Hello! I figured Glow would be the best place to ask for job advice as a nanny. I am interviewing for several positions in my area and have found a really nice family that will need me to work overtime in March, over spring break and throughout the summer.

They own a horse riding guide business at our local state park so they're slaves to the weather. They stay relatively busy in the fall and winter because it stays pretty dry and doesn't get very cold down here (TX panhandle). However, the schedule during spring, rainy season, and January/February could be quite sparse (only weekends), yet they want me available for whenever they might need me just in-case the weather is good and they have customers so I wouldn't be able to get a different job to maintain financial security. I'm concerned about not getting enough hours to support my family (we can't live off my husband's income alone).

In this situation can I charge some kind of monthly retainer fee so that in their really sparse months I can still make a livable wage?? I was thinking 1/2 of what I would make during their busiest time. What have y'all done or paid or how have you handled a similar situation??

Here's my idea (let me know if it's awful): If I make $3000/month working a regular 42 hours a week (about 180 hours/month; such as in the summer). During the months that I work less than 100 hours I could charge a $1500 retainer fee to keep me from needing a different job? That could put me anywhere from $1950-$3200 during slow months with the $1500 retainer. Does that sound fair?