Tuesday

Six Month Commitment?

Received Tuesday, February 27, 2007
I'm thinking about quitting my job as a nanny, I'm... I'm thinking about quitting my job as a nanny, I'm not paid that well, and they take advantage of me. My only hesitation is that I'm leaving the area for nursing school come fall; how many people would only want a 6 month commitment?

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you could find a temp position, however, by the time you find a temp job and give notice, you might only work for four months or so. Can you stick it out where you are? It might still be less stressful than starting over if you only have six months to go. On the other hand, maybe you could look for a temp job in your new school area right away and use per diem/temp jobs to help get you through school.
Either way, I'm sure there are always people who need temp help everywhere. If you decide to stay, remember that you agreed to your own salary, and you have to put your foot down if someone is taking advantage of you, so don't whine too much.

Unknown said...

I have been a Nanny for high profile families and celebs for 18 years now and alot of people like that you do not stay with for more then 6-8 months they are hard to work for. If you take a job short term at least make sure you are being paid fairly.

Aloha,
The Maui Super Nanny

Anonymous said...

You can't stay if you are really unhappy. If you can stick it out, great, but if not: go with your heart. There are lots of jobs you can do temporarily. Try subbing in childcare or public school. It's less money, but if you are miserable do what you have to do.

Anonymous said...

Is it possible to stick out this position? Have you tried talking to them about how you are being taken advantage of or requesting more money?

Most people hire nannies for the long term and prefer at least one year commitment to the position.

If you are serious about a temp. type position, you may have luck with people who have just had or will soon be having a baby and would like an extra set of hands and some experience. These situations often require overnight care though so the parents' can sleep while you get up with the baby. They often pay a little more but do require newborn care experience. (and of course being in an area where people can afford such care).

Anonymous said...

stick it out to may and go to work for the summer for a family that house a beach house.
It's the only way to roll!

Anonymous said...

I think I will stick it out at least until Summer. As for some of the questions, I agreed to what I'm getting paid, but for only 32 hours a week, not 40. They've also asked me to scrub their toilet when the dad for the last week had been having serious stomach issues. It sucks because they kept saying they would write up a contract, and it never happened. I just don't know how to approach them about the situations. I almost feel like the kids aren't taken care of when I'm not there too. The baby wakes up around 6, and I get there around 8, and her diaper has 95% of the time not been changed since she had gone to bed. One time they baby puked in the night, and she wasn't cleaned up, but left for me to deal with when I got there.

Anonymous said...

It isn't easy to find a short term job, unless you go through an agency in a major city. I would tell your employer that you need to be paid overtime for any hours beyond the agreed to 32. Then if they don't agree, cosider quiting.
GL, A nanny

Anonymous said...

Many people look for temporary nannies. I'm actually starting a position in a couple of weeks that will only last till June. The family is moving then, and I am going to be a camp counselor in another state all summer, so it worked out perfectly for us both.

If you are unhappy in your job, think long and hard about quitting. This is what I did. I even made a list. In the end I found it more beneficial to take another job.

Anonymous said...

temp nanny jobs usually pay a great deal. I hired a temp nanny while my nanny had a hysterectomy.

Just a thought, what about sticking it out for another month all the while researching traveling nanny programs? or camp work? There are camps abroad that offer amazing life altering possibilities. In the end, any time spent working for unkind people, especially those who seem to have no regard for their children will be like a negative energy that attaches itself to you for years to come.

That's the story on the street.

Anonymous said...

You need to quit... You can't take care of the kids to the best of your ability if you're not happy and don't enjoy going to work.

Anonymous said...

Hi OP,
That issue with the toilet scrubbing is a perfect time for you to draw the line and say something like "No, but I'll watch the children while YOU do it." Did you agree to heavy housework? I bet you didn't. If they are too cheap to have a housekeeper, then they need to clean their own damn house. Not your problem.

Anonymous said...

to the poster of this problem.....i am so sorry to hear that. I have been babysitting and doing childcare for over 12 yrs and i know how it feels to be taken advantage of. I think alot of families do this to us to some extent. I have mothers who leave dirty, unchanged children with me and run out the door & some even suggested cleaning their house, taking care of 3 children, and basically cooking and cleaning all day and wanted to pay me $150 a week for it. Being a nanny or sitter is often looked at as a "joke" job if you ask me. No one really takes us seriously and often families treat us like we are "not on their level" . its really a shame.....i hope things get better for you.

Anonymous said...

above- where the heck are you?
I amke $800 a week working for a fam with one child and I don't clean anything.

Anonymous said...

I keep hearing about amazing pay for Nannies. What would a Nanny with several years of live in experience, twins included, make in NY? I live in the midwest. I have a BA in Psychology.

Anonymous said...

1K if you go to the right place.
Don't be fooled by the idea of working for an intensely wealthy family, some of them spend money on everything except their children. They would rather pay a handyman 75 an hour than a nanny 18 an hour. They hire women who come over from the Caribbean to work as nannies, women who cannot drive or read and whose only possible experience is raising the children that they willingly abandon to come to the US to exploit the childcare market for their gain.

Don't work with an agency that even places that type of people. Town & Country Magazine. Buy a copy, look in the back. Those are the agencies worth your time.

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for the information, I will look there. It is strange to think that my competition would include those who can't drive or read! I worked hard to get my degree and consider myself a career nanny. Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

I've been a nanny and am appalled at how they've tried to treat me and how dishonest they've are. Regardles, Parents are looking for chilcare constantly, whether short or long term. It's really helpful to get some "rules" on paper and signed. Terms of pay/hours, respect of employees time, etc. I've worked with disrespctful people, and have found people I still care for that are wonderful and honest.

Good luck to you.