Interviewing and that feeling that "something is not right".

[Anonymous]

I just started looking for a weekend nanny position. I love my weekly nanny job but it is only 36 hours a week, four days a week, and I need to supplement my income.

I had my first interview yesterday after a great phone interview (where I was psyced about the job) and now I am not so sure. The MB was flakey and I don't like the neighborhood where they live (too many busy, busy streets and the charge is a very active toddler).

I don't actually trust my gut on this because I don't want a second job - I need a second job. So maybe the reality is coloring my judgment on this situation.

Would a trial period be worth suggesting in case my feeling is justified by the job itself?

TIA

[Anonymous]

Long-time nanny here. I had that feeling about something not being right, took the job anyway, and regretted it for a long time. I can't tell you how many times I thought back to my gut feelings in the interviews, and wish I would have listened to them.

I would advise you either to just keep looking, or ask for a casual-type visit. I'm assuming they have offered you the job? In another visit, you could stay and play with the toddler while chatting with the MB, etc., for 2-3 hours. Offer to do it for free, even. In the long run, it'll be worth it. Sell it to them as a more casual, get-to-know-you type thing. You can see if she is still flakey, or if it was just the first interview. You can also see if there are solutions to the toddler/busy street issue, etc. You will get a better feel for the whole picture.

You can do the trial period too, of course, but that may be more disruptive for all involved. I'm guessing that a longer visit there may tell you what you need to know to decide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Long-time nanny here. I had that feeling about something not being right, took the job anyway, and regretted it for a long time. I can't tell you how many times I thought back to my gut feelings in the interviews, and wish I would have listened to them.

I would advise you either to just keep looking, or ask for a casual-type visit. I'm assuming they have offered you the job? In another visit, you could stay and play with the toddler while chatting with the MB, etc., for 2-3 hours. Offer to do it for free, even. In the long run, it'll be worth it. Sell it to them as a more casual, get-to-know-you type thing. You can see if she is still flakey, or if it was just the first interview. You can also see if there are solutions to the toddler/busy street issue, etc. You will get a better feel for the whole picture.

You can do the trial period too, of course, but that may be more disruptive for all involved. I'm guessing that a longer visit there may tell you what you need to know to decide.

Thank, PP, that is good advice.

[Anonymous]

ALWAYS trust your gut, people.

[Anonymous]

Yes, definitely trust your gut. We currently are on the other side of this experience--we have a nice nanny who is trying but it just isn't working. We had that same gut instinct--that even though everything on paper looked great it just didn't feel right, probably for her as well. Now trying to find out of this situation 9 months later, which isn't easy for anyone. There are plenty of jobs out there; pass on this one and let another one come along.

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny and have taken jobs in the past that I knew from the get-go were not a suitable match for me. I needed the money pretty bad so I used that as justification for accepting the job.

With the passage of time however, things never improved, they even got worse until I was at the point where I either a). Dreaded going into work every day and/or b). Things were so unbearable that I had to quit on the spot.

Neither is fair to the children involved so I say trust your gut and follow your instincts on this. Your gut is rarely, if ever wrong on stuff like this.

Good luck and I hope you find a good family soon OP!

[Anonymous]

OP here and thanks everyone. I generally do trust my gut but this time I am questioning myself because I really don't want a second job. It makes me worried that I am subconsciously finding reasons NOT to take this job - not because of the job - because I simply don't want to work on weekends.

[Anonymous]

Is there any way to otherwise supplement your income? Or find another weekday job?

I really feel for the family that hires you; this is a hard gig, and if you already don't want to do it, it's going to be very, very hard to give it your all.

[Anonymous]

Your gut is trying to tell you something. Listen to it.

[Anonymous]

Have you thought about doing paid online surveys to supplement your income. I make about 500 per month doing them. But my friend just told me that last year he made 30,000 and he has a full time job as well. He works it way better then me clearly. I need to step up my game but I also have a social life so I do what I can.