What do you do for a living?
I am a live-in nanny.
How would you describe what you do?
I get to hang out with kids all day long!
What does your work entail?
My number one job is to ensure the safety of the children I care for. I create and implement daily schedules. I laugh, play, read, and teach.
What’s a typical work week like?
Cooking meals, managing schedules, driving to and from school and activities, light house keeping and running errands. Monday -Friday early morning till evening.
How did you get started?
I was living with a friend in Hawaii. I began to look for jobs in childcare and came across a nanny website. Being a nanny seemed like a logical choice as I have worked with kids as a babysitter, Sunday school teacher, and teacher’s aid in high school. I took my first live-in nanny position for a summer in New Jersey.
What do you like about what you do?
Everything! I enjoy taking care of people. I am super organized and love schedules. I get to play with kids everyday! It’s a fantastic fit for me.
What do you dislike?
There is no real job security.
How do you make money/or how are you compensated?
I work for a weekly salary. I also receive room and board; and other benefits as I live-in nanny.
How much money do you make as a Nanny?
$30,000 -$50,000 a year
How much money do you make starting out?
$10,000-15,000 a year.
What education or skills are needed to do this?
CPR and First Aid certifications are typically required for a nanny position. Any nanny or childcare courses are beneficial to finding a good position but not required. Personally I have a CDA (Child Development Associate certificate), and take a minimum of 10 hours of childcare trainings a year. I have also taken a water safety course which is beneficial if you are watching children at a pool, lake, or beach.
What is most challenging about what you do?
Being stereotyped or being called a ‘glorified babysitter’.
What is most rewarding?
Watching children grow is so rewarding. It makes the long days and hard work all worth it.
What advice would you offer someone considering this career?
Take some childcare or nanny courses and become CPR and First-Aid Certified.
How much time off do you get/take?
I typically get paid holidays and 3 weeks paid vacation time a year.
What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
I often get asked if I sleep with dad, get paid ‘under the table’ or work for celebrities. I work with normal, everyday people and have a professional relationship with the parents that I work for. I am considered a domestic employee and have my taxes taken out just like everyone else.
What are your goals/dreams for the future?
In the next couple of years, I am planing on taking Doula classes and becoming a child birth educator.
What else would you like people to know about what you do?
Being a nanny is a rewarding career. You will never get rich but enriching the lives of children is far more rewarding them a large paycheck.
