March 9, 2010: Vol. 33, No. 11

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March 9, 2010 / Brooklyn news / Park Slope / Parenting

One Park Slope nanny speaks!

By Deborah Manwaring

for The Brooklyn Paper

I moved here from Trinidad 21 years ago. I’ve lived in Brooklyn the whole time. The family I work for now has one baby whom I watch full time, everyday.

I don’t want to say what I make as a nanny, but it’s less and less. Everything is off the books. I’ve never talked about it with the family because I think it makes them uncomfortable. I try not to think about it. I got the job and it’s such a nice family, so I know that they know they should pay. I don’t want to bring it up if they don’t.

Brooklyn Bridge Realty

You know, with the economy how it is, I don’t want to be unemployed, so you have no choice and it’s really not worth talking about the taxes if it means being fired.

I’ve been doing this for a long time. Out of the seven families I’ve worked for only one ever discussed taxes with me. Parents are so worried about the cost.

I know I should be getting paid more. Maybe it’s just the problems with the economy, but I know they try to make it seem like they can’t afford to pay me more and then the next thing I know I’m out of a job because they’re moving to a bigger house somewhere. That’s what happened with the last family I worked for.

These people I work for now are so nice. They’re both professionals and are very busy, you know.

BoroDeal

I’m getting older and I know you have to get Social Security, but I don’t. That sort of thing, and health care, are a real problem. I worry, and I know I should have those benefits. People here are obviously making money. I don’t understand it. It’s not right.

— interviewed by Claire Glass

←Atlantic Yards: Judge in Yards case gets a powder-filled threat

→DUMBO: Scarano, starchitect of the ‘new Brooklyn,’ loses right to file plans

Reader Feedback

brklynmind from PS says:

I dont think this women understands how taxes work, while paying "on the books" may cost her employer some, it would actually hit her take home pay much much worse. Maybe that's what she wants and is okay with the smaller weekly check, but since she is also saying that her take home pay is too low, I think she should learn what the ramifications of payroll (and potentially income taxes ) would be. If she still wants to be paid "on the books" she should request that. It is likely that the employer would agree and actually just assumes the nanny would prefer cash.
Http://twitter.com/brklynmind

March 10, 2010, 9:25 am

Bob from Park Slope says:

This lady probably gave this interview while the kid she is paid to take care of ran around unattended. These Caribbean nannies are the worst. They drag these kids around while gossipping on their cell phones all day.

May 24, 2011, 9:39 am

Nutritionist from Jamaica Estates says:

Bob, i'm an educated, 28 year old, Nutritionist. My parents are from Carribean decent and I know many family members who miragted to this country about the same time this woman did. These women are treated like crap (by some families) and are expected to live off of salaries that can be unfair. Day care can be $300-$400/ week and for these families to treat these nannies like "The house help" is disgusting. So, Bob, don't group all of "these carribean nannies" together. Many of them are better than these Day cares, collecting funds.

June 20, 2011, 12:26 pm

chyna from brooklyn says:

hey bob from park slope that lady ur talkin about is my mom so back the hell offf

Oct. 16, 2011, 2:28 pm

chyna from brooklyn says:

this is a total fraud ok people

Oct. 16, 2011, 2:28 pm

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