"Hire a college kid" -- the go to answer for summer

[Anonymous]

I have heard this solution proposed several times. This seems to be the solution to summer for a lot of working parents, if camps are closed and offices are open.

But how are we supposed to find some random college kid that: a) we can trust enough to leave our young children with for hours each day... during a pandemic; b) is not an asymptomatic carrier; c) is willing to watch kids and risk exposure to the virus from our family; and d) we can afford? Even at $15/hour, which I assume would be the bare minimum for a college student, that's $600 per week (8 hrs/day, 5 days/week).

Please explain how you plan to make this work for your family. Are you already doing searches, putting out feelers? Would you hire via a phone interview?? I am having a hard time with the entire idea, but it may be one of our only options.

[Anonymous]

You are making entirely too much effort here. The go to answer, at least here, seems to be to demand that 100% telework be allowed until camps/schools reopen.

[Anonymous]

Post job at local college. Conduct phone/zoom interview. Call references. Yes, it’s expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Yes, it’s expensive.

Some families are already way ahead since working from home.

Turns out working costs me a lot... https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/875017.page

[Anonymous]

DH has been cleared to work at home as long as our son is home. If I go back to work I'll try to get into the office earlier so I can help more in the afternoons or work an evening shift so I can help in the morning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are making entirely too much effort here. The go to answer, at least here, seems to be to demand that 100% telework be allowed until camps/schools reopen.

Not everyone can telework, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Post job at local college. Conduct phone/zoom interview. Call references. Yes, it’s expensive.

Colleges are closed. How would you post and who would see it?

[Anonymous]

Agree, OP. My Boomer co-workers throw this one out all the time, like they're geniuses.

It is the new version of "just pay your tuition with a summer job!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are making entirely too much effort here. The go to answer, at least here, seems to be to demand that 100% telework be allowed until camps/schools reopen.

100% telework doesn’t help with the fact that my 3 and 5 year old need to be supervised, fed, and kept busy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post job at local college. Conduct phone/zoom interview. Call references. Yes, it’s expensive.

Colleges are closed. How would you post and who would see it?

Lol it’s not like you need to find a physical bulletin board and the door to the building is locked. You’re so old and cute!

[Anonymous]

It won't work as a solution for everyone. I would not want to hire a random college student during this time.

We do have a college student watching our kids now, but we have known her for several years. It's costly, but still less than day camp with before and aftercare for all 3 kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Post job at local college. Conduct phone/zoom interview. Call references. Yes, it’s expensive.

Colleges are closed. How would you post and who would see it?

Lol it’s not like you need to find a physical bulletin board and the door to the building is locked. You’re so old and cute!

Haha, seriously PP, colleges have online "bulletin" boards.

[Anonymous]

We have a college student we have used for the last 3 summers, so this will be summer number 4. She lives in our neighborhood and started watching DD when she was in HS. We only need 3 hours a day 2 days a week because we both do shift work so fortunate in that regard.
Our school year sitter is not babysitting right now so the summer sitter has stepped in as her college is closed. Its worked out great.
OP does your neighborhood have a facebook page or listerv? Post on there what you are looking for.

[Anonymous]

Above PP again. Yes its costly if you need FT care, but childcare is costly, it is what it is.

[Anonymous]

OP- How were you normally going to find summer care that is less than that? I'm a teacher and hopefully I can find a summer nanny job. My own kid is old enough to be alone by himself and I need the money.