Wording, WWML Do?

[Deleted]

I interviewed on Monday for an occasional babysitting position for 2 kids here. The interview went well, but we didn't discuss rates, because I didn't really know what to throw out there aside from what I would like to make and neither did she. We agreed to each do our research and get back in touch via email. 

She emailed me back yesterday evening and offered 50rmb/hour (right around $8/hr). H and I don't need the extra income, I'm just doing the babysitting for fun and to bring in a little extra shopping money, but I don't think it is worth my time at $8/hour. I think the lowest I'm willing to babysit for is 60rmb/hour which is between $9-10 and still feels a little too low given what I've heard other people pay for babysitting in the U.S. 

She got the 50rmb and hour quote from a local ayi agency for what an "English speaking" ayi would get/hour. To me that basically means a Chinese ayi who speaks some English (probably not very good English, and probably not much), not a Western babysitter. She also mentioned how she had interviewed a Chinese lady and her kids didn't relate very well which is why she was excited to maybe have a Western babysitter for them. 

I also know that I made $8+/hour babysitting back in 2009, so paying the same rate 4 years later seems odd to me. 

I'm going to email her back and let her know that I'm thinking more like 60rmb/hour, but I'm unsure about how to word this. I liked her kids and the family and would be happy to do this for them, but I just can't do it for too little money. And I don't want to come off like an asshole. Hopefully I'm not being an asshole by asking for more money.

TIA!

[ralphlauren]

You are not coming off like an asshole..tell he no, that it will not work for you. You would like xx an hour.

[speckledfrog]

I take it you aren't in the US? It probably isn't helpful to compare the two then. Counter at 60 and see what she says.

[margotmacomber]

If you really won't do $8, tell her you feel that your English speaking skills give you an advantage that you believe makes your time worth more.  

[SKP82]

What Sue Sue said. You're not that far off. I would expect she threw out a # that was on the low side of what she was comfortable with.

[sonrisa]

I like Sue's wording.

You can't really compare American babysitting rates to rates in China. This kind of labor force is very local. You couldn't get an adult babysitter for two kids for under $15 or 20/hour around here. However, you should definitely negotiate. Sue's wording does that well while still being super positive (which people often require in childcare salary negotiations even when they are more objective with other employees).