u/TwoNarrow5980

Struggling with handling my relationship with a long time family after employment ends. Cared about their whole family deeply. We've hung out a few times, I've babysat a few times.

I understand life goes on, and I've definitely come to terms with that. Part of what I'm struggling with is wanting to spend time with them, but I feel low balled when it comes to babysitting. Part of me wants to accept a lower amount so I can see them more, but the other part of me is trying to balance work, life, and burn out. I am well educated and experienced and my services come at a higher price. When they asked about babysitting and I said my rate, they were quite surprised and had a reaction. I tried to say I'm open to negotiating, but they kind of brushed it off. Recently they asked me for a big job, I did a lot of research on my areas market rates, and I felt like I gave them very middle of the road range of pay. It's been a few days and I've heard nothing. I'm a bit hurt as I felt like I didn't give them a high amount, I gave them a range of what I'm comfortable with based on what they asked for. It was even lower than what I would have stated for other families, but based on our past conversations about babysitting rates, I shot lower.

My feelings are a mix of hurt and sadness of things changing. I enjoy them a lot as people. But I also don't usually care to do lower $ babysitting to avoid burn out. I gave them a probably lower to mid market rate for the big job they asked, and still haven't gotten a reply.

Do I talk to them about lower $ for babysitting hoping to see them more? Do I just sit with the fact that things change after employment and I shouldn't lower my rates? How have others coped?

I lived in Bozeman for 8 years before the pandemic. Due to family matters, I moved back home in a different state. I would love to move back to Bozeman. I know a lot has changed since the pandemic, but I do truly love Bozeman.

My specific question is: what is the job market currently like in Bozeman?

Where I currently am located is having many lay offs and the overall job market is during down. While my partner and I currently have stable employment, we know our current area is not the long term place for us.

My memory from Bozeman before was that while certain sectors were highly competitive, overall if you were willing to apply around and be reasonable with what you were qualified for, you could land a job. Is the job market during down in Bozeman as well? Are more sectors competitive, are certain sectors seeing more job growth? I know job pay hasn't kept up with housing, specifically in Bozeman, but has there been any headway in pay?

I want to tread lightly as I know housing is currently a huge concern in Bozeman. We are fortunate in that we would have housing available to us at below market rate, and could handle the pay cut "mountain tax", at least for a few years.

Any information is much appreciated. I love the beauty and culture of Bozeman and Montana, and consider ourselves not people trying to change Montana for what it is. Thank you.