and light housework in return for a place to stay and a weekly salary. Au pairs can spend up to two years with a family and get the chance to be fully immersed in American culture. For parents, they provide convenience and live-in childcare while being more affordable than private nannies or daycare.

#23

No One Wants To Work These Days

No One Wants To Work These Days

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Corinne Wheeler
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe I'm missing something, but a lot of these parents seem very keen to trust virtual strangers with their small children. Sounds risky to me.

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#24

Someone Posting Looking For Childcare. It's The "And If You Want To Be Friends When I'm Not Working And Fold Laundry For Me" That Gets Me

Someone Posting Looking For Childcare. It's The "And If You Want To Be Friends When I'm Not Working And Fold Laundry For Me" That Gets Me

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#25

Here, Take This Full-Time Job For $1.50 An Hour, Oh And I'll Need You To Be My Personal Chauffeur Too

Here, Take This Full-Time Job For $1.50 An Hour, Oh And I'll Need You To Be My Personal Chauffeur Too

I understand the struggle of having a not-so-good paying job, but personally just in this last week I've had four job offers in entry-level positions paying at least $15 an hour with the same hours. This is a big yikes. This was posted to the Facebook group for the town that I live in.

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#26

Sure, 40k A Year Seems Like A Reasonable Annual Salary To Be Your Personal Chef, Nanny, Driver, Administrative Assistant, Home Organizer, Housekeeper, And More In Los Angeles

Sure, 40k A Year Seems Like A Reasonable Annual Salary To Be Your Personal Chef, Nanny, Driver, Administrative Assistant, Home Organizer, Housekeeper, And More In Los Angeles

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Jes.the.Mess
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you want to just work and do zero percent of the parenting, why did you have kids?

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A babysitter is generally the most expensive form of childcare, and it’s necessary to pay them fairly. They come to the family’s house on a regular basis, and the parents don’t have to worry about dropping their children off at daycare. A nanny focuses directly on the child to ensure they have stimulus, are provided attention at all times, and are raised the way the parents want. They also do extra housework, help with grocery shopping, maintain an organized household, and take care of children when they’re sick.

It’s not something that is provided in a daycare, so when you’re hiring a nanny, you’re paying for a customized and personal form of childcare. If you simply can’t afford to pay a fair wage like the parents on this list, you can consider other budget-friendlier options like some of the ones mentioned above.

#27

Babysitting At 4 AM For $2/Hr

Babysitting At 4 AM For $2/Hr

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#28

Prefer Patient Babysitter, Unable To Pay Anything

Prefer Patient Babysitter, Unable To Pay Anything

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Jason
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Free child care not provided by the government or family seems like you are asking for someone to use your kid for something.

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If you’re interested in checking out more articles like this, you can do so by clicking here or here.

#29

$2 An Hour But Free Snacks And WiFi

$2 An Hour But Free Snacks And WiFi

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#30

Who Wouldn't Want To Watch An Infant For $1.25/Hr On 3rd Shift?

Who Wouldn't Want To Watch An Infant For $1.25/Hr On 3rd Shift?

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#31

Free Live-In Nanny Wanted

Free Live-In Nanny Wanted

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rullyman
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They would have a better time renting the room out to a lodger and then using that money to pay for childcare

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#32

Babysit 4 Kids 30+ Hours A Week For $375

Babysit 4 Kids 30+ Hours A Week For $375

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Jesse
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

how are they gonna verify tattoos lol, especially if they're in areas normally covered by clothes

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#33

Looking For A Babysitter Who Will Be Paid With Music Production From A Culty Church

Looking For A Babysitter Who Will Be Paid With Music Production From A Culty Church

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#34

Seeking Mary Poppins

Seeking Mary Poppins

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Libstak
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5 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What gets me here is she is running a cleaning company and you just know she is not charging less than $50 or $65 per hour for her services, what a crappy Hypocratic biatch.

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#35

Lady In Mom Group Practically Yelling At Us While Trying To Find A Babysitter Who Will Work All Day Every Day For About $1 Per Hour

Lady In Mom Group Practically Yelling At Us While Trying To Find A Babysitter Who Will Work All Day Every Day For About $1 Per Hour

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#36

$1500/Month To Be A Full-Time Teacher, Nanny, And Maid

$1500/Month To Be A Full-Time Teacher, Nanny, And Maid

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#38

Fantastic Salary Making $18,000 A Year Any Takers

Fantastic Salary Making $18,000 A Year Any Takers

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Clown fish
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get paid less than this and I have to pay all my bills and food. This one sounds easy

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#39

Maybe I'm Not Good At Math But This Seems Low For Infant Childcare

Maybe I'm Not Good At Math But This Seems Low For Infant Childcare

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#40

The Post Doesn’t Specify If Help Is Needed 5 Days A Week, But If So, It Would Be $6.25/H For 2 Kids Including A 7-Month-Old Infant

The Post Doesn’t Specify If Help Is Needed 5 Days A Week, But If So, It Would Be $6.25/H For 2 Kids Including A 7-Month-Old Infant

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#41

Full-Time Overnight Babysitter, Pet Sitter, And Housekeeper For $250 A Week

Full-Time Overnight Babysitter, Pet Sitter, And Housekeeper For $250 A Week

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Michael Largey
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gracious of them not to discriminate against the bi-lingual Muchas gracias.

#42

Wants A Live-In Nanny For $5 An Hour. The Entitlement Blew My Mind. She Deleted It After A Few Comments Called Her Out

Wants A Live-In Nanny For $5 An Hour. The Entitlement Blew My Mind. She Deleted It After A Few Comments Called Her Out

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Amy E
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe folks should look into giving their children away if they don't have time to parent? Not serious, but I really don't get why one parent doesn't stay at home if they can't afford childcare for such long hours?

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#43

Woman Claims She Wants A "Nani" But In Reality, She Just Wants A Slave To Take Care Of Her Household

Woman Claims She Wants A "Nani" But In Reality, She Just Wants A Slave To Take Care Of Her Household

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#44

Would've Thought This Was A Joke If I Didn't See It On The Local Newspaper. Live-In Au Pair For £2.50/Hr While Minimum Wage Here Is Around £7

Would've Thought This Was A Joke If I Didn't See It On The Local Newspaper. Live-In Au Pair For £2.50/Hr While Minimum Wage Here Is Around £7

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#45

You Be My Au Pair, But You Also Pay Me, But It’s Low Rent

You Be My Au Pair, But You Also Pay Me, But It’s Low Rent

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rullyman
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given how expensive London rent is, this could be an okay deal. A room frequently goes for at least £800 a month now. So if they were saying £200 a month with 3 hours of childcare on weekdays (15hrs a week, 60 a month), minimum wage is £12ph BEFORE tax and NI so that's about the equivalent of £600 a month after deductions. It could work for some people.

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#46

The Standard "Do Everything For Pennies" Babysitter. Needless To Say, That Was The Only Comment She Got

The Standard "Do Everything For Pennies" Babysitter. Needless To Say, That Was The Only Comment She Got

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#47

My Cousin, Asking For 2 Babysitters With Tutoring For Cheap/Free. Special Diet And Religious Requirements Too

My Cousin, Asking For 2 Babysitters With Tutoring For Cheap/Free. Special Diet And Religious Requirements Too

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#48

It's The One-Year Anniversary Of My Favorite Mommy Group Post

It's The One-Year Anniversary Of My Favorite Mommy Group Post

A little background: this woman got DRAGGED for about an hour until the mod pulled it (one mod for the whole group!). Then someone who is a nanny wrote a post so long it took up (edit: four) screenshots or so dragging her some more. There was a good mix of people defending her and people yelling at her. The "not someone too chatty" really killed me.

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David
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, "not someone too chatty" was the most reasonable part to me. I am an introvert and from time to time have been around people who need to hear their own voice the entire time they are in the room. To a person of my personality that is F-ing draining.

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#49

Live-In Nanny Or Room For Rent?

Live-In Nanny Or Room For Rent?

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Michael Largey
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, pay us to work here. Again, another reason to despise Chevy Chase.

#50

$12-15 For 11 Hours/Day With 3 Children Under 5

$12-15 For 11 Hours/Day With 3 Children Under 5

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David
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this is Egerton Wisconsin (only one I got on a quick google) their minimum wage is $7.25 and the cost of living there is lower than some places. So possibly that is not a horrible wage (not a great one either) but three littles can be a lot of work.

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