Well it seems I have had it. I'm not quitting but it works out nicely that my hours would be cut so much that I would have to leave. So I'm leaving? I don't know but I have to say I will no longer be working for my family. After some thought I decided that I have the rest of my life to be somebody's mother and so after three years of being a nanny (I'm 23) I'm going to seek other non-child care related employment. But I'm stuck. I have my EC1 but that's it. No other education. I'm enrolling to begin my history degree but that will take 4 years. I have to work. I'm married and I have to help bring home the bacon. So what is a nanny to do? What jobs can I get? And how do I convince employers that I'm good at something besides changing diapers and caring for kids. PLEASE HELP!
Friday
Nanny Stuck in the Mud Needs to Bring Home the Bacon
Well it seems I have had it. I'm not quitting but it works out nicely that my hours would be cut so much that I would have to leave. So I'm leaving? I don't know but I have to say I will no longer be working for my family. After some thought I decided that I have the rest of my life to be somebody's mother and so after three years of being a nanny (I'm 23) I'm going to seek other non-child care related employment. But I'm stuck. I have my EC1 but that's it. No other education. I'm enrolling to begin my history degree but that will take 4 years. I have to work. I'm married and I have to help bring home the bacon. So what is a nanny to do? What jobs can I get? And how do I convince employers that I'm good at something besides changing diapers and caring for kids. PLEASE HELP!
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without a college degree, nannying is one of the highest paid jobs I've ever encountered. Otherwise your options are probably some minimum wage job. I'd look for another sitting gig while you go to college. Focus on jobs with older kids who are in school til 3 pm and try to schedule your classes for early in the morning so you can finish by noon or 1 pm. Lots of moms need part time help M-F from 2:30 on.
Look in to being a housekeeper/personal assistant. But without any college education or at least great networking, you prob won't find anything higher then minimum wage.
Two pieces of advice: You can actually tailor your resume to any entry level position as long as you share your experiences in relation to the job you're applying for. Want to be a receptionist? Highlight how nannying has taught you to be calm and work under pressure, stay organized and composed when the people (both parents and kids) are visibly upset. Both nannies and receptionists know they are helping an organization (office or home) run smoothly and they are one necessary piece to the puzzle. As a nanny, you have learned that calling in sick or being late is not an option, as that affects the parents schedules.
OR
what I personally did- I'm in college and I need about $225, or 15 hours a week at $15 to make ends meet. This is manageable in my area. There was a point where I had a bad experience at my last nanny position and was thinking what you are now- I don't want to take care of other peoples kids. So, instead of looking for one fifteen hour a week job, I got 3 to 4 different jobs. It worked out WONDERFULLY. Each of the families just wanted me for a date night or so the stay at home mom could run errands. Because I wasn't there every day, the kids were super excited to see me. Because of the nature of their outings, the parents were also flexible if I asked to change the time for the next week. Over all- the most stress-free gigs I've ever had. But alas, when school ended, I needed more hours and throwing more families into the mix would make things more complicated. Decide how many hours you need. If it's less than 20 and you're willing to work every Friday and Saturday night, I say look for 3-4 families who want 3-7 hours a week each.
Or a third option, look for employment with your university. They high students in the dining hall or libraries that are 18 and have no work experience at all.
go to a temp agency. get some experience in retail, administrative assistant, etc.
And grow up. You sound like an idiot.
I forgot to mention waitstaff... So waitresses make as much as nannies and you don't need much experience, just one restaurant willing to train you. The only down side is your trading one level of stress for another. I rather deal with bratty children then rude adults any day.
However, I will say in my experience that the less corporate the restaurant is the money your'll make and the longer you will stay.
Grow up...that was mean. Why did you feel it necessary to call OP an idiot? That was truly uncalled for. Sheesh.
Nanny S...
Calling in sick is not an option? We're human and we get sick, often from the families we're helping. I never work without sick days and when I'm sick I use them. If I have a cold or something mild, I will go in. But if I'm really sick, I stay home and recover. That's real life. Fantasy says nannies don't have a right to call out sick.
Are you sure you want to stop? It's good pay for a high school education. Maybe if you found a more compatible family, you would like your job.
You didn't ask, but a degree in history? From someone with a double major in French and Medieval History, I have to ask, what kind of job do you expect to find with a degree in history?
the fact of the matter is that the economy is horrible right now, and jobs take forever to find. And to people who are suggesting OP look for jobs in an administrative/assistant position-get real. Employers have thousands of college grads applying for jobs like that now, just to get their foot in the door of a company. No one will want to hire a college student for that type of work bc college students already have a full time job-school!
Op if I were you, first and foremost I would choose a major that is actually useful after 4 years, instead of one that will only be useful after college AND grad school. Second, I would find work as a waitress in a bar. I worked in place like that and made a ton of money in cash every week. Then once you are settled in at school (second or third semester) do yourself a favor and do an internship in your chosen field. Most colleges will offer school credit for them and its a great way to get something on your resume other then nannying.
I'm pretty sure I'm not an idiot but who knows...
I want a degree in history because that is what will make me happy. I don't want to be something just because it will make me a ton of money that would be foolish. I have one life, I need to be happy.
I forgot to mention that I really haven't had the best of luck in finding what I would call "normal" families. I know we all have our problems but my last family was very standoffish and failed to notify me of anything including food allergies (and believe me I asked) and the one prior took complete advantage of me. That had a lot to do with why I was leaning towards quitting the business. It has nothing to do with kids. I love kids.
Anyone who says a nanny is the highest paid position for someone with an H.S. is correct. I mean what other job doesn't require you work weekends or holidays, pays well, and so on?
So I've decided to stay a nanny while obtaining my degree. This decision is largely in part because I was pursued by a family looking for what I was looking for. They are upper middle class but very laid back. They run their household how I would aspire to run mine once I have kids. I'm hoping this can be the family that changes my mind. They even gave me phone numbers of past nannies so I could ask how it is to work for them (last nanny got pregnant and had to quit). I'm confident that this family will provide me with the best of both worlds: great pay and a great relationship.
I'll do other things once I have kids and my degree.
Thank you to all who commented in positive ways. I hope to never have another reason to post on here other then to offer advice :)
Hi, Its hard being a Nanny, I live in New Zealand and am a qualified Nanny I currently study Diploma in Early Child Hood education (will take 3years + 2years for a registration course to become a qualified childcare teacher.), Are you still doing that History degree?,. I've always wanted to study History cause i just love everything history, congrats on the decent nannying job!, any tips/abvice on keeping confidence and looking for a family?
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