Old NF wants me back temporarily

[Anonymous]

I was a professional nanny for about a decade but in January quit my nanny job of 4 years and opened a small business (great timing). Luckily I’ve been able to keep my business afloat despite COVID but I’m not making as much as I did when I nannied obviously.

In the past 11 months my old nanny family has gone through 7 nannies. A few nannies were bad (lied, stole, didn’t show up, etc) and in all honestly they’re not the easiest family to work for (can micromanage, dad has challenging personality) but I was pretty devoted and use to the environment.

They’re about to let the nanny they’ve had for the last month due to unreliability and a few other issues I see as minor, but again, they’re a challenging family. They asked me to if I’d be willing to work for them until they can find someone more permanent. They want to take their time finding a good fit vs feeling rushed to get coverage which is part of the reason they’re struggling to keep a solid nanny.

They’re willing to cut down the hours to something manageable for me because I still have to keep up with my business. I think it could be a bit overwhelming but the extra income would be greatly appreciated. I’m leaning towards a yes but I wonder if this would cause issues for the children. They’re 4, 3 & 1 and the older two have had issues adjusting to me being gone and I’m worried if I’m there for weeks or months it may cause more issues. My husband also thinks they’re trying to convince me to stay permanently which I really do not want to do as I became very burned out nannying and worked to start my business.

Has anyone gone back to an old family? Did it work out? Has anyone balanced nannying with other full time work?

[Anonymous]

I'd say go for it but give a time frame or else they'll think you want to stay.
The children will get used to changes.

[Anonymous]

Do you run a real business or an MLM? If it’s the later they may be worried about your income and know it’s best if you have a solid job.

[Anonymous]

Sure. Give it a try. It’d be great to hang out with the kids again and do something different. Time with children will be a great change of pace for you and could really lift your spirits.

[Anonymous]

Give an end date, otherwise they could take ten years to "find a new nanny who is a good fit."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was a professional nanny for about a decade but in January quit my nanny job of 4 years and opened a small business (great timing). Luckily I’ve been able to keep my business afloat despite COVID but I’m not making as much as I did when I nannied obviously.

In the past 11 months my old nanny family has gone through 7 nannies. A few nannies were bad (lied, stole, didn’t show up, etc) and in all honestly they’re not the easiest family to work for (can micromanage, dad has challenging personality) but I was pretty devoted and use to the environment.

They’re about to let the nanny they’ve had for the last month due to unreliability and a few other issues I see as minor, but again, they’re a challenging family. They asked me to if I’d be willing to work for them until they can find someone more permanent. They want to take their time finding a good fit vs feeling rushed to get coverage which is part of the reason they’re struggling to keep a solid nanny.

They’re willing to cut down the hours to something manageable for me because I still have to keep up with my business. I think it could be a bit overwhelming but the extra income would be greatly appreciated. I’m leaning towards a yes but I wonder if this would cause issues for the children. They’re 4, 3 & 1 and the older two have had issues adjusting to me being gone and I’m worried if I’m there for weeks or months it may cause more issues. My husband also thinks they’re trying to convince me to stay permanently which I really do not want to do as I became very burned out nannying and worked to start my business.

Has anyone gone back to an old family? Did it work out? Has anyone balanced nannying with other full time work?

Seven nannies in 11 months is reckless. Those poor little children!

[Anonymous]

How much are they offering? Maybe that’s they’re problem. Or they just don’t know what they’re doing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much are they offering? Maybe that’s they’re problem. Or they just don’t know what they’re doing.

*their

[Anonymous]

The family sounds like they definitely can be a challenge to work for - however if you truly need the income right now plus miss the kids, I may consider it.

I like the advice of giving a definite end date as this will show them that having you back is only temporary.

Wishing you all the best.

P.S.
Is it even remotely possible that you may be able to let them know in a civil manner the reason(s) that this family are having a tough time getting a Nanny to stick around??

Certainly this revolving door of Nannies cannot bode well for the three children.....

[Anonymous]

I can't focuse about if you should get back or not. I am focused of what kind of Family they are. 7 nannies in just 11 months??? Woww poor nannies. The problem is the family no the nannies.

[Anonymous]

I would be tempted to do it, but be very firm with them. Set a firm end date that works for you. If they challenge you on it, then leave. Set the hours you are willing to work, with overtime not being an option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can't focuse about if you should get back or not. I am focused of what kind of Family they are. 7 nannies in just 11 months??? Woww poor nannies. The problem is the family no the nannies.

Some of the nannies they hired really weren’t good. One stole some jewelry, one lied about whereabouts with children and one wouldn’t show up or would constantly want to leave early.

But yes, they’re challenging. I’ve posted here about my struggles with them before but things improved the last few years with them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you run a real business or an MLM? If it’s the later they may be worried about your income and know it’s best if you have a solid job.

An actual business. I’m a web developer and run a few small business websites. I have 7 consistent clients I’ve worked with for months and it’s enough to get by with my spouses salary but an extra income could really help me out some more money into self promoting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much are they offering? Maybe that’s they’re problem. Or they just don’t know what they’re doing.

I’m not sure what they’re offering others but I was making a decent amount when I quit. We agreed on a higher dollar wage if I were to come back since they wouldn’t be covering my health insurance anymore.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The family sounds like they definitely can be a challenge to work for - however if you truly need the income right now plus miss the kids, I may consider it.

I like the advice of giving a definite end date as this will show them that having you back is only temporary.

Wishing you all the best.

P.S.
Is it even remotely possible that you may be able to let them know in a civil manner the reason(s) that this family are having a tough time getting a Nanny to stick around??

Certainly this revolving door of Nannies cannot bode well for the three children.....

I’m not going to verbalize why I think they’re having issues unless they ask. I know why. Challenging parents (the mother is overbearing, overly anxious, hot and cold, micromanaging and DB is an arrogant, know-it-all, classist jerk). It was manageable for me but they’re both working from home now so I imagine it’s VERY challenging for the nannies who have been there.

The children are a pure joy though, or at least they always were with me. Main reason I was able to put up with the parents.