Nanny working two jobs at 57 (sometimes more) hours a week.

[Anonymous]

I am about to begin a second job which will have me working six days a week at around 60 hours a week (one job with no virtually commute and the other with a very short commute). Both jobs involve single children and very nice parents.

Why does everyone say I will get burned out when I am still doing less work than I did as the parent of young children when I was a SAHM?

I am looking forward to banking some money and getting ahead. I hope to keep this schedule for a year. DH and I share household duties and we live a very simple and peaceful life now that both of my kids are out of the house! For the record, I have a MA in Early Childhood Development, am a former preschool teacher, and truly love being a nanny.

I would love to hear from other nannies who were once SAHMs and can compare the two.

TIA

[Anonymous]

The children of others are always easier than my own.

[Anonymous]

I work one job (and have been with this same family for 5 years) and work 56 hours a week. there are plenty of nannies that work 50+ hours at one job, so I don't see how you would burn out by doing the same hours at 2 jobs. sure, sometimes I have off days and am more tired than usual, but that happens at every job. I wouldn't worry too much about what other people say

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The children of others are always easier than my own.

I have actually found the opposite to be true. When I cared for my own children I was in my home following my rules (or breaking my own rules!) and found it infinitely easier than being a nanny. What is easier about being a nanny is that I never cleaned my employers house or did chores not related to childcare which I had to do as a SAHM.

That said, your schedule is doable and certainly not unheard of. As long as you are in good physical shape and make your nutrition and sleep a priority then you should be fine.

[Anonymous]

One thing to consider is most people take 2 days off a week or if they work 6 days they are just doing a few hours in the evening. It means you can't get away for a long weekend, or even just the weekend. At all. I think that's why people say you'll burn out.

Personally, I need one full weekend a month to recharge...one day to really goof off...go to a movie, arcade, museum, whatever, and one day to get stuff done as usual. If you're really determined to do it, you'll make it work but you'll need to be really organized and focused on the end goal. Just don't be afraid to take a long weekend when you start to feel burned out. You still need to take care of YOU first before you can take care of the littles.

[Anonymous]

PS Downplay how much you work. You on't want either family looking for signs of burnout.

[Anonymous]

Because when you are in charge of caring for your OWN children, it is a much different playing field vs. caring for someone else's.

I was a SAHM for years and like you, my kids are all adults now and I work as a nanny.

As a nanny, I have certain rules to follow and instructions to adhere to. When I was home w/my own kids, I made my own rules but now I have to dance to a different beat. Nothing too bad, but regardless I am 100%.

Then there is the liability factor. When entrusted with the care of someone else's child, I am way more careful regarding safety.

Not saying I was lax with my own kids, but there exists a certain amount of anxiety when in charge of someone else's child. There just is. No one can deny this.

That being said, since you raised your own kids, I don't see why you shouldn't work as many hours as you desire.

Just proceed with caution because it is a long workweek for you.

Hope everything works out in your favor!

[Anonymous]

*am not 100%.

[Anonymous]

I worked 60 hours easily at my last job.

I think the tricky part of 6 days is that when you are off you just want to chill, but then you never end up seeing anyone. If you use your day off to sleep in, then half your day off is gone by the time you wake up!

I totally believe the key to this is preparation and routine. You are far less likely to get run down if you eat a balanced diet (which takes pre-planning for me), ensure you get enough sleep and do some exercise