ISYN The Rants #17 "Going With Someone Else"

     Of course I would never say this to a family, but in my mind I am. I just got home from work (I nanny part time on weekends and MB made me feel better about what happened. I interviewed for a full time position with another family and M interviewed me, as D was at work. M literally said during the interview she had a good feeling about me, how much she loved my background and the fact that I jumped right in and helped with twin infants and a 3 year old, not asking what needs to be done. She also mentioned that she willing to find a carpool for me so I didn't have to pick up the older child from school, as it would've messed with the twins' schedule. M even stated during the first interview that her sister had a nanny in a major nanny market city and the nanny there took her job seriously, whereas the nanny here (where we live) felt like it was a privilege, acting clueless in the beginning and continuing to do so even six months later. During the interview, I was polite, listened and spoke from the heart. I sent references, all of which speak highly of me. By the way she spoke and things she said, she led me to believe I had the job when I left that Saturday morning. She even talked me up to D, whom I met a few days later. I went over that particular evening thinking I was signing a work agreement. We got along well, and are similar in personality. To my surprise, I got the email thanking me for my time, but they hired someone else. This kind of got to me, especially since I was led on...

     Thanks for your response. I'm kind of bummed to hear you went with someone else, considering you led me on to believe that I was hired.

     So tell me, was it my yellow shirt and yellow purse? Was I too well dressed? Did I look too professional? Am I overexperienced? You yourself said everything you wanted in a nanny, and I did my best to sell myself, and thought I did a good job doing so. In fact, you made it seem like you hired me based on things you said during the first interview, and the fact that you talked me up to DB, pointing out my experience, credentials, and education.

     Does my ten year old car with a loud muffler, scratches on the side, rust in the wheel wells and a missing driver side mirror not look right in your neighborhood, let alone in your driveway? Am I too fat? Did I appear to be out of breath climbing the stairs? Did you hear me breathe heavy? (I do that when I am nervous) Did my first outfit hurt your eyes, considering I had on a bright shirt with a bright bag, and when I came over again I had on khakis and a orange polka dot shirt. Was my second outfit not professional looking enough? Do I, as a plus size gal not look right in your home and neighborhood, considering your neighbor is a newscaster?

     I thought we got along well. Or were your jokes and light hearted humor a way for me to let my guard down and come out of my shell. Was that my test? Did I appear uncomfortable with specific questions? I understand wanting to know your nanny, but does my relationship status or living arrangments have anything to do with my ability to do my job? I don't speak to my father because he screwed me up mentally, and I lost my mother at an early age-does my relationship with my father and how often I see him have anything to do with the job? Lastly, I currently work in a childcare center, and why would you want to know what kind of reviews we have unless you are planning to move and take your kids there? Last but not least, is it because I am a fan of a football team with whom your team has a rivalry?
   

Devin Crane

 I'm a career nanny, and I take my job seriously, know the nanny industry well, and yes, I wanted a work agreement and taxes withheld. You mentioned that your other nannies worked for cash under the table; I gently pointed out that if I apply for a loan or line of credit, they will need to verify my income as a nanny. Should they not be able to do so, it would cause a headache for both of us, which I wanted to avoid. Was it the fact that as a professional nanny with a work agreement and taxes, did that cause a concern?

     In short, there was no reason to lead me on, nor was there no reason not to hire me, considering my background, credentials and the fact we got along well. You said you wanted a professional nanny, and I walked in and sat down. You were paying a decent market salary for our area, and wanted someone who was worth your time. I am that person, and I did my best to try to make you see that.

     Three nannies in three years-not bad, but I question that. If you didn't hire me, I am curious as to who you hired and if she had newer vehicle, a nice shape, a boyfriend/husband, and if she is the kind of nanny you said in the interview you didn't want. I'm not upset. Just disappointed, and I felt like I was judged by you on the basis of my car, my looks and overall appearance. I am not sorry for being a career nanny, that I worked as hard as I have to get where I am, or that I am who I am.

     Oh well, your loss is another family's gain. Someone will hire me and appreciate me for me, the way my part time family does. It just wasn't you, and in a way I am happy about that.

     As my MB (my part time family) said " 'they sound confused, like they didn't know what they wanted. Sounds like they wanted a professional nanny, pay a professional nanny salary, but didn't want to deduct taxes and hire someone who probably isn't a professional. For us to hire you was a no brainer' ".

      I have a phone interview scheduled tomorrow.

The Rants 2015, #2

Screaming Inside by Annie Whatever

     It's annoying when I keep seeing all these posts where nannies are saying "I'm not a maid, I'm a nanny! I don't DO housework!"

     Here's my stance: if I'm getting paid my lowest rate, no I won't do your laudry, clean your trashed house on Mondays, or wash the dirty dishes that you just can't seem to fit in the empty dishwasher (or the pot that you have left "soaking" for a week in the sink.) If I agreed to work my lowest rate, that means we agreed ahead of time that I will not be responsible for cleaning up after two grown adults. I will be pretty offended if you go back on your word and expect me to clean up after you. I will quit if I come over for my shift one day to find out (suprise!) You took a vacation day to "take the baby off my hands" and ask me to spend the day doing the things that your housekeeper (who you recently fired) used to do when she made almost 3 times as much as you pay me.

     That being said, I'm a nanny, yes. I would not take a job as a maid or housekeeper. However, I'm not too good to do laundry or clean dirty dishes. If the family needs me to clean up after the parents too, that's fine, as long as it was discussed ahead of time and I am being compensated appropriately. Of course, there is a limit. I won't clean up after a family of slobs who leave their dirty underwear on the table. Don't poop on the floor. Rinse your dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Throw your trash away. And for the love of Nannygod, don't leave your lovemaking tools out. Act like a responsible adult, clean up after yourself, have respect for this expensive home of yours, and I would be glad to get paid 6 extra dollars an hour to do your laundry, cook dinner, and vacuum once a week when the cleaners don't come.

     Let's not be spoiled. There's nothing wrong with housework. Many jobs include cleaning. (To state a few: waitressing, receptionist, nurse, paramedic, fast food, cooking at a restaurant, caregiver, day care center) It comes with the territory of being a nanny. If you don't like it, this might not be the job for you. A little advice from me: be clear about your expectations in your interview. If you want to be paid extra for housework, tell them how much. If you don't want to do housework period, tell them that, and don't agree to do "light housekeeping."  -Nannyrobot

Call for Submissions

     This week has started off a bit slower than weeks past. We wanted to remind you to share your stories, dayinthelife submissions and ideas with our staff.  We're looking for nanny/playground selfies to promote positive nannies. We're always looking for bad or sinister ads for our Sunday feature Ad of Ill Repute.  These, of course are intended for the highest caliber of nanny candidate. You can email us directly at isynblog@gmail.com, message us on Facebook or use the anonymous submission feature in the right hand sidebar.
      Curious as to why traffic slowed down this week, we've taken a look at the searchwords bringing people to the blog. This would be first time traffic. Here's a sampling: