You just earned my respect

another article imported from my blogs. 


"You just earned my respect!" This was the statement of my employer when I talked to her about my duration of work with her.

At first, I was nervous to ask her upfront about my long hours of work. In my contract, I only need to work 8hours a day but with my employers kind of job, I work 11-12hours per day. I was paid minimum with my working hours but only for 40hrs/week. I wasn't planning to ask her about my time because, I am enjoying my job and I am already earning triple of what I was earning in Morocco but I still took a risk. I was afraid, she's gonna say no for it. Anyway, what I was thinking is, if she says no, I'll still do my job and if she says yes, it's favorable for me. I am not gonna lose anything so I tried speaking with her.

I never imagined it would be harder than I thought to say those words face-to-face. I have been only working with her family for a month and a half and it's like really not a good idea to talk to her about paying me more salary than what I was receiving. It was Friday night and I was supposed to meet a friend in the afternoon (it was my first Friday to work until 7:30pm. The past Fridays, I only work until 3pm) and it was postponed because I need to stay with the kids. That night, I approached my employer. I first asked her if she could lessen my working hours but it was impossible because of their (she and her husband) position in their company. Then, she asked me if I wanted to work for only 8hours and she'll hire someone to work the remaining hours or to work my usual time and she'll pay for them. I chose the 2nd one of course.

After that, we talked about anything. About personal lives, my plans when I get my open work visa and permanent residency (because, she had already hired someone from the Philippines to work for her when I leave after 2 or 3 years. Since it takes time to hire in the Philippines, she wanted to start now so by the time the open work visa arrives, she won't have a hard time hiring for my replacement). She said some words that really made me proud of myself. Some of those are "You stay what you are now and you'll be successful someday" and "you are the smartest nanny in this neighborhood".

She told me that she notices how educated I am. She said that other caregivers or nannies talk to each other about their employers and their problems at work. They never try to fix problems with their employers yet then they complain.

Before I went to my room that night, she told me that, "You know what Raquel, I may not like the idea of paying you more but at the end of the day, you just earned my respect!"

I was sooo happy that night that I was looking forward to my extra babysitting with her kids the next day (Saturday) where I was paid more per hour.

Monday came and I was hardworking than I was the past days. I don't want my employer to be disappointed of me so I am extra careful with all the things I do. It was Tuesday when she gave my pay cheque (the day we talked was payday). In there, she already adjusted my gross salary. I was expecting her to apply my new salary for the next payday. Only one thing I noticed, I am paying more taxes for my income (hundred bucks more of what I was paying before. I was only paying 48 before and now, it's 141$). Anyway, I couldn't complained about that because I am sure, I am gonna use those amount I paid for taxes when I become resident or citizen of this country.

I have learned important lessons during our conversation:

1. If you have problems with anyone, you should try talking it to the concern person. If you don't try to fix it with her/him, things will become complicated. Never talk about it to other people because problems usually occur if stories are passed from one person to another.

2. Apply professionalism in every work you do. Whether you are in a big company or in a small one. You'll be noticed and be rewarded.

3. Communication is important. if you are shy to say it in person, do it in paper. I was planning to write everything but I wanted to see her reactions (lol)

4. Know your rights. It is important that you know laws in the country where you are working.

5. Talk to people who are knowledgeable enough to advice you. These are the people who will give you honest opinions. Or read before you complain so you know what you are talking about. When I speak with my employer, I brought my contract and readings about Canadian labor law but I never used them. I was just preparing them to put in front of her if she says no.

6. Wait for the right time to talk to the concern person. That matters a lot because if she's in the mood, she will grant your request but if she's not, she will say no or worst, you'll be fired. I am lucky, everything falls into places.

I soo love my employer! And by the way, I am not that bad. I am working 12hours a day (7:30am-7:30pm) but I only asked her to pay me 11hours.