Do you think "fit" nannies have an edge over overweight nannies?

[Anonymous]

I've been nannying full-time for approximately five years. I've had a lot of luck with getting interviews and offers, despite not having as much experience as many veteran nannies. I attributed it to my education or references.

I know a handful of great nannies who just have a really hard time securing jobs despite having tons of experience and skills. I know believe they are being discriminated against because of their weight. That's the only thing that seems to make sense. Why would I, a 25-year-old, be hired over a nanny who has 25 years and a Masters in ECE.

Overweight nannies, do you feel like your weight has made hints difficult? Do you feel judged for being overweight or as if you can't do your job as well?

Parents, feel free to express your side as well.

[Anonymous]

Yes - but you can be slightly overweight and still stunningly fit. DCs nanny probably has about 20 extra pounds on her but walks 6 miles a day pushing a stroller and is always jumping around and playing on the floor with DC. She is also 60 and has a stomach flatter than mine.

[Anonymous]

I would not hire a nanny with a master's degree in less they were a SAHM looking for something to do or extra income. I'd wonder why they were not in their chosen field. Plus, the point of a nanny is so I can work and I would not consider them as reasonable in terms of salary and if I am paying them more than I earn, there is no benefit to a nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not hire a nanny with a master's degree in less they were a SAHM looking for something to do or extra income. I'd wonder why they were not in their chosen field. Plus, the point of a nanny is so I can work and I would not consider them as reasonable in terms of salary and if I am paying them more than I earn, there is no benefit to a nanny.

She wanted $18 an hour, I make $17 an hour.

She is a nanny because it's what she wants to do. Many nannies have higher level degrees.

Of course you wouldn't pay more than you make, but here are nannies who make around $100,000 a year which isn't too bad when you consider their employers make 40 mill +.

[Anonymous]

No, I may be chubby but I can carry a 25lb baby on my back while climbing the hills of SF so I get the job done. I've never been passed over for a position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not hire a nanny with a master's degree in less they were a SAHM looking for something to do or extra income. I'd wonder why they were not in their chosen field. Plus, the point of a nanny is so I can work and I would not consider them as reasonable in terms of salary and if I am paying them more than I earn, there is no benefit to a nanny.

I have a masters in Early Childhood Education and this is my chosen field. I've worked in preschools for years but prefer the one-on-one teaching of being a nanny. I earn $25 an hour so no - you are right that many families cannot afford me - but I am certain I earn far less than my MB.

And to answer your question, OP, it depends on how overweight and where the nanny carries her weight. Belly weight is fatiguing and unhealthy. A few extra pounds around the but, hips and thighs is just the way some women are build and it doesn't effect activity.

Overweight is one thing -- obese is another. You have to be able to move and run quickly when you are a nanny.

[Anonymous]

It's a well known documented fact that fat people suffer job discrimination. On the other hand, some mothers may specifically prefer a less attractive nanny.

[Anonymous]

Fit in any field but certainly in the nanny field will always have the edge. But fit and overweight are not mutually exclusive. You can be fit, healthy and still a few pounds overweight. Some people are simply built stocky.

[nannydebsays]

How do you measure "fit"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Why would I, a 25-year-old, be hired over a nanny who has 25 years and a Masters in ECE.

My friends who hired younger, less experienced nannies did so after bad experiences with older, career nannies who were more set in their ways and kinda told them how to raise their kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Why would I, a 25-year-old, be hired over a nanny who has 25 years and a Masters in ECE.

My friends who hired younger, less experienced nannies did so after bad experiences with older, career nannies who were more set in their ways and kinda told them how to raise their kids.

Not my experience or the experience of any employer of older nannies I have ever met. I'm honestly surprised by your response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Why would I, a 25-year-old, be hired over a nanny who has 25 years and a Masters in ECE.

My friends who hired younger, less experienced nannies did so after bad experiences with older, career nannies who were more set in their ways and kinda told them how to raise their kids.

Not my experience or the experience of any employer of older nannies I have ever met. I'm honestly surprised by your response.

I agree. PP sounds like a young nanny trying to get the edge over the older, experienced nannies.

[Anonymous]

Our nanny is overweight by maybe 40lbs. She's very petite in height and has a stunning face. I've never had an issue with her. She gets down on the floor to play and is very active with my two children. Some discriminate but I personally didn't. She was the most qualified and the best personality match for my family.

[Anonymous]

OP sounds like a fight starter looking to rile people up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Why would I, a 25-year-old, be hired over a nanny who has 25 years and a Masters in ECE.

My friends who hired younger, less experienced nannies did so after bad experiences with older, career nannies who were more set in their ways and kinda told them how to raise their kids.

Not my experience or the experience of any employer of older nannies I have ever met. I'm honestly surprised by your response.

I agree. PP sounds like a young nanny trying to get the edge over the older, experienced nannies.

For the record, I'm an MB. Our nanny is older and a career nanny and awesome. I'm just saying what happened to a couple friends of mine, offering another explanation that there are reasons people go with younger nannies that aren't related to age/weight.