why don't more SAHMs become nannies when kids are in college?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow some (notice, SOME) SAHMs are touchy. OP wasn't saying ALL SAHMs should be nannies, but that those who are concerned about finances should/could maybe consider it once their kids are off to college b/c it can make a non-trivial amount of money while being able to enter the workforce.

Op makes it sound like nannying is a fine job. It isn't. There are no standards for the job and how the nanny is treated. Most nanny jobs don't pay well. The hours and vacation time are inflexible. Do most nannies get health care benefits? People are quoting some of the top ranges for salaries and a lot of entry level jobs with companies pay better, have flexibility with hours and vacation, and provide a route to move up into a better position.

We do have a serious problem with child care in this country. It isn't respected. Someone concerned about money, even lacking a college degree, can find lots of work that pays better with actual benefits.

If I needed to make money, there are a lot better options. I assume op's post is fueled her frustrations with not being able to find good cheap child care. Trying to spin the job of being a nanny as a reasonable option for someone who needs money is a joke.

NP: I agree with all your points, but I think for a SAHP who has a spouse who provides the family benefits and who is just looking for cash, it is a potentially viable option. Especially if they enjoyed taking care of kids and lack other work skills/career interests and if they just want to earn enough during kids' college years to help with cash flow for college expenses. They might feel more comfortable in the home setting doing familiar work etc. rather than launching a new career. They might like that it has a built in "end-date" when the kids she's nannying get older so that they don't feel pressured to keep working. It seemed to work okay for the few women I knew who took this route or similar (e.g., taking on lots of babysitting jobs), but they really only wanted cashflow for a few years not a new career and thought nannying/caregiving was a straightforward way. Or the opportunity just sort of fell in their lap and they thought why not.
I do worry that someone who is entertaining this idea may be letting fear/insecurity limit the job options they're willing to think about rather than what would serve them best in the long run. But I chose career over full time SAP so I may have a different perspective than they do.

Your assertion that women, of course you leave out men, don't want to be your nanny out of fear/insecurity is asinine. The reason these women don't want to be your domestic slave is because they have character flaws? We see you op. If this was so reasonable, more women who aren't insecure/fearful (I can't believe this is what you tell yourself) would take this job.

Companies in this country are family unfriendly. Child care workers are not well paid. Child care workers are not respected. Families are desperate for "reasonably" priced quality child care. Reasonably priced quality child care generally does not exist. Families do not want to pay for quality child care. The people who employ child care workers often do not respect them. If you don't respect the job, you aren't going to pay a reasonable wage. Family unfriendly work places make parents desperate. Desperate employers are the worst. I assume it's desperation that has led you to this ridiculous post op.

[Anonymous]

The last thing I’d want to do after raising children would be to watch someone’s children. I’d take any other job!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow some (notice, SOME) SAHMs are touchy. OP wasn't saying ALL SAHMs should be nannies, but that those who are concerned about finances should/could maybe consider it once their kids are off to college b/c it can make a non-trivial amount of money while being able to enter the workforce.

Op makes it sound like nannying is a fine job. It isn't. There are no standards for the job and how the nanny is treated. Most nanny jobs don't pay well. The hours and vacation time are inflexible. Do most nannies get health care benefits? People are quoting some of the top ranges for salaries and a lot of entry level jobs with companies pay better, have flexibility with hours and vacation, and provide a route to move up into a better position.

We do have a serious problem with child care in this country. It isn't respected. Someone concerned about money, even lacking a college degree, can find lots of work that pays better with actual benefits.

If I needed to make money, there are a lot better options. I assume op's post is fueled her frustrations with not being able to find good cheap child care. Trying to spin the job of being a nanny as a reasonable option for someone who needs money is a joke.

NP: I agree with all your points, but I think for a SAHP who has a spouse who provides the family benefits and who is just looking for cash, it is a potentially viable option. Especially if they enjoyed taking care of kids and lack other work skills/career interests and if they just want to earn enough during kids' college years to help with cash flow for college expenses. They might feel more comfortable in the home setting doing familiar work etc. rather than launching a new career. They might like that it has a built in "end-date" when the kids she's nannying get older so that they don't feel pressured to keep working. It seemed to work okay for the few women I knew who took this route or similar (e.g., taking on lots of babysitting jobs), but they really only wanted cashflow for a few years not a new career and thought nannying/caregiving was a straightforward way. Or the opportunity just sort of fell in their lap and they thought why not.
I do worry that someone who is entertaining this idea may be letting fear/insecurity limit the job options they're willing to think about rather than what would serve them best in the long run. But I chose career over full time SAP so I may have a different perspective than they do.

Your assertion that women, of course you leave out men, don't want to be your nanny out of fear/insecurity is asinine. The reason these women don't want to be your domestic slave is because they have character flaws? We see you op. If this was so reasonable, more women who aren't insecure/fearful (I can't believe this is what you tell yourself) would take this job.

Companies in this country are family unfriendly. Child care workers are not well paid. Child care workers are not respected. Families are desperate for "reasonably" priced quality child care. Reasonably priced quality child care generally does not exist. Families do not want to pay for quality child care. The people who employ child care workers often do not respect them. If you don't respect the job, you aren't going to pay a reasonable wage. Family unfriendly work places make parents desperate. Desperate employers are the worst. I assume it's desperation that has led you to this ridiculous post op.

Maybe work on your reading comprehension. First, I'm not OP, I'm a NP. 2nd, I didn't leave out men--I shifted to women when I started talking about the specific people I knew who did this--who were all women. 3rd, when I mentioned fear/insecurity it was the direct opposite of what you are implying--that I worry that some SAP might choose to be a nanny/childcare giver not because it's the best option available to them but rather because they don't feel confident about pursuing a new career since they have been out of the workforce so long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What a great idea, OP.

How much does this gig pay?

The next proposal will be that the SAHM work for lower wages for the "experience" and duty to society.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow some (notice, SOME) SAHMs are touchy. OP wasn't saying ALL SAHMs should be nannies, but that those who are concerned about finances should/could maybe consider it once their kids are off to college b/c it can make a non-trivial amount of money while being able to enter the workforce.

Op makes it sound like nannying is a fine job. It isn't. There are no standards for the job and how the nanny is treated. Most nanny jobs don't pay well. The hours and vacation time are inflexible. Do most nannies get health care benefits? People are quoting some of the top ranges for salaries and a lot of entry level jobs with companies pay better, have flexibility with hours and vacation, and provide a route to move up into a better position.

We do have a serious problem with child care in this country. It isn't respected. Someone concerned about money, even lacking a college degree, can find lots of work that pays better with actual benefits.

If I needed to make money, there are a lot better options. I assume op's post is fueled her frustrations with not being able to find good cheap child care. Trying to spin the job of being a nanny as a reasonable option for someone who needs money is a joke.

NP: I agree with all your points, but I think for a SAHP who has a spouse who provides the family benefits and who is just looking for cash, it is a potentially viable option. Especially if they enjoyed taking care of kids and lack other work skills/career interests and if they just want to earn enough during kids' college years to help with cash flow for college expenses. They might feel more comfortable in the home setting doing familiar work etc. rather than launching a new career. They might like that it has a built in "end-date" when the kids she's nannying get older so that they don't feel pressured to keep working. It seemed to work okay for the few women I knew who took this route or similar (e.g., taking on lots of babysitting jobs), but they really only wanted cashflow for a few years not a new career and thought nannying/caregiving was a straightforward way. Or the opportunity just sort of fell in their lap and they thought why not.
I do worry that someone who is entertaining this idea may be letting fear/insecurity limit the job options they're willing to think about rather than what would serve them best in the long run. But I chose career over full time SAP so I may have a different perspective than they do.

Your assertion that women, of course you leave out men, don't want to be your nanny out of fear/insecurity is asinine. The reason these women don't want to be your domestic slave is because they have character flaws? We see you op. If this was so reasonable, more women who aren't insecure/fearful (I can't believe this is what you tell yourself) would take this job.

Companies in this country are family unfriendly. Child care workers are not well paid. Child care workers are not respected. Families are desperate for "reasonably" priced quality child care. Reasonably priced quality child care generally does not exist. Families do not want to pay for quality child care. The people who employ child care workers often do not respect them. If you don't respect the job, you aren't going to pay a reasonable wage. Family unfriendly work places make parents desperate. Desperate employers are the worst. I assume it's desperation that has led you to this ridiculous post op.

Maybe work on your reading comprehension. First, I'm not OP, I'm a NP. 2nd, I didn't leave out men--I shifted to women when I started talking about the specific people I knew who did this--who were all women. 3rd, when I mentioned fear/insecurity it was the direct opposite of what you are implying--that I worry that some SAP might choose to be a nanny/childcare giver not because it's the best option available to them but rather because they don't feel confident about pursuing a new career since they have been out of the workforce so long.

I stand corrected. I did assume you were op and I did think she was insinuating it was weakness for not taking on her kids. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

I think this is a great idea if the woman likes kids. I also think it can be a really special and rewarding relationship if it all clicks: kids and parents.

But not all moms like other peoples kids -- and that's okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are lazy. Duh. Hard to work after hanging out for a few years.

Most SAHMs are useless and unemployable. I can’t tell you how many are in our neighborhood, yet still have cleaning services, lawn services, nannies, and countless other contracted services to avoid doing any work.

the jealousy is killing you isn't it.

What an eye-opener. I'm the only SAHM in our neighborhood and I have cleaning service, lawn service, meal service. No wonder I don't click with these women, they're busy hating on me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm in my 50s, was a SAHM to my kids through high school, and raised good people. Not just show ponies, they are good people with grit and resilience. I fear the children of the women posting here are already too damaged by their mothers to become good people. I don't need you, you need me. Yet, you think you have the leverage here.

Keep dreaming.

This is BS, and mean. What did the children do to you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow some (notice, SOME) SAHMs are touchy. OP wasn't saying ALL SAHMs should be nannies, but that those who are concerned about finances should/could maybe consider it once their kids are off to college b/c it can make a non-trivial amount of money while being able to enter the workforce.

Op makes it sound like nannying is a fine job. It isn't. There are no standards for the job and how the nanny is treated. Most nanny jobs don't pay well. The hours and vacation time are inflexible. Do most nannies get health care benefits? People are quoting some of the top ranges for salaries and a lot of entry level jobs with companies pay better, have flexibility with hours and vacation, and provide a route to move up into a better position.

We do have a serious problem with child care in this country. It isn't respected. Someone concerned about money, even lacking a college degree, can find lots of work that pays better with actual benefits.

If I needed to make money, there are a lot better options. I assume op's post is fueled her frustrations with not being able to find good cheap child care. Trying to spin the job of being a nanny as a reasonable option for someone who needs money is a joke.

NP: I agree with all your points, but I think for a SAHP who has a spouse who provides the family benefits and who is just looking for cash, it is a potentially viable option. Especially if they enjoyed taking care of kids and lack other work skills/career interests and if they just want to earn enough during kids' college years to help with cash flow for college expenses. They might feel more comfortable in the home setting doing familiar work etc. rather than launching a new career. They might like that it has a built in "end-date" when the kids she's nannying get older so that they don't feel pressured to keep working. It seemed to work okay for the few women I knew who took this route or similar (e.g., taking on lots of babysitting jobs), but they really only wanted cashflow for a few years not a new career and thought nannying/caregiving was a straightforward way. Or the opportunity just sort of fell in their lap and they thought why not.
I do worry that someone who is entertaining this idea may be letting fear/insecurity limit the job options they're willing to think about rather than what would serve them best in the long run. But I chose career over full time SAP so I may have a different perspective than they do.

Your assertion that women, of course you leave out men, don't want to be your nanny out of fear/insecurity is asinine. The reason these women don't want to be your domestic slave is because they have character flaws? We see you op. If this was so reasonable, more women who aren't insecure/fearful (I can't believe this is what you tell yourself) would take this job.

Companies in this country are family unfriendly. Child care workers are not well paid. Child care workers are not respected. Families are desperate for "reasonably" priced quality child care. Reasonably priced quality child care generally does not exist. Families do not want to pay for quality child care. The people who employ child care workers often do not respect them. If you don't respect the job, you aren't going to pay a reasonable wage. Family unfriendly work places make parents desperate. Desperate employers are the worst. I assume it's desperation that has led you to this ridiculous post op.

Maybe work on your reading comprehension. First, I'm not OP, I'm a NP. 2nd, I didn't leave out men--I shifted to women when I started talking about the specific people I knew who did this--who were all women. 3rd, when I mentioned fear/insecurity it was the direct opposite of what you are implying--that I worry that some SAP might choose to be a nanny/childcare giver not because it's the best option available to them but rather because they don't feel confident about pursuing a new career since they have been out of the workforce so long.

I stand corrected. I did assume you were op and I did think she was insinuating it was weakness for not taking on her kids. Sorry.

Thanks for the apology.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in my 50s, was a SAHM to my kids through high school, and raised good people. Not just show ponies, they are good people with grit and resilience. I fear the children of the women posting here are already too damaged by their mothers to become good people. I don't need you, you need me. Yet, you think you have the leverage here.

Keep dreaming.

This is BS, and mean. What did the children do to you?

+1 You sound delusional.

[Anonymous]

There aren't that many years before grandchildren come along and a LOT of former SAHMs help extensively with grandchildren. Oldest kid goes to college at 18, has kids at 30. But the youngest child might be 5 years younger.

I will say that something that bothers me in these SAHM return to work threads is that those of us who have been working have been steadily climbing the ladder, but these SAHMs don't want to return to their previous wage- they want the same wage as women who have been working the entire time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They are lazy. Duh. Hard to work after hanging out for a few years.

Most SAHMs are useless and unemployable. I can’t tell you how many are in our neighborhood, yet still have cleaning services, lawn services, nannies, and countless other contracted services to avoid doing any work.

the jealousy is killing you isn't it.

What an eye-opener. I'm the only SAHM in our neighborhood and I have cleaning service, lawn service, meal service. No wonder I don't click with these women, they're busy hating on me.

No they aren't. One nutty person doesn't a neighborhood make.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow some (notice, SOME) SAHMs are touchy. OP wasn't saying ALL SAHMs should be nannies, but that those who are concerned about finances should/could maybe consider it once their kids are off to college b/c it can make a non-trivial amount of money while being able to enter the workforce.

Op makes it sound like nannying is a fine job. It isn't. There are no standards for the job and how the nanny is treated. Most nanny jobs don't pay well. The hours and vacation time are inflexible. Do most nannies get health care benefits? People are quoting some of the top ranges for salaries and a lot of entry level jobs with companies pay better, have flexibility with hours and vacation, and provide a route to move up into a better position.

We do have a serious problem with child care in this country. It isn't respected. Someone concerned about money, even lacking a college degree, can find lots of work that pays better with actual benefits.

If I needed to make money, there are a lot better options. I assume op's post is fueled her frustrations with not being able to find good cheap child care. Trying to spin the job of being a nanny as a reasonable option for someone who needs money is a joke.

So true. It is a real high stress job, not some easy side gig. I thought about doing after school care, but the more I look at it, the more I am scared.

1. So much responsibility and no margin for error. If I messed up my kids' food, schedule,... I only upset myself. If I work for someone else, it is bad performance. Not to mention safety/accident... so much risk with other people's children.

2. I will be basically working for a mom and pop shop with high expectation and probably zero management skill.

3. Must be there every day during the same hours because somebody else's job depends on it. If I am sick, somebody else also suffers. Can't go on vacation during off seasons when there are less tourists and more pleasant.

4. Low pay. I don't mind this one as much, but can't pass 1. 2. 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There aren't that many years before grandchildren come along and a LOT of former SAHMs help extensively with grandchildren. Oldest kid goes to college at 18, has kids at 30. But the youngest child might be 5 years younger.

I will say that something that bothers me in these SAHM return to work threads is that those of us who have been working have been steadily climbing the ladder, but these SAHMs don't want to return to their previous wage- they want the same wage as women who have been working the entire time.

No one said that and what does it matter to you if they get the same wage? I'm still a very effective employee. You are just creating a new, unnecessary point of contention between women.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There aren't that many years before grandchildren come along and a LOT of former SAHMs help extensively with grandchildren. Oldest kid goes to college at 18, has kids at 30. But the youngest child might be 5 years younger.

I will say that something that bothers me in these SAHM return to work threads is that those of us who have been working have been steadily climbing the ladder, but these SAHMs don't want to return to their previous wage- they want the same wage as women who have been working the entire time.

No one said that and what does it matter to you if they get the same wage? I'm still a very effective employee. You are just creating a new, unnecessary point of contention between women.

Exactly - the pay should be fair for whatever position they are in. Obviously someone who left the workforce isn't going to come right back in as CEO. They also shouldn't have to go back to entry level just because they took time off.