Commenting “The salary is not the power move you think it is.
Every time a nanny job with a salary that is below market rates or that doesn’t reflect a top-tier position is posted on Facebook or social media, comments often appear saying:
“The salary is too low.”
It’s understandable why these comments happen, sometimes the salary really is below market expectations.
But publicly commenting that on every post rarely achieves anything.
Let’s break down why.
It almost never changes anything
No family is going to say:
“Oh wow, someone commented that it’s too low. Let me increase my budget immediately.”
Families advertise based on what they believe they can afford.
If the budget is too low, they simply won’t find a qualified nanny.
And if it’s too low for you? The most professional response is simple:
Scroll. Move on.
Not every job is meant for you.
Sometimes families aren’t aware of market rates; other times, that’s genuinely the maximum they can offer. Either way, a public comment rarely results in a better offer.
It reflects poorly on you
Agencies and employers absolutely check social media.
If your online presence is full of negative or confrontational comments under job posts, that becomes part of your professional image.
It can come across as:
- Unprofessional
- Judgmental
- Chronically dissatisfied
Even if that’s not who you are.
And when comment threads escalate (which they often do), it doesn’t just reflect on one nanny, it reflects on the profession as a whole.
We want to elevate our industry, not make it look argumentative and hostile.
It can actually make things worse
Here’s the irony:
When you comment, the post gets more engagement.
More engagement = more visibility.
And who sees it?
Often people who:
- Have no experience
- Are not career nannies
- Are willing to work for very low wages
In other words, the exact people who do accept those salaries.
So instead of protecting rates, you may unintentionally be helping the post reach someone who will take the job for less.
Sometimes… it’s not the market that’s wrong
Yes, there are underpaid roles.
But sometimes the issue isn’t that the salary is “too low” universally, it’s just that it’s too low for you, based on your experience, location, or expectations.
Market rates vary by location, experience, responsibilities, hours, and other factors.
Not every family is advertising a high-end, ultra-high-net-worth, or specialized role — positions that typically come with above-market-rate salaries.
And not every nanny is positioned in the top salary bracket.
Silence is often more powerful than public criticism.
The strongest professionals don’t argue under posts.
They focus their energy on opportunities aligned with their standards, and they advocate for themselves thoughtfully.
This is not about discouraging advocacy, it’s about encouraging thoughtful and professional approaches.
Fair pay matters, and educating families about market rates is a crucial part of that.
However, public criticism in comment sections is rarely the most effective way to do it, especially when the tone shifts from informative to accusatory.
Translation of “silence” in this post: don’t argue publicly or leave reactive comments. It does not mean you shouldn’t advocate.
Anonymous comments may avoid direct visibility, but the outcome is usually the same. Public criticism rarely changes anything. Advocacy works best when it is carried out with professionalism.
If you do choose to advocate, do it thoughtfully. For example, instead of leaving a public, accusatory “The salary is too low” comment, you might send a private message:
“Hi! For reference, experienced nannies in this area typically earn between X and Y for similar roles. Happy to share more info if helpful.”
This shifts the focus from accusation to helpful information. Tone matters.