How Day Care Workers Can Negotiate a Higher Salary in New Jersey
It is really important that you have been working at your current position at least more than one year before you decide to request an increase in pay. Many people in this state feel that it is better to just take what you get. But if you feel you deserve it then you have every right to try and get it. The one thing that you do not want to do is be greedy. You don’t want to go for something too over the top. Make sure that it is reasonable. Remember there are plenty of other day care workers who are looking to do the same thing that you are, so you have to stand out. Also keep in mind that with a higher salary comes more responsibility and more work. So if your employer is willing to negotiate with you, make sure you are willing to do the same. For example they may inform you that in order to get the money that you want you have to take on a new job title, which will mean more work. Trust me, when I tell you that there is not one day care center in New Jersey, who will give you more money without giving you additional work.
Another thing that you may want to consider is going back to school in order to have more to negotiate with. There are many people who have chosen to take a few night courses in order to obtain a degree or certification so that they can advance on their current job. Some day care centers in New Jersey will even pay for your school. It may help to discuss this with your employer before you start taking the classes. Of course they will not guarantee you a job, but at least you will have a little more negotiating power. Another thing that you can do is offer suggestions on additional activities they can offer. Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. You can also try talking with the kids, and their parents. They may be able to give you some ideas on what additional programs that they would like to see offered at the day care center. You can then take these suggestions to your supervisor and possibly run the program yourself. So the bottom line is, negotiating a higher salary is definitely something that can be done, but it will take some time, and a lot of hard work on your part. But in the end you will be able to get the salary that you deserve.