Any musicians, actors, chefs (basically evening workers) on here?

[Anonymous]

How did you structure your nanny’s schedule and what kind of nanny did you get (live in or live out)?

I’m a musician who will be going back to rehearsals and performances three mo this after my baby is born. DH is a surgical resident and we don’t know his schedule but he’ll most likely be at the hospital.

Do I get a nanny who’s on paid on-call six days a week? Or okay with a varying monthly schedule? Nanny’s start time will never be before noon.

How did those in similar professions handle childcare?

[Anonymous]

My husband is a musician, but I have a regular job. We managed, but it was really hard on me.

We had a live in nanny with the older kids. If you can afford it, I'd say go for it at least a year or two. Given your and your husband's jobs, you'll be happy you did.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you need a lot of coverage. You could hire a nanny for regular day hours and have an Au pair for more flexible irregular times - weekends and evenings. Or use an Au pair for a flexible schedule but you may need a babysitter on top for weekends.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks! I think the issue is that we need irregular coverage. In reality, I’ll be working out of the house about 25 hours a week. And some night performances, DH will be home.

What (aside from salary - and we’re able to pay top dollar) would make this attractive to anyone? We have a separate apartment in a converted garage (very nice) we could give to the nanny.

[Anonymous]

Not exactly the same situation but I was friends with a live in Nanny who worked for 2 doctors who had planned work hours and on call hours. They paid her X an hour for all planned hours then half of X to be on call. She had to be within 30 mins of the house when on call. She got paid half for the whole time to be available but full rate if she actually had to work. I would try and look for something like that. For my friend I think it was 2 Saturdays a month or something like that.

[Anonymous]

The most attractive option is always to offer full time guaranteed hours if possible. In your case, I've had families turn it into a nanny/household manager hybrid position with a guaranteed 40 hours per week.

The market is very very competitive right now.

[Anonymous]

How can you afford a nanny?

[Anonymous]

OP here. We will absolutely guarantee 40 hours pay. This will be a full time position with healthcare benefits and possibly an apartment if it’s appealing.

It’s just such a chaotic schedule for one nanny. Perhaps we do need two Nannie’s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not exactly the same situation but I was friends with a live in Nanny who worked for 2 doctors who had planned work hours and on call hours. They paid her X an hour for all planned hours then half of X to be on call. She had to be within 30 mins of the house when on call. She got paid half for the whole time to be available but full rate if she actually had to work. I would try and look for something like that. For my friend I think it was 2 Saturdays a month or something like that.

Interesting! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

What do you play that allows for a nanny?

[Anonymous]

My aunt is a Broadway (primarily) actress and has a one live in nanny who works 4 twelve hour days and a second Saturday and Sunday nanny who also works 12 hours a day. When my aunt is home she either is with her toddlers along side the nanny or the nanny just relaxes. No other duties for either nanny beyond the kids laundry, meals and clean up from the meals.

Good luck! It’s expensive but doable. You just have to pay someone when you don’t need them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do you play that allows for a nanny?

Please do not answer this, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks! I think the issue is that we need irregular coverage. In reality, I’ll be working out of the house about 25 hours a week. And some night performances, DH will be home.

What (aside from salary - and we’re able to pay top dollar) would make this attractive to anyone? We have a separate apartment in a converted garage (very nice) we could give to the nanny.

I am the PP who wrote about a live in nanny. We were in a similar situation because we also had a very nice studio apartment in our house. That sealed the deal. We found an older woman who just got separated from her husband, and this was an ideal situation for her. She did not have any other commitments and for the free apartment, she was willing to deal with irregular hours. We paid her a salary, but the hours changed from week to week. She was with us for several years and by the time she left, the kids had already started school, and we were able to get by with an afterschool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks! I think the issue is that we need irregular coverage. In reality, I’ll be working out of the house about 25 hours a week. And some night performances, DH will be home.

What (aside from salary - and we’re able to pay top dollar) would make this attractive to anyone? We have a separate apartment in a converted garage (very nice) we could give to the nanny.

I am the PP who wrote about a live in nanny. We were in a similar situation because we also had a very nice studio apartment in our house. That sealed the deal. We found an older woman who just got separated from her husband, and this was an ideal situation for her. She did not have any other commitments and for the free apartment, she was willing to deal with irregular hours. We paid her a salary, but the hours changed from week to week. She was with us for several years and by the time she left, the kids had already started school, and we were able to get by with an afterschool.

OP here. Thanks! This makes me more hopeful. It is a nice apartment, too.

[Anonymous]

I have a friend who is a single mother and a chef. She has a wonderful live in nanny to cover my friend’s crazy night hours. The nanny is well paid and has a great living space and is like family to my chef friend at this point.

You just need the right nanny.