Long days, how do you handle them?

[Anonymous]

I have a phone interview tomorrow for a full time job. The schedule is M-F, 11 hour days. I've always worked 8 hour days with young toddlers who napped so I got a little break mid day. I'm wondering if anyone has ideas about how to handle 10+ hour days with children who may or may not nap (i'm not sure if they do). Is there a way to approach a prospective employer about a sort of "break" during the day where the kids do a little supervised independent play so that the nanny can have a little down time?

fyi, I'm not trying to get out of playing with the kids or doing other duties, I just know that an 11 hour work day with no breaks would be hard for anyone, even a super nanny!

[Anonymous]

I would avoid an 11 hour day job at all costs. I would get burnt out within a couple of months.

[Anonymous]

I currently work 10-1/2 to 11 hours a day and think it should be avoided at all costs! I thought I could do it but I'm getting burnt out and am looking for a new job a few months in. Even if the kids sleep and do independent play (which does give us a break), there is just no substitute for going home and being off duty! I miss out on a lot of time with family because I'm working about 90mins later than them. Doesn't seem like that big of a deal but it's hard missing dinners, getting out of work when it's dark, and basically having three hours to relax before bed then starting a new work day. I've read that if you need a nanny for more than 50 hours a week it's best to hire two-one who works the first 40 hours and one who works the extra day to give the ft many a break. Best of luck with whatever you decide!

[Anonymous]

I'm a live in nanny I work 6am till 9pm sometimes later if the kids won't go to sleep. I also work 6 days a week. I have just gotten to the point were I know this is my life and that's it. I work and sleep nothing else.

[Anonymous]

OP will you live in or live out? Did you factor in your commute time? As a nanny who has done both with 10+ hour days, when I lived in it didn't seem like a problem (especially in a new area) but when I lived out I was ready to quit in a few months. There are ways you will find breaks throughout the day, or at least they will seem like breaks!

[Anonymous]

I work 7-6 and also take four courses a semester. It's exhausting and really hard to make time for some type of social life. I wish i could go back to 40 hours a week just so I could go to the gym. Luckily I'm allowed to nap with the kids otherwise I'd die.

If you don't have an over the top active social life, school or any other obligations it won't be so bad. Plenty of ppl work 50+ hours a week

[Anonymous]

I'm a live out who works 50+ a week, and almost always 11-15 hour days... There are days they nap and days they do not. We do not do tv or computer and the family is European and very minamilistic - meaning a few stuffed animals, a ton of books to read and that's about it... My days are long and I have to be creative daily to keep the kids entertained.

That being said, I am a year in and I enjoy my job. I will not be seeking new employment. I say go for it.

Good luck op!

[Anonymous]

If you work 10 hours of OT over a 40 hour week, it's about an additional 40% of a 40 hour week's pay. So there's that.

[Anonymous]

I work 7:30 to 6:30 or 7pm. The kid naps. I work out while she's napping. It re-sets me for the afternoon/evening.

[Anonymous]

I think that question is reasonable but better saves for the second interview or when you are firming up additional issues post interview. I am a huge believer that even non nappers should do some quiet time for their sake and tr Nanny's sanity (and my own on weekends!). But other moms may instead read it as you focusing too much on breaks. Again it is very smart to think about and talk ahead of time but may e first make sure you come across as a hard worker and impressive in the interview.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think that question is reasonable but better saves for the second interview or when you are firming up additional issues post interview. I am a huge believer that even non nappers should do some quiet time for their sake and tr Nanny's sanity (and my own on weekends!). But other moms may instead read it as you focusing too much on breaks. Again it is very smart to think about and talk ahead of time but may e first make sure you come across as a hard worker and impressive in the interview.

Second this. Its definitely something you should address, but like money, it shouldn't be the first thing out your mouth. Good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

I agree with the last two PPs. How old are the kids too? At your second interview or after receiving the job offer is a great time to ask if the kids have a set quiet time during the day. If they don't; tell the parents you consider small batches (depending on the ages) of independent play essential and typically a schedule 20-60min (again depending on age) of quiet play after lunch. Ask if they're comfortable with that or if they have a different preference for how the kids wind down mid-day. Don't call it a break (the truth is you won't truly get one), just approach it as a childcare professional who knows 1) kids need to be able to play by themselves and 2) kids need some kind of rest period during the day or they are terrors at bedtime. Shouldn't be a problem.

[Anonymous]

Ugh, sorry for all the typos. Darn phone.

[Anonymous]

People who need that much time away from their kids should not have had them in the first place. I hate working for workaholic parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People who need that much time away from their kids should not have had them in the first place. I hate working for workaholic parents.

You're an idiot. If a parent has any type of commute you're looking at a ten hour day. If I had a nanny I would have to be out my door at twenty to eight and not home again until almost five thirty. Those are considered normal days in the real world.