DEAR HARRIETTE: I began my present job through the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the moment everybody was working from residence.
This 12 months, my employer has requested that all of us start working within the workplace once more full-time. I reside over an hour away from the workplace, and the commute is extreme. The price of gasoline continues to rise, however my wage has not modified.
My supervisor is often accommodating, however the firm as an entire has suffered a bit by way of gross sales income this 12 months.
I wish to ask for a elevate, or not less than to be compensated for my gasoline now {that a} commute is required, however am I being insensitive to the corporate’s present state?
— Want a Elevate
DEAR NEED A RAISE: This will not be the most effective time to make your pitch, however you, too, are struggling. You possibly can at all times ask.
Request a non-public assembly together with your supervisor, ask whether it is attainable so that you can have a gasoline allowance. Be sure you go in with details: Calculate how a lot you’ll be spending weekly on gasoline, and ask for a stipend to cowl that quantity. That kind of request will seemingly be extra welcome than asking for a elevate presently, but when different staff members are additionally commuting lengthy distances, your pitch could not work.
An alternative choice could be to ask for a hybrid association the place you make money working from home a few days every week. To assist your case, remind your boss of the methods by which you assist the staff and transcend expectations every time requested.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My daughter’s childhood babysitter has stayed in contact with the household through the years, although we haven’t talked lately.
Whereas she was working with our household and lengthy after, she actually thought-about my daughter to be like her personal flesh and blood.
My daughter is getting married subsequent 12 months, and I’m positive her former babysitter will anticipate to be invited to the marriage. When my daughter was graduating from center faculty, we made the error of not inviting this individual to any of the celebrations, and he or she was crushed. I don’t wish to overlook her once more.
The caveat is that my daughter and her fiance are planning a vacation spot wedding ceremony abroad. I don’t imagine our former babysitter is ready to afford such a big journey. Ought to I pay to accommodate her journey in order that she will be able to take part?
— A part of the Household
DEAR PART OF THE FAMILY: By all means, you must invite the previous babysitter to your daughter’s wedding ceremony.
When you can afford it, provide to pay for her journey and lodging. In case your finances permits for under partial protection, let her know what you’ll be able to tackle to offset her bills. When you can’t cowl something, be trustworthy about it, however nonetheless invite her.
Additionally, make sure you embody her in any native pre-wedding celebrations, similar to an engagement celebration, bridal bathe, and many others. Chances are you’ll even take into account planning a gathering the place the babysitter can meet your daughter’s fiance.
Individuals who play the roles of caring for kids are particular. They deal with our kids like valuable angels, and we must always do something we will to honor them.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founding father of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to assist individuals entry and activate their goals. You possibly can ship inquiries to [email protected] or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
