Would you pass me by?

[Anonymous]

At 28 years old, I have 10 years nanny experience. I’ve worked for one family since 2007. I was 19-years-old and it was my first and only nanny job. I was with the family for 10 years and through 3 children until the youngest started full-day kindergarten in the fall.

I have no other nanny positions under my belt because I dedicated the last decade to one family. I feel like many families pass me by because I don’t have enough references. I find this disappointing because I have twice the years of experience as other nannies in our community but not nearly as many references. I see nannies with 5 years experience who have worked for 4 families land jobs very easily. I wonder if longevity and commitment means more to some families rather than # of references. As a nanny, going through a family every year or so doesn’t translate to a better nanny.

I, of course, know many families just may not be the right match. However I’ve had many families tell me I do not have enough references. Feeling disappointed, I helped raise three children and was a committed employee. Wish that paid off!

[Anonymous]

All of these sudden "can't find a job" sob stories are mighty suspicious. Just pointing out the obvious. Should we ask admin to check this out?

[Anonymous]

I have the opposite oroblem, OP. Several 6 month to year long positions, but with nothing substantial, everyone assumes I want to move on. Every single one had a c a lid reason for ending, no fault, but it doesn't matter.

Try going through an agency, OP. You have infant through elementary experience, and while the single reference and lack of recent experience with infants may be detractors, you're more likely go find someone who really wants that kind of longevity.

[Anonymous]

why don't you have references from date night families? even if you worked one job for 10 yrs you still should've other references, especially since you should have seen this coming and should have spent the last 1-2 yrs beefing up your resume with extra jobs.

[Anonymous]

I would see your situation as a plus, really

Maybe you can add some character references ?

[Anonymous]

I do not see what contacting the moderator will do in this case PP. (???!)

OP: I agree that going through an agency may be an excellent idea at this point.

Or do you have any other families that you babysat for on occasion?
Did you attend any classes while you were working as a Nanny?


Even a reference from one of your instructors could benefit your resume.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have the opposite oroblem, OP. Several 6 month to year long positions, but with nothing substantial, everyone assumes I want to move on. Every single one had a c a lid reason for ending, no fault, but it doesn't matter.

Try going through an agency, OP. You have infant through elementary experience, and while the single reference and lack of recent experience with infants may be detractors, you're more likely go find someone who really wants that kind of longevity.

But if you ever expect to advance past the $22/hr., definitely AVOID the White House Nanny Agency. More reputable agencies will ENCOURAGE you to NEGOTIATE your TRUE worth, considering the VALUE you provide to the family.

Good agencies should educated parents about the difference between nannies and babysitters. Most parents aren't aware.

[Anonymous]

Surely you can provide some other references? Even within the same family, you could provide a variety of perspectives (grandparents, aunts/uncles, next door neighbors, teachers, any part-time jobs)?

[Anonymous]

10 years in one family is a plus in my book. Agree that you might want to secure some other character or babysitting references (even if you need to develop them now).

[Anonymous]

Add character references - preferably friends of your current employers who have seen how great you are with the kids.

Also, no college? Not even an AA in Early Childhood Development? I strongly encourage you to get a college degree - the more high income families are demanding it now.

[Anonymous]

Do you really have no other references? No babysitting? No volunteer activities?

I'd see the 10 years with one family as a major plus, but if you can't come up with at least one other reference, I'd be suspicious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have the opposite oroblem, OP. Several 6 month to year long positions, but with nothing substantial, everyone assumes I want to move on. Every single one had a c a lid reason for ending, no fault, but it doesn't matter.

Try going through an agency, OP. You have infant through elementary experience, and while the single reference and lack of recent experience with infants may be detractors, you're more likely go find someone who really wants that kind of longevity.

But if you ever expect to advance past the $22/hr., definitely AVOID the White House Nanny Agency. More reputable agencies will ENCOURAGE you to NEGOTIATE your TRUE worth, considering the VALUE you provide to the family.

Good agencies should educated parents about the difference between nannies and babysitters. Most parents aren't aware.

You seem pretty bitter.

[Anonymous]

I'd think it would be a plus, and if you were highly compensated and/or worked a lot of hours I wouldn't expect you to have babysitting or other jobs on the side, so that wouldn't worry me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd think it would be a plus, and if you were highly compensated and/or worked a lot of hours I wouldn't expect you to have babysitting or other jobs on the side, so that wouldn't worry me.

I didn’t babysit often. I did the first couple of years, but for the past five there was no need. I made enough working 55 hours a week and didn’t want to spend my free time babysitting. I have watched many cousins and family friends, I can try to get a reference from them.

Is it common for Ft nannies to babysit a lot?

[Anonymous]

OP, as a MB I would not be comfortable with one reference. Partly this is because we have had some applicants fake their references, including one who had just one reference from a supposed long-term family, who turned out to be a 20-something college friend posing as a mom of three. I am NOT saying this is you at all, just explaining why some families might be hesitant to hire off one reference. I like three at a minimum.

I think it's admirable that you have been so dedicated to one family for so long, but I do think it could put you at a disadvantage in the job market. Another reason is because if a new family has an infant or toddler, you've been beyond that stage for so long that as an employer, I would worry about your ability to return to it comfortably.