How many hours does someone want for their only job?

[Anonymous]

Rather than sending 2.5 and 4yo to preschool, we are considering hiring a nanny. We don’t need full-time hours — preschool was going to be 15 hrs/wk but we’d definitely be up for more than that, especially for someone who was willing to do some tidying, kid laundry, etc. I’m pregnant so this would be especially valuable after the baby is born.

Realistically, how many hours a week would someone want in order to not need/want another job? We’re REALLY serious about social distancing, I literally haven’t been inside a building that isn’t my house since early March (upcoming midwife appt will be the first time), and I don’t want to get an entire other family + their social circle’s germs. But of course I understand that part-time nanny work doesn’t bring in enough to live on.

Honestly I think my choices are probably either to find someone who is equally serious about not getting coronavirus and pay them for a full week, or keep on managing everyone at home myself as I’ve been doing. But I may have overlooked an option, so I would welcome suggestions.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the person. For three kids and someone careful about social distancing you will have to pay a premium and will need to pay 40 hours to keep them working with another family. No one can live off 15 hours a week.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, that’s my thought.

[Anonymous]

I would advertise your position as PT to FT and see what people want. You could also advertise a PT position at a premium rate or just do FT and mention that you will guarantee FT pay but won't need all the hours. You should certainly find someone who is willing to help with kid laundry, etc. GL!

[Anonymous]

35-40 depending on pay. Just run the numbers. You know what you can pay. Figure out how much the person will get after basic taxes and think if that's live able. Can they pay rent etc. also keep in mind that if the person doesn't have a family they probably can't afford their own place on a nanny salary so share a house/apartment so that's more risk.

[Anonymous]

Find the right nanny and you’ll be thrilled with 40 hours a week. She could do educational projects with your four year old and two year old separately, if you want to stay involved as well as handle with child-related chores. A good, educated nanny will set up a schedule for your kids to keep them learning and having fun. Your kids won’t need screens all day.

If you can’t afford it, get a full time nanny and enjoy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rather than sending 2.5 and 4yo to preschool, we are considering hiring a nanny. We don’t need full-time hours — preschool was going to be 15 hrs/wk but we’d definitely be up for more than that, especially for someone who was willing to do some tidying, kid laundry, etc. I’m pregnant so this would be especially valuable after the baby is born.

Realistically, how many hours a week would someone want in order to not need/want another job? We’re REALLY serious about social distancing, I literally haven’t been inside a building that isn’t my house since early March (upcoming midwife appt will be the first time), and I don’t want to get an entire other family + their social circle’s germs. But of course I understand that part-time nanny work doesn’t bring in enough to live on.

Honestly I think my choices are probably either to find someone who is equally serious about not getting coronavirus and pay them for a full week, or keep on managing everyone at home myself as I’ve been doing. But I may have overlooked an option, so I would welcome suggestions.

For three kids, you at home and "tidyong' up house screams job creep. You wouldn't have enough money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Find the right nanny and you’ll be thrilled with 40 hours a week. She could do educational projects with your four year old and two year old separately, if you want to stay involved as well as handle with child-related chores. A good, educated nanny will set up a schedule for your kids to keep them learning and having fun. Your kids won’t need screens all day.

If you can’t afford it, get a full time nanny and enjoy!

+1. The right nanny will do so much more for your kids than just getting by.

[Anonymous]

Find a live-in nanny with an underlying condition that won’t impact her work (asthma or cancer survivor would be my recommendation), and she won’t have a problem with whatever hours you need.