Hey, I recently started a nanny position on a trial basis (3 weeks and 3 days a week) the job sounded great. I did one day and liked the job, and I've been there 2 days. On the second day I got to meet the outgoing nanny which went well, but as I asked her questions about the job, I got slightly uneasy. She did not have a nanny agreement, does all the family laundry despite the fact they have a cleaning service, and cooks elaborate meals for the family.I am going to meet with the mom soon, for more about the job requirements, but the lack of a nanny agreement concerns me, and that they may take advantage of me at this job. The outgoing nanny seems to have enjoyed the job but I can't shake the uneasy feeling that the job is not a good fit for me. Apart from talking to the parents more, are there any suggestions anyone has for me? I have been in situations in the past where I took a job just because I needed one so bad that I ignored warning signs and regretted it later. Sorry for the rambling but it has been upsetting me and I wanted fellow nannies advice on the job as I do not have any close friends who are nannies. Thanks very much.
11 comments:
First, go online and print out the duties of a nanny. Think about things outside of that list that you're not willing to do. When MB tells you what she's looking for, if there's something that's not part of a nanny's duties, show her the list. Washing the entire family's laundry is not a part of a nanny's duties, but washing the children's clothing is. (BTW, most house cleaning services don't do laundry either). Same with cooking - child's meals, yes, entire family's not required. However, some nannies don't mind doing these things for the entire family. It's up to you.
Concerning a contract, after discussing, writing down, and agreeing upon duties, hours, paid days off, benefits, etc., ask her whether she wants to type up the contract, or does she want you to do it. If she acts like she doesn't want a contract, tell her you won't work without one... period. If she doesn't want to do one, don't take the job. Likewise, if she wants outside of nanny duties done that you're not willing to do, don't take the job.
Oh, and don't forget to discuss taxes. Remember, nannies are employees, NOT independent contractors.
Why would you accept a job without interviewing the family and getting all the fact? That's just stupid. I agree with WoW on everything else.
I also agree with Wow, but just want to add that you might want to ask the outgoing nanny privately why she's really leaving. She may act like she really enjoyed the job but if you catch her one-on-one you can get her to be really candid. Or, who knows? Maybe it really was a good job and the nanny just didn't feel like a contract was necessary.
It is my experience that it is NOT good tomwork for a family without a nanny agreement. I did that with a family I found through craigslist, and it was a nightmare. I was taken advantage of (I was told hours ahead of time, and they were never adhered to). I also agree with wow- stick to your guns. A good employer won't mind having an agreement at all.
You need to go with your gut instinct here. It seems like you aren't too sure about the situation in general. While it is a good sign that the outgoing nanny had a good experience, she may not be telling you the whole story. If you don't have the chance to speak to her in private, you need to become as informed as possible about the family before you take the job. Since you are already skeptical, be sure to think it all through before making any decision, especially since you previously ignored warning signs. Keep us posted, please.
talk with the mom about what would be expected of you and let her know you want a job agreement. Also, trust your gut but I would stick out the trial period.
Thanks for the comments. I have not agreed to the job yet but am just doing the trial period. Im starting to feel more comfortable and will be talking to the mom boss tomorrow after work about the expectations and I have an interview saturday for another job and Im planning on waiting out the 3 week trial. also to the person saying its stupid that I would accept the job without the agreement etc its posts like that which discourage peoples posts here on I saw your nanny please be positive and helpful I know I always try to be. Thanks
If they're not willing to draft and sign a work agreement before you actually begin working, then I wouldn't take the job. Similarly, if they are highly resistant, but eventually agree to it (either having an agreement itself or the contents of it) you are probably going to run into problems. Watch out for signs that they feel they are compromising too much, since that will probably cause resentment on their part. (for example, if the old nanny did all their laundry, they may feel they are making a big sacrifice by giving that up, but they might agree to it anyway, only to become resentful).
I wouldn't discount the position just because the last Nanny didn't have a work agreement..perhaps neither side considered it at the time of hiring. However, if it is important to you OP, then ask them if they are willing to write one up..I think it is a great idea.
Regarding the laundry and the cooking, it could be that their prior Nanny had no issues in doing these add'l chores. Some people do not mind and maybe are doing it for a little extra hourly pay. However, if you do not want to do these duties, that is fine, just make sure you say something upfront before you take the position on a permanent basis...otherwise later on you will regret it.
If after your trial period is up, you still feel uneasy, I would not accept the position. Your instincts are supposed to guide you in your life's decisions, etc...and are never to be ignored.
It would only be fair to you and your employer for you to be a Nanny who is happy with her job, right?
Most reviews on here say to have an agreement, etc, and that may be true for areas you/they live in, I don't know. I'm just saying my own personal experience!
I starting working as a nanny when I was 18 and studying, it was a part-time position as the children were school aged, but still demanding- 6.30am to 9am, then 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Much longer shifts during the school holidays! I fit my classes in around this timetable. I was so young, and had no idea about anything like nanny contracts, I could have been taken advantage of so easily. But my bosses were lovely- they never asked me to do more than the agreed-upon work (hanging up laundry and loading/unloading the dishwasher, which the kids had to help me with), never screwed up my hours (texted me if they'd be more than a few minutes late and were usually home much earlier than the agreed time), paid me for the hours that were set, but over time too (so if I worked until 5 instead of 5.30, they paid my usual 5 1/2 hours a day, but if they were back at 5.45 or 6, then I'd get the extra quarter or half hour), gave me plenty of notice if they weren't going to need me a particular day and were great about swapping days or finding a relative to watch the kids if I had an important event or an exam or anything...
Basically, they were really great employers. Much better than some of the contracted positions I've had over the years (in fields other than nannying), where my bosses would change their minds about my duties or responsibilities...
What I am trying to say: Don't miss out on a great job for something minor like that. Honestly, if you told them you wanted a nanny agreement, they would probably sit down and draw one up with you- but don't let the fact there isn't one deter you, especially when their previous nanny seemed so happy!
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