I need advice. I have made the decision to move from NC to Chicago. I would like to continue being a nanny after I move to Chicago but I don't the neighborhoods (more like I don't know which ones are safe and which ones aren't). I know I want to sign on with an agency but I don't know at what point I should contact an agency since I won't be moving until June. What agencies are good ones for a nanny to sign up with? I have never been with an agency before so I don't know what to look for in one. Is it possible to sign up with one and possibly interview with families before moving? I am nervous about moving so far without a job lined up, especially in this economy. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
Monday
To Fellow ISYN Readers from Chicago...
I need advice. I have made the decision to move from NC to Chicago. I would like to continue being a nanny after I move to Chicago but I don't the neighborhoods (more like I don't know which ones are safe and which ones aren't). I know I want to sign on with an agency but I don't know at what point I should contact an agency since I won't be moving until June. What agencies are good ones for a nanny to sign up with? I have never been with an agency before so I don't know what to look for in one. Is it possible to sign up with one and possibly interview with families before moving? I am nervous about moving so far without a job lined up, especially in this economy. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
I was born and raised in Chicago, and it's a great town. I never used an agency, but I've heard North Shore Nannies is pretty good. When it comes to which neighborhoods are safe, there are plenty of nice, quiet areas. I worked in Lincoln Park, which has tons of families with a decent amount of wealth. But living in Lincoln Park can be a bit pricey. Northcenter and Lincoln Square are both quiet and have moderately priced apartment rentals. Plus they're about a 15 minute train ride away.
ReplyDeleteI hope this helps! I'm sure others can tell you about other great neighborhoods. Oh, and you'll have a great time in The Windy City. People are friendly, there's tons of great food, and fun things to do with kids.
I grew up in Chicago and was a nanny for many years. Living on the north side of the city is great : lake view, Logan square, wrigleyville, Lincoln park, even Evanston which is a north suburb but easily accessible by train and not far from the city.
ReplyDeleteI worked for K Grace but it was more of a babysitting service to supplement my nanny job for extra cash. It was a great service.
North Shore Nannies is awesome as well. They place in the city and suburbs. If you have a car and don't mind the commute look for jobs in Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka or Glencoe. Great suburbs to work in, family oriented and you can get paid very well.
Olive You Nannies is also a good service, my best friend used them and is working for an amazing family.
I wouldn't rule out craigslist or sitter city I had found great families there as well. It's always nice to have the support of an agency, especially in a new city.
Good luck! Chicago is an amazing city to be a nanny in, there is so much to do!
Don't overlook the South Loop - near Grant Park, less congested than the north shore, and a ton of young families in that area who always seem to be looking for help.
ReplyDeleteMy close friend is currently a nanny for a family in Winnetka, and she went through an agency. I can't remember which one for sure, but if you want to contact me directly, I can get you in touch with her. She has been with her family for over 5 years now, and and give you some great info about her agency and the areas. :)
ReplyDeletelafeiet@hotmail.com
Thank you everyone for your advice! I am so excited about my move. Y'all have helped me out alot. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLittle known secret in Chicago - npnparents.org. I found the best full and part-time jobs on this site. You do have to pay a membership of $45/year ubt basically it is a website parents belong to for parenting advice, to find nannies, ask questions about schools, etc. FYI - NPNParents.org has a lot of rich parents on there. You can easily make $16/hour for 2 kids. Good luck.
ReplyDeletePS - Don't waste your time with agencies. I registered with almost everyone listed above. They wanted me to accept $12/hour for one child which, while not terribly low, was a rate that was only looking out for the parents. Agencies look out for the families and you are just another nanny to them - I have experience with them :-)
I've been in your position before!
ReplyDeleteFirst I moved from NYC to Denver with no job lined up and in just three weeks I was employed gainfully. It took a crap ton of work and I probably went through 20 interviews a week before I I found my perfect fit.
Then, I moved from Denver to the Chicago Burbs last minute. I interviewed with First Class Care and the owner was a huge dick. I was staying with friends in hopes of finding a job, then figuring out my living arrangements after I was employed. He told me, even with my experience, I wouldn't be able to find a job for more than $12/hr because I was *new* to Chicago.
Olive You Nanny was awesome and I LOVED the people I interviewed with.
However, I found a job on the boarder of IL/WI through a WI agency. The agency was fabulous, the family is great... I've been employed for two years and I can actually afford my rent without taking on a second job.
I would suggest doing Care.com, sittercity and everything else you can apply to asap. You might get a family very interested who will fly you out for an interview/trial (I have had this happen 3 times when searching.)
Do you have friends or family you could stay with while you get on your feet?