Make Uncomfortable Work Talks Less So

Dear Katie & Kelly: I’m a full time nanny taking care of two school age children whom I’ve known their whole lives. They’re now in second and fourth grade. When they started school full time I figured I would have to find a different job because part time isn’t enough money for me. But my employer reluctantly agreed to keep me on full time even though the children are gone most of the day. I do a little light cleaning but it’s not enough to really occupy me or make me worth my salary. Obviously, I know I’m lucky, my worry is how long can this arrangement last given her reluctance? I keep meaning to ask my employer but I put it off as I hate conflict and don’t want to give the impression I’m unhappy or want to leave. I just hate not knowing. I’m pretty sure that I’m an Organic Structure.

Signed: Nervous in Nevada

Dear Nervous: The best approach given your procrastination is just to ask your employer about their vision for your future employment when it seems organic or at your year-end review or whenever you have your discussion about annual compensation. If you don’t have this sort of annual discussion, you should ask if it’s possible to have one going forward. Doing so should not create conflict as it’s pretty standard with almost all professional jobs. Just because you work in a home doesn’t mean you’re not a professional doing a job deserving of feedback and this way you have a guaranteed time when you and your employer both can bring up any issues. This way the conversation isn’t a big deal. It’s simply part of an annual ritual.

All our best: K & K