DEAR HARRIETTE: I baby-sat for a family last night for the first time. A couple of weeks ago, I met the parents to discuss my hourly salary and the kids' schedule. Everything went well, and I enjoyed baby-sitting. My employers paid me in cash.
This morning, when I checked the amount, I realized they underpaid me for the amount of time I was there. I’m a little confused, because we went over my rate prior to last night. How do I bring up the uncomfortable topic of money to people I just met? -- Underpaid Worker, Southampton, New York
DEAR UNDERPAID WORKER: I’m sure you already know that the biggest mistake you made was to leave without counting your money first. This was a business transaction, and it’s normal that you would check your fee before walking out the door. Since you didn’t do that, the situation is more awkward than necessary.
The best approach now is an innocent -- but direct -- one. Contact the family immediately, and tell them that when you got home and counted the money, you realized that they had not paid you the full amount that you had agreed upon. Say that perhaps they miscounted. Then remind them of the hourly rate that you agreed upon and how many hours you worked. Apologize for not counting the money when they gave it to you. Hopefully they will apologize and give you the balance right away. If not, you will have to decide if you want to work for them again. If you do, be crystal clear about the fee before you begin.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)