Should I work for a good friend?

[Anonymous]

I have been a nanny for several years. My good friend is having a baby soon and really wants me to take care of him. She would pay me the rate I make now. Is it a bad idea to work for, and be paid by a friend?

[Anonymous]

It would probably change your friendship.

[Anonymous]

In general, I think it's fine, as long as everyone understands that it's a business relationship.

This is a very intimate, long-term, all-day, all-week, all-year kind of job, though. On the one hand, how wonderful to have a nanny you know so well! On the other hand, how do you tell your good friend that she spends too much time on her cell phone, or has to work on a day you have off?

What kind of relationship do you have, OP? Would it work? It's not just about the rate ...

[Anonymous]

Dangerous. I don't think I would jeopardize a valued friendship like this. You could be emergency backup care or something but don't turn a friendship into an employer/employee relationship without very serious consideration.

[Anonymous]

No. It could be fine, or not. You are jepordizing. If good friends, not worth it

[Anonymous]

Do not take the chance of losing a good friend over a job. It is not worth it. So - no. Do not work for a good friend.

[Anonymous]

Nope. Way too complicated.

[Anonymous]

Been there, done that. We're still friends, but it did really strain our very close, 15 year friendship. I only worked for her for one school year (she's a teacher), and I'm very glad that was the agreement from the beginning.

Ehh, my experience wasn't honestly that bad, but really, I wouldn't recommend it. Tell her you value your friendship too much to risk it.

[Anonymous]

I don't see how it wouldn't work out as long as you both can agree on certain terms.

I.e., parenting philosophies, pay rate (it sounds like you already did!) and house rules.

[Anonymous]

This would likely work better if she saw you as a daycare provider (your rules, your workspace) than a nanny (her rules, her workspace).

Just my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been a nanny for several years. My good friend is having a baby soon and really wants me to take care of him. She would pay me the rate I make now. Is it a bad idea to work for, and be paid by a friend?

Yes. The friendship will end.

[Anonymous]

No, absolutely not. Never mix money with either family or friendship, and certainly don't take a job working for a friend!

[Anonymous]

I babysit for a good friend and is working out fine for now.