Do you have a nanny ? Are you a nanny ? I have questions .

My good friend was a nanny to three boys (all under 8), but she didn't do any housework and wasn't live in. She was payed $700 a week and they paid for her to go on vacations with them. That is the best I have ever seen.

I think nannys in general are underpaid for their work. You are basically functioning as a stay-at-home mom (although you didn't mention cooking, but maybe you do that too.) It is a lot of work, plus you are teaching their kid Spanish? A Spanish teacher alone working for an hour everyday with a child would ask a little under what you are getting a week.

I don't think $400 is too much to ask on your part.

However in the world of babysitting and nannying (which is wrong, but it is what it is) I don't think they are taking total advantage of you either, but you should certainly be paid more.

You said you are living-in, so do they take care of your food? And I assume you don't pay rent to live there (which I assume is a nice area seeing as they are doctors and can afford a nanny period) or have electricity/water bills or any of those basic shelter/living costs. Also, are you offered internet, cable, and telephone privileges while living in?

I am so happy you are getting out a situation that is not happy for you! And traveling! How fun! Just a few more weeks... hang in there

That probably is all they can afford. Residents don't make much money, and they've probably got serious student loan debt they're trying to pay off, plus the expense of children. But you're also right that when you don't make a lot of money, you can't expect to have a live-in nanny. However, it's just like any other good or service; people will only pay the minimum that the person providing the good or service is willing to accept. If you'll stay for $400, why would they pay more than that? When you tell them you're leaving, they may offer more, but considering their financial situation, it ain't gonna be $600 or $700 a week. I don't think that's abusive on their part; it's just all they can afford.

Now, if they're trying to make you feel bad for asking for a raise, that's a different story. My philosophy about asking for raises (which I've had to do, and it's never a comfortable situation) is you always have the right to ask, and your employer has the right to say no. But if they say no, you better be prepared to walk out. If you make a reasonable request for an increase in compensation and provide evidence as to why you deserve it but your boss says no and doesn't offer any other kind of benefit (like more vacation time, flexible hours, etc.), he/she will never take you seriously again if you stay. They'll see you as a pushover and will have no respect for you. So do what you have to do.
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I agree with your philosophy about asking for raises. I'm well aware of the students loans and other expenses. Residents don't get paid I know that too. It took me weeks to build up the courage ask for a raise . I have been very considerate of their situacion, but it was time to speak out for myself. What gets to me is that they truly think they are doing me a huge favor by giving me a raise , as if I don't deserve it , which I do . I got a $25 raise served with a stinky ungrateful attitude plus restrictions and conditions . It does leave a very bitter taste. I know it's a mixture of not knowing how important is to take care of those who take care of you. I'm the first nanny they have , second they simply can"t afford to pay the fair price. Dispite alI I choose to stay for 2 more months as I will travel overseas , It's pointless to quit right now as that will mean less money for my trip and having to find a place to live. Even when I tell them that I'm leaving I highly doubt that I will get any extra money just for vacation accumulated or simply for the service I provided in two years. This has been a life lesson for me .

Thanks for your reply