Babysitters Get Low Pay. Who Pays Babysitters Low Wages?
Why low wages? Is babysitting a job or career?
A few weeks ago, I came across a veteran babysitter, Doris. According to her, she has been babysitting for thirty-one years. And all her rich employers pay her to survive, not to save or invest for retirement.
Does it sound familiar?
Corporations pay low wages to many of their workers for them to pay bills and nothing more.
Here are Doris’ words.
“They (her employers) talk about my excellent work ethic and never take action to tip me at the end of the month. They pay me only to cover my bills for all these years. These people are selfish but want more from the people they work for. Thirty-one years, and this will be my last babysitting job.”
Is babysitting a job? Is mothering a career? Why both questions? The two are similar.
Get this.
I read about a recent high-profile divorce between Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner.
They were married for about two decades. The woman was the in-house mother (mothering) who worked at home with low or no pay.
She filed for divorce, and the man with income outside the home demanded that she leave their home. No, his house.
She refused, and the Judge ordered her to leave Kevin’s home before being thrown out.
Listen, Christine lived in that house for about two decades.
Was Christine Baumgartner her ex’s tenant?
Many of our babysitters are our tenants. When a babysitter’s term ends as a child starts middle school, they are relieved of their position without pension or stock options.
Christine made her case as a mother.
She complained about the kids’ accommodation and “maintaining their lifestyle.” Kevin Costner reminded her that the children could stay in their home.
Get this.
The house belongs to the man and his children, not Christine. He agreed to pay 100% of the children’s upkeep. Bingo! They have his last name; the children are part of a man’s empire. Always.
Okay.
Not all men or women play this game; however, be wise. Always have a recipe as a work-at-home parent if you don’t want to be homeless, bitter, or run to the court facing highly valued professionals.
Society values judges, actors, and lawyers more than mothers or babysitters. Look around or pay attention to what arduous job mothers and babysitters do, then evaluate their compensation.
Is babysitting a job? Is mothering a career? Why or why not? Join the conversation below.
Christine, the mother of three, signed a prenup written by a seasoned lawyer. Now, she is asking for more money — which may not hold water in the era of social media or court of law without a mean and expensive attorney.
It seemed she didn’t pay herself for about two decades. Was she working for free, for the man’s empire?
Too often, I heard this from loving parents.
“‘Oh, my children are my life.”
Really. Children are not parents’ life, and parents are not children’s life. Children tend to follow where there is money and excitement. Who wants to suffer or become homeless? Honey, even your children don’t want or respect a broke mother or a mother who fights for money in court. Be wise.
Let’s see.
Why did Doris babysit for thirty-one years and expect her wealthy employers to foot her retirement? Typical rich people think differently and usually spend money on things that multiply their money. Not babysitting.
Is that not sad?
Why didn’t Christine pay herself for almost two decades?
Listen.
My former colleague, Molly, divorced many years ago and didn’t hire a lawyer or fight for money.
She stayed home for nine years to raise her four children. For nine years, she stayed home; she paid herself ten percent of her spouse’s income and thirty percent of his bonuses. The money was in her personal account and investment.
When they divorced, she had more money and investment to live a fabulous life. She used to joke, “I got a fantastic deal. So glad I didn’t waste money on handbags and plastic surgery.”
Molly got compensated for the difficult work she did at home for nine years. Is that a fair game? I don’t know.
Today, Chef fees range from $45–295 per hour. A weekly laundry for a family of four ranges from $100–250. People can determine how much their work is worth as a work-at-home parent.
Society and investors say babysitting and mothering are not careers. It’s our choice to help our family and employers, but don’t blame them when they don’t need you anymore or pay you peanuts.
In 2023 and an era of social media, your spouse’s job or income is not yours. Also, your spouse’s professional skills and job experience are not yours.
Mothering or babysitting is not a career with pensions, stock options, or bonuses. It’s a good vocation for self-fulfillment.
No condition is permanent. Enjoy your current lifestyle and be ready to adjust and adopt a new lifestyle someday.
