I work at a homedaycare in Illinois. I've been working for her since August. Well, in August, I worked 7:00 to 8:30 in the morning and after school from 3:30 to 5:00 (Except on Mondays) She would have 10 kids, but only five of them were there at least half a day, and I'd make $100 a week.

Well, then, I ended up not going to school this semester. She has been using me now, usually from about 8:00 to 12:30, occasionally in the afternoon, when she's only got five kids during the day. I'm working more hours now, and getting paid the same amount or less then I was before!

She doesn't take taxes out, but I've actually gone through the background check, so, legally I AM an assistant! Here's the thing. I am lucky if I even make $7 an hour. And this week I've been more underpaid then I ever have before! She doesn't pay me payroll. She pays me personal check or cash, and times where she has more than 8 kids anyway, she's required to have an assistant. Well, I worked 9:00 to 12:30 on Monday. 9:00 to 1:30 on Tuesday. 8:00 to 1:00 yesterday. And today I worked from 8:00 to 12:30. I only was paied $80! EIGHTY!!!!!! I was even left with all the kids for 2 hours while she went to the store. I really want to demand at least $7 an hour. But, I don't want to ask quite yet, because I don't know for sure if she's required to pay me more. What do I do! I came home crying today over the $80 in cash I got today, because I knew earlier this week how much I'd be working and expected I'd be getting at least $120.

I feel like a baby but seriously being out $40 is $40!!!! I am really wanting to quit at least for the summer, but in order to do so I need another job. I've applied for about 15 jobs, and, this summer I am pretty flexible, and didn't get hired anywhere. Only one daycare was hiring, and I was very shocked I did not hear back considering all the experience i have. The plus side of sticking through until I graduate is that she is flexible. There's a small chance I might be working through family services 2:00 to 9:00 on Wednesdays this fall, and she's fine letting me have off. But this fall until I graduate in the winter my schedule (25 hours a week of school) is pretty unflexible, and I get overworked pretty easily. I'm going to have to have a consistent job willing to work around my schooling.