Do you ever wonder why nannies seem to enjoy their jobs? I am asked this question all the time when people discover I work as a nanny. Surely taking care of children should be tiring and frustrating, but I couldn’t imagine myself in any other role. This article will point out the reasons why being a nanny is so enjoyable!
#1: No Two Days Are the Same
As a typical office worker, you will find that each day is relatively similar. You punch in at the same time each day, work at the same desk, and complete all the same tasks as the day before. This doesn’t apply to nannies. While nannies do have set routines to which they must adhere, the routine changes constantly. For instance, one day we may head to the zoo but the next day may be spent doing crafts. Not only do days differ but they are far more challenging than mundane office work.
#2: The Laidback Dress Code Is a Perk
Everyone has had a moment where they want to remain in their pyjamas. Trust me, this happens more often than not for nannies. However, as a nanny, we have a degree of flexibility with our daily dress code. I have often arrived at work wearing a pair of black yoga pants with my hair tied up in a ponytail. Furthermore, all Fridays can be ‘casual Friday’ if you wish it. You have the option to wear jeans during the week or even shorts in the summer months. An office worker has a formal dress code to consider, including specific dress trousers, skirts or suits with well-done hair and makeup.
#3: No Boss Hovering Over Your Shoulder
Parents employ nannies with the confidence that you will complete all tasks set before you during the day, as well as trusting you with their children. This is a great deal of responsibility; however, being left alone to work can reduce feelings of pressure. Unless you are employed to work in a house where the parent or parents are present, you do have ‘room to breathe’ and can relax when doing tasks. You are your own boss in a way.
#4: Being a Nanny Offers Flexibility in Childcare
I do not use this perk in any way, but I have colleagues who have the option of bringing their own children to work while caring for their employer’s children. While this is not always the case, some families are open to childcare flexibility for the nanny. In fact, some families feel this is a good way for their children to socialise with people outside of their family.
#5: The Pay Is Good
I didn’t want the issue to be a large consideration in this article as there are numerous reasons why I enjoy being a nanny but pay is an important part of all jobs. When I started my childcare career, I worked at a nursery. The work was overwhelming, and the pay was minimal. I felt dejected, underappreciated and hated my job. One of the reasons I chose to leave the position at the day care centre included the issue of payment. While my friends who work at an office earn minimum wages ($10 or less per hour), I have the option to ask for more as a nanny and my employer simply updates the nanny PAYE.
#6: Good Job Security
Education and childcare are fields that have in-demand positions; in fact, they will always remain in demand. Think about it: people are not going to stop having children and there are always those who want others to help with childcare. While the larger employers may hire and fire office workers without thought, everyone looks for nannies. It may take time to find the ideal match, but this match does exist for each nanny. Many of my friends who studied at college and spent thousands of dollars for degrees find themselves unemployed while I enjoy a well paid position.