Is my weight causing me to lose jobs?

[Anonymous]

I used to be a nanny that was highly sought after. I have wonderful experience, educated, English speaking, 3 recommendation letters, 6 glowing references, etc., I've been on over 20 interviews in the past 9 years and have had offers from all but two families. I recently gained a little weight and I feel like it may be holding me back. I'm very petite ( 5'2) and have gained 15lbs, which looks more because of my petite frame. My current family is moving and I've been searching for jobs. I've been on four interview that are in the same criteria as previous positions, yet I didn't get an offer. They are excited over the phone and then no offer. I'm also having a hard time clicking with these families, too. I've been fortunate enough to get families easily, so I am baffled and worried I may not find anything. It really sucks to be in this position, especially not knowing why.

[Anonymous]

How much do you weigh ? What is your hourly rate ? What areas are you looking in ?

[Anonymous]

Probably not your weight unless you're 300 lbs or something. It's really about fit and clicking with the family. There's so many things that need to line up...their needs, your needs, your rate, their budget, personalities etc. Just a run of bad luck is my guess.

[Anonymous]

I think people only discriminate against weight if the nanny is obese.

Otherwise, that wouldn't be an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much do you weigh ? What is your hourly rate ? What areas are you looking in ?

I normally weigh 105/110. Now weigh 127. I don't live in DC but my rate is very normal for my area and qualifications. The families ( 3) that I met with were looking for my qualifications and already willing to pay my rate. They were so " excited" over the phone and then their demeanor changed when they saw me in person. That's why I'm worrying it's my weight. I'm hoping it's a run of bad luck. I'm very worried

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Probably not your weight unless you're 300 lbs or something. It's really about fit and clicking with the family. There's so many things that need to line up...their needs, your needs, your rate, their budget, personalities etc. Just a run of bad luck is my guess.

OP. Thanks for your response and not to sound snarky, but I do know a lot goes into this process. I've been a nanny for 9 years and have worked wuty multiple families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How much do you weigh ? What is your hourly rate ? What areas are you looking in ?

I normally weigh 105/110. Now weigh 127. I don't live in DC but my rate is very normal for my area and qualifications. The families ( 3) that I met with were looking for my qualifications and already willing to pay my rate. They were so " excited" over the phone and then their demeanor changed when they saw me in person. That's why I'm worrying it's my weight. I'm hoping it's a run of bad luck. I'm very worried

Maybe you just have a much higher opinion of your experience and skills than MBs do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How much do you weigh ? What is your hourly rate ? What areas are you looking in ?

I normally weigh 105/110. Now weigh 127. I don't live in DC but my rate is very normal for my area and qualifications. The families ( 3) that I met with were looking for my qualifications and already willing to pay my rate. They were so " excited" over the phone and then their demeanor changed when they saw me in person. That's why I'm worrying it's my weight. I'm hoping it's a run of bad luck. I'm very worried

Maybe you just have a much higher opinion of your experience and skills than MBs do?

That may very well be it, but like I said, I've had no trouble getting positions in the past. 18 out of 20 jobs I interviewed for, I got an offer. I get daily messages on nanny sites and even agencies in my area have tried to poach me. One site alone, I have 11 positive reviews. I'm always complimented and at interviews and then receive the offer. It very well could be that I think more of myself though. The funny thing is I'm incredibly tough on myself. I never feel like I'm the great nanny everyone says I am. I feel I still have room for improvement and I'm a perfectionist.

These past there interviews, the parents loved my qualifications. Then I meet and the one mom kept staring at my hips ( where I gained the weight). I dress very professionally and have been told I interview extremely well. I've worked for celebrities, politicians, lawyers, and doctors. They have all told me how professional I am and that I present myself well. Then within hours I have an offer.

I just be doing something wrong ( though I haven't changed anything), it's my weight, or just bad luck. I am suffering through a rough personal time and maybe they can sense it.

[Anonymous]

When is the last time you interviewed for jobs? I found when I was looking for a job 2 years ago the market to be much more competitive than previous job searches. Took me a lot more interviews to find what I wanted.

[Anonymous]

At 127 I would not worry about it being your weight.

Now if you said 227 that's differnt. I think up to about 160 or so most families won't care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When is the last time you interviewed for jobs? I found when I was looking for a job 2 years ago the market to be much more competitive than previous job searches. Took me a lot more interviews to find what I wanted.

I've been with this family for a year. I did get an offer four a fourth interview but the family was an awful fit. I've been interviewing a week so far. I feel no hope and very negative because of these rejections.

To pp. I'm 127. I know it's a low number but I'm slight below 5'2. To a petite frame, even 5-10lbs can really show.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When is the last time you interviewed for jobs? I found when I was looking for a job 2 years ago the market to be much more competitive than previous job searches. Took me a lot more interviews to find what I wanted.

I've been with this family for a year. I did get an offer four a fourth interview but the family was an awful fit. I've been interviewing a week so far. I feel no hope and very negative because of these rejections.

To pp. I'm 127. I know it's a low number but I'm slight below 5'2. To a petite frame, even 5-10lbs can really show.

I'm 5'0 I weigh about 150 and I havent ever thought twice about my weight and getting a nanny job. It's usually all about the right fit. You've only been interviewing a week ? Insecurities can really show through. Maybe the families sense that???? I have huge boobs like HH and I've never once noticed a potential employer staring at the largest part of my body. But I'm not insecure about it either. My advice is to lighten up on yourself and stay positive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When is the last time you interviewed for jobs? I found when I was looking for a job 2 years ago the market to be much more competitive than previous job searches. Took me a lot more interviews to find what I wanted.

I've been with this family for a year. I did get an offer four a fourth interview but the family was an awful fit. I've been interviewing a week so far. I feel no hope and very negative because of these rejections.

To pp. I'm 127. I know it's a low number but I'm slight below 5'2. To a petite frame, even 5-10lbs can really show.

I'm 5'0 I weigh about 150 and I havent ever thought twice about my weight and getting a nanny job. It's usually all about the right fit. You've only been interviewing a week ? Insecurities can really show through. Maybe the families sense that???? I have huge boobs like HH and I've never once noticed a potential employer staring at the largest part of my body. But I'm not insecure about it either. My advice is to lighten up on yourself and stay positive.

I've recently lost my brother to a suicide and that has taken a huge toll on me. I'm definitely not as lovely and energetic as I used to be. I may be sendibg out that signal unknowingly. One of my great friends is my height buy 170ish and she has no issues securing great jobs. I'm thinking it may be the vibe in putting out versus my weight. Thanks so much everyone! I can't win them all and that's okay. I love my current nf and that can also be hindering me finding a good fit. I noticed I tend to compare to them. I will just keep being positive and hope for the best. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

One thing I've been told about why families like me is because I'm "so natural" meaning not fake nice, over the top. I get told that a lot. So maybe try and relax and be as natural as possible.

[Anonymous]

Your weight would not cause me to withhold a job offer.
It sounds like you've lost your verve and vitality due to your brother's suicide. That's probably why you're not getting hired.