Inflation is really kicking my savings’ ass so I applied for a job as a caretaker for a 17 year-old child with cerebral palsy after seeing a help wanted flyer at my gym. I’m great with kids and want a fulfilling job that positively impacts my community so I go ahead and reach out.
Interviewed with the mom, told her I have twelve years experience working with children. She informs me that I would be the first male caretaker the child has had and that though they appreciate someone who can take the physical challenges associated with the position (all of the female caretakers before weren’t very athletic and really struggled with getting the child off her chair), they couldn’t trust me for things like diaper changes and bathing. I tell her I have a clean record and can provide several references to no avail. I’m insulted, but I think maybe they’re just being cautious but can come to trust me after some time passes.
Then we discuss pay: she offers $20/hr.
Context: we live in an extremely affluent part of California (which, therefore, is expensive as shit and why $20/hr would barely be pocket change at part-time schedule). I tell her I was expecting something like $30/hr but could go down to $25 if need be. She says no after discussing with the family’s personal financial analyst. I wished her the best of luck in her search and considered writing her a text about how degrading it felt to have my professionalism and integrity questioned as a man even after 12+ years working with kids.
Now I know why the flyer has been in my gym since last year and the position remains unfilled.