Let go from 3 jobs in two months

[Anonymous]

I'm so frustrated with the nanny field at the moment. I was with my old NF for two years. It ended when they moved overseas. I've been looking since April and nothing but failure and lost hope. I took job #1 but DB lost his job the same week I started. Financially they couldn't keep me on. The second fam lasted one day and MB came home profusely apologizing. She decided to quit her job. They gave me a severance. The third family I was with 2.5 weeks when MB got a last minute job offer and they are moving.

I'm trying it apply for jobs but there is nothing. Families that see hiring are trying to hire for an illegal rate. I had two prospects but one decided to go for daycare ( before an interview) and I didn't get the other job. I feel so down in the dumps. I can't afford to be out of work. I'm currently supporting both my sick parents. I'm in Chicago, btw.

[Anonymous]

Just keep your head up op and keep trying. Your dream job could be just around the corner. Apply, apply, apply and network.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry for your string of bad luck lately OP, but that is all that it is....Bad luck. You are not doing anything wrong here.

I know it's tough being out of work, but you need to stay motivated + continue your job search. Keep a healthy perspective about things and realize nothing good ever comes easy in our lives.

Use ALL the avenues that you can, online nanny websites, listserves, post ads in the newspaper and nanny agencies.

Looking for a job is considered a job in itself.

Re: Networking. Could any of the families that employed you possibly have friends that need a nanny too? I would ask them to let you know if they hear of any that are searching for a nanny as awesome as you are.

I wish you all the best in your future job endeavors.

Please, do not lose faith.

[Anonymous]

Could you put an ad on Craigslist and update sittercity/care.com profiles to reflect availability for sick kids and last minute care to help you get some money coming in until you find something more permanent? Also, your example is a big reason why I don't take full time jobs anymore but cobble together two part times and random date night stuff. If you lose a ft job, you're out your entire income but if you lose pt you still have a source of income with the other job.

I'm so sorry you're having a run of really bad luck and I sincerely hope things turn around for you soon!

[Anonymous]

It is just a string of bad luck, OP. Don't let it get you down or affect how you act in interviews.

In the meanwhile, get extra training, learn Baby Sign Language, take a few course in Early Childhood Development and beef up your resume.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

The Universe is telling you to seek another profession where there is job growth, stability, and a future.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all advice and encouragement. I know I will find a great family, it just hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be. I am trying my hardest to take date nights and immediate care, while applying for FT and staying positive. It's hard to do but negativity doesn't get us anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Universe is telling you to seek another profession where there is job growth, stability, and a future.

Please get a life, Fat Troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all advice and encouragement. I know I will find a great family, it just hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be. I am trying my hardest to take date nights and immediate care, while applying for FT and staying positive. It's hard to do but negativity doesn't get us anywhere.

Karma is on your side now, OP. Your next full-time job will be fantastic! Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all advice and encouragement. I know I will find a great family, it just hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be. I am trying my hardest to take date nights and immediate care, while applying for FT and staying positive. It's hard to do but negativity doesn't get us anywhere.

Karma is on your side now, OP. Your next full-time job will be fantastic! Good luck!

Thanks. I'm hoping. I went for two jobs I wanted and didn't get either of them. I'm not bragging but I haven't been on an interview I didn't get in 3 years. Now I can't even seem to get hired. I've updated, looked everywhere, etc. It's been a very tough two months.

[Anonymous]

Do you have any education experience or a degree in education? I went through TeacherCare and I know they place in Chicago, DC and NY.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Would the family that you worked with for two weeks be willing to post for you on the old neighborhood listserve? A recommendation from an established neighborhood family goes far in my area. Are there nanny placement agencies you could join?

I'd also look into regular temp agencies (admin type work) just to keep yourself afloat while you're searching.

[Anonymous]

It's tough, but keep looking.

A few years ago I quit the nanny job I liked after 2.5 years. Although I liked the job, I was burnt out.
I still needed a full time job, but with less hours.

I started working as a "before school" nanny (it was around April), but mom was laid off (she was a nurse) and I had to start looking after a month.

I found a summer job - the family moved to my city from across the country, because dad got a summer contract. So that lasted 2 months.

Then I found another family around Labor Day and I liked them, but 2 weeks before Thanksgiving the mom decided to quit her job and stay with the kids. She gave me a few weeks notice even she was already done with her job. I helped her with errands and other things. My last week was in December.

The second week of December my old nanny family (the job I quit) needed a nanny for a week as their current nanny was on vacation and they were looking for someone to fill in. We stayed in touch after I quit and it was good to see them again. But it was only for a week.

Christmas wasn't merry and bright, because I was worried about finding another job.

I had an interview right after New Year and I started working a week later. I'm still with them since then - it's been 1.5 year.
It's one of my favorite jobs (I was with one family for 8 years and that was my other favorite job) and I'm going to stick around for as long as they need me.
The kids are older - 10 and 12.

It was worth to wait for the right family, although definitely tough and sometimes scary.

Please don't give up. Something will come up. Keep looking.
Good luck!!

~ The Rainbow Nanny

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would the family that you worked with for two weeks be willing to post for you on the old neighborhood listserve? A recommendation from an established neighborhood family goes far in my area. Are there nanny placement agencies you could join?

I'd also look into regular temp agencies (admin type work) just to keep yourself afloat while you're searching.

Sorry, I meant the family you were with for two years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's tough, but keep looking.

A few years ago I quit the nanny job I liked after 2.5 years. Although I liked the job, I was burnt out.
I still needed a full time job, but with less hours.

I started working as a "before school" nanny (it was around April), but mom was laid off (she was a nurse) and I had to start looking after a month.

I found a summer job - the family moved to my city from across the country, because dad got a summer contract. So that lasted 2 months.

Then I found another family around Labor Day and I liked them, but 2 weeks before Thanksgiving the mom decided to quit her job and stay with the kids. She gave me a few weeks notice even she was already done with her job. I helped her with errands and other things. My last week was in December.

The second week of December my old nanny family (the job I quit) needed a nanny for a week as their current nanny was on vacation and they were looking for someone to fill in. We stayed in touch after I quit and it was good to see them again. But it was only for a week.

Christmas wasn't merry and bright, because I was worried about finding another job.

I had an interview right after New Year and I started working a week later. I'm still with them since then - it's been 1.5 year.
It's one of my favorite jobs (I was with one family for 8 years and that was my other favorite job) and I'm going to stick around for as long as they need me.
The kids are older - 10 and 12.

It was worth to wait for the right family, although definitely tough and sometimes scary.

Please don't give up. Something will come up. Keep looking.
Good luck!!

~ The Rainbow Nanny

Working with older kids is pretty much the jackpot, it's almost no work at all, just some driving and playing mom. The parents are generally clueless.