Am I being paid too much?

Question

My neighbor has a 7 month old baby and she asked me to be her mother's helper* starting next week. When I went over yesterday to learn the basics, she flat out offered me $8 an hour. I was shocked because even when i'm babysitting i never make more than 5 an hour. Will she be over paying me? If so, should i ask her to pay me less? What I do really isn't that hard and i feel like i'm overcharging her, even though she's the one who offered the money.

-I'm 14.

-I have lots of experience with babies (16 month old brother)

-I'll be there for about an hour 3 days a week

-I'll take the baby on walks, feed her dinner, play with her, and change diapers when neccesary

*A mother's helper goes over and watches the baby while the mom cooks, cleans, or just relaxes. The mom will (almost) never leave the house.

Answer 1

No. I think. you're 14. if i'm the mother of that baby, I'll do the same. Why? of course, you're studying and she takes your time so, she'll going to pay you a large amount to help you in your studies

Answer 2

Take the $8.00/hr. You'd be a fool not to.

She's paying you for your amount of experience, not your time.

Answer 3

Regardless of what we do in life (occupation), it is simply an exchange of money for our time and talents. The marketplace determines the value based on its belief of how well it can leverage your efforts.

In this instance the mother of this family (marketplace) has determined your time to be worth $8 an hour. She believes the time you free up for her to do other things is worth that much to her.

Just make sure you give her good value from your effort. In that instance, you are not being overpaid.

Answer 4

It is a good job if you can get it.

If you work 4 times a week (3 hours shifts) you will earn $96 a week.

Then if you save $50 a week for a years you will have $2600.

Wow that is half way to a good car.

Take it. And buy the kid a great Christmas present.  

Answer 5

she offered it so can afford it and knows your experience. Take it but don't spend the money foolishly. May God bless.

Answer 6

Try to see this form HER point of view.  If you ask to be paid less, she may be offended.  Since she offered the $8.00/hr, it is worth that to her.  She is not actually buying child care.  She is buying FREE TIME.