Hiring The Older Caregiver: The Money Issue
I wrote a post about hiring older caregivers several months ago, and after a recent experience with a family, I felt the need to write about the topic again. Truth be told, as a forty something who has worked hard her entire life, I must say that I am rather shocked at how families hire caregivers. That being said, I find it interesting that many of the responses I have from families either result in emails that indicate their lack of interest in my background or the fact that my contact info gets taken by the family along with a promise of sorts to contact me about babysitting, only to never hear from the family again.
One of the thing I enjoy about teaching is the uniqueness of every child and their family. Not every family wants the same thing, because every family is different.
I get that, but seriously. Surely someone with my education and experience would be someone families want to care for their children. I have experience, a degree and more. When I meet a family, it's obvious to tell that I am older (crow's feet), educated, established and have a lot to offer. For nearly twenty years, I have given my life to the field of early childhood education by being part of the teaching cycle (plan, implement and observe). I have taken courses, attended conferences and workshops and have mentored teachers in my career.
My career is my life, and I could change careers at my age. Only thing is, I can't think of anything I would rather do, with the exception of working at Sephora, or working for WWE. When I think about changing careers, I remember why I teach.
I teach because I love it, and enjoy working with children and families. And this is why I believe my portfolio is impressive, if I do say so myself.
Yet I also believe that because the economy is terrible (it is) and that life is expensive. In all honesty, I believe that when a family reads my resume or meets me in person, they may believe I am going to want more money than they can offer. They may see me as too experienced, and have a belief that I am going to cost too much.
Not even close. As an agency owner, I have interviewed people half my age who want, no demand money with minimal experience and qualifications. Some of these young women want top dollar with no actual formal experience, just barely out of college. I have talked with families and these young women are the ones who are less than flexible and often unwilling to negotiate with the family when it comes to hourly pay and/or salary.
When I contact families who are in need of care or advertise my services, I don't expect top dollar. I don't expect every family to pay me what I want, nor do I want an outrageous amount of money. I do want to be compensated fairly. Not all caregivers close to or over forty are expensive or want money. We love what we do, and do what we love.
The next time an older, experienced caregiver contacts you, see past their experience and background. Don't believe they are expensive, do take the time to get to know them and give them a chance.
One of the thing I enjoy about teaching is the uniqueness of every child and their family. Not every family wants the same thing, because every family is different.
I get that, but seriously. Surely someone with my education and experience would be someone families want to care for their children. I have experience, a degree and more. When I meet a family, it's obvious to tell that I am older (crow's feet), educated, established and have a lot to offer. For nearly twenty years, I have given my life to the field of early childhood education by being part of the teaching cycle (plan, implement and observe). I have taken courses, attended conferences and workshops and have mentored teachers in my career.
My career is my life, and I could change careers at my age. Only thing is, I can't think of anything I would rather do, with the exception of working at Sephora, or working for WWE. When I think about changing careers, I remember why I teach.
I teach because I love it, and enjoy working with children and families. And this is why I believe my portfolio is impressive, if I do say so myself.
Yet I also believe that because the economy is terrible (it is) and that life is expensive. In all honesty, I believe that when a family reads my resume or meets me in person, they may believe I am going to want more money than they can offer. They may see me as too experienced, and have a belief that I am going to cost too much.
Not even close. As an agency owner, I have interviewed people half my age who want, no demand money with minimal experience and qualifications. Some of these young women want top dollar with no actual formal experience, just barely out of college. I have talked with families and these young women are the ones who are less than flexible and often unwilling to negotiate with the family when it comes to hourly pay and/or salary.
When I contact families who are in need of care or advertise my services, I don't expect top dollar. I don't expect every family to pay me what I want, nor do I want an outrageous amount of money. I do want to be compensated fairly. Not all caregivers close to or over forty are expensive or want money. We love what we do, and do what we love.
The next time an older, experienced caregiver contacts you, see past their experience and background. Don't believe they are expensive, do take the time to get to know them and give them a chance.
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