How miserable would the older kids make you? Would you absolutely hate working with that age, or do you just prefer babies?

If I had the choice between a great paying job with mediocre enjoyment, and mediocre pay at a job I really enjoyed, I would probably choose the job with better pay. We nannies don't come by lots of money very often.

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Was just about set to accept the position when I found an internship (paid!) that would be fantastic. Now I'm hesitant to accept a FT position when I would much rather combine this internship with a PT position. But of course I've only just applied for the internship and haven't heard back at all yet.

I have never had this much difficulty choosing a job in the past. My past choices have always been obvious and easy, and I guess I'm just struggling with actually trying to weigh all the differences.

Unless you are a shoo-in for the internship, I wouldn't turn down the FT job. But, then again, I woukd be trying to maximize my earnings. Sounds like job enjoyment is more important to you.

Aren't choices a wonderful thing? I wish you well, OP.

You say you would be "miserable" all summer. Please - in that case don't take this job. These are children you are caring for - not puppies. It is one thing if you are not wild about the hours or something but if you think you'll be "miserable" caring for the kids, then please pass it up so they can be w/ someone who might actually enjoy their time with them. you think the kids won't notice?

OP again. Was just about set to accept the position when I found an internship (paid!) that would be fantastic. Now I'm hesitant to accept a FT position when I would much rather combine this internship with a PT position. But of course I've only just applied for the internship and haven't heard back at all yet.

I have never had this much difficulty choosing a job in the past. My past choices have always been obvious and easy, and I guess I'm just struggling with actually trying to weigh all the differences.

Anonymous wrote:If the pay was great and it was a temporary position I would take it.

+1

Details matter in the long-term, but if this is a temporary position paying good money for a job you can do for people who won't make you miserable, TAKE IT.

If the pay is going to be really good, then I think you should take the job OP.

Even though you will be getting up earlier and working w/older children, I think for the summer it will be fine.
It will enable you to save some money up for any future expenses.

However, if you find a job that fits your needs more and pays less, I would probably go for that job.
You cannot put a price on the luxury of waking up each day and going to a job where you love doing what you do.

It's a personal choice.

If all the jobs are summer jobs, I'd probably look very closely at the one with the best pay and overall package. Off looking at long teen employment, I'd want the best possible fit.

Your goal should be to make as much money as possible in a position with decent working conditions. Summer jobs are not about having fun.

If the pay was great and it was a temporary position I would take it.

If my goal were simply to save for the summer, I'd probably suck it up and take the higher paying job. If I were looking for a long term position, the hours and other details would matter more. Good luck!

I've been offered a position that I'm currently feeling lukewarm about. The kids are older than I usually prefer working with, and the hours start earlier than I'd like, BUT on the other hand, the pay is really really great.

I'm still talking with a few other families, but they haven't made any offer yet. I've also still got quite a bit of time to find a position (these are all summer jobs, so looking at a mid-June start date). I guess I'm worried about taking the job and having a miserable summer or not taking it and then regretting it later when my savings runs out. Any advice?