Any nannies in their 20's ?

[Anonymous]

Just curious if many of the younger nannies are nannying while in college, for extra money or having a hard time finding a job in their field. I am 24, and while I am still young, i do enjoy my job as a nanny.. But I am always getting asked when I will transition into a "real job" and many people don't even consider me being a nanny a real job. Just curious to hear from other young nannies and how they handle these type of things.

[Anonymous]

When people ask why I don't work as a teacher, I tell them I love working with kids one on one, rather than with a larger group at once. I get paid pretty well as a part time nanny, enough to live on with my husband also working part time (by choice). I do get that question a lot, even from potential nanny families. I tell them I have chosen to work with children for as long as I can, and I enjoy nannying.

[Anonymous]

No one every asks me that. Never. I got my degree in Early Childhood Education and this is always what I wanted to do.

Do you act like you are unhappy being a nanny, OP?

[Anonymous]

I'm 25, and just finishing up school. Working as a nanny has allowed me to get my degree debt free, pay for a wedding, and buy a home. I do plan to move on from this field, but I could care less if people think its a "real" job. I'm much better off financially than many of my peers, which seems to be how people measure success. I've also learned so much more from this than I would have working retail or some other part time job while going to school. I also know that I have a trade to fall back on if I ever struggle with unemployment. Quality childcare is always in demand.

[Anonymous]

I was raised in a French-speaking home and worked as a French to English translator all though college and for a few years after. No one considered being a translator anything less than a "real job" just because I had no interest in doing it forever or as a career. I feel the same way about being a nanny. For some (like being a translator) it is a permanent and chosen profession while for others it is a stepping-stone. Nothing at all wrong with either option.

[Anonymous]

I encounter this quite often, but I think it also depends on who is asking. Some people look at nannying as a waste of my college education, but I explain to them how flexible the nannying field is and that people will pay more for educated nannies that are experienced in many different ways. In all honesty, people just don't realize how financially sound nannying can be, so I find ways to tactfully say how self-sufficient it allows me to be. I also emphasize the benefits that people don't think about: "I never have to bring work home from the 'office' and I'm able to enjoy my vacations without interruption." If you love what you do and are visibly happy and financially stable then people will stop asking after a while. Defend what you do because nannying is a very important job so if you respect it then others will start to too. You're definitely not alone though, don't worry.

[Anonymous]

Great respond 13:38! Thank you ladies for the responses I'm glad I am not alone and the only young (American) nanny who gets asked this!

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't stress too much about the opinions of others. I am a full time nanny and I have been with the family for over a year now. I will be with them until next summer when I will go to graduate school. Sometimes I feel like this job isn't a "real" job but overall it's been incredibly rewarding, educating, and wonderful. The family I work for is amazing and their kids are incredible. I am grateful for this opportunity and I try not to feel the need to "explain" myself to anyone. Just keep doing what you enjoy- nannying is a great way to earn extra money, pay for school, and other things while gaining really good skills. You learn responsibility, time management, conflict resolution (fighting kids), problem solving, scheduling, and many other skills. That combined with the emotional growth one gains in this job actually makes for a lot of skills!

So far I am able to more than provide for myself and live a very comfortable lifestyle. I love my job and it's a great opportunity right now.

[Anonymous]

I posted the post above and I totally forgot to add that I'm 24 and American (if that matters). I've lived in DC for a little over a year now and I have been a nanny since I moved here.