Needed Versus Earned

Raises; everybody wants them. It matters not if you are a corporate executive, garbage collector or letter carrier every worker everywhere expects, anticipates, and in many cases demands wage increases. Every year there are stories of striking bus drivers, General Motors labourers and sometimes even school teachers. Some of us beg, some demand and others use force. Regardless, we all want raises in income.

It always astounds me how self-employed individuals are held to a different standard than big corporations. Every year I hear of daycare providers who increase their fees and are met with disgruntled replies from parents. The self-employed are viewed as greedy for raising fees for products and services. One must wonder however, if these same disgruntled parents share the sentiment when faced with an increase at the Tim Horton's drive-thru to procure their first cup of liquid heaven. Sure, they notice the increase but they don't dare do anything about it. Why is that? The answer is simple - complain to a corporation about price and you are likely to be ignored. It's all about the bottom line and as a consumer you are at the bottom of that line.

Somehow, being a human being standing in front of a parent, knowing full well that you, and not some old men sitting around a mahogany board room table, are responsible for a fee increase changes everything. Parents feel they have the right to question the increase. But worse than anything are those providers who are questioned due to a perceived lack of need. There are daycare providers who live in nice houses, perhaps drive the newest cars, wear designer fashions and take frequent vacations. Do these providers need to raise fees to increase their bottom line?

Every January I raise my fees. I don't need to in the dictionary definition of the word. But nonetheless, I raise them. Why? I raise my fees because first, the cost to supply daycare increases every year and second, because I deserve an increase just as much as the next person. No, I do not need the additional income. I do, however, earn it. There should be no difference in 'needed versus earned' when it comes to fee increases. I hardly think Donald Trump needs my $400 per night in hotel room rates at his luxury golf resorts but that in no way implies he didn't earn each and every one of those four hundred dollar bills. He put in the blood, the sweat and the tears - in short, he worked for it and therefore deserves to be paid accordingly. And I know the Walton family isn't living on hot dogs and macaroni and cheese so they don't need that increase they slapped on bread last month.

When I was young I knew a sweet old man who had one of those cheezie, lacquered signs hanging in his entry way. The sign read, "The only thing I know about money matters is that money MATTERS". The words on that sign have stuck with me all these years. I have thought about it many, many times. I now know that money is more than dollars and cents. Money places a value on services and products. The value I speak of has less to do with bills and coins but more concerned with psychology and perceived worth. I raise my fees because I am worthy of that increase. And, in my opinion worth can never be fully compensated.

I raised my fees effective January 1st. Not a single parent batted an eye. Last week they all wrote out their cheques for the correct amount and handed them over with a smile. They "get it". My worth is important to them - and it should be.

Here is to day eleven and still positive!





For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca