I am worried about doing job interviews when I am nannying from 9 to 6 Monday through Friday. I can't exactly leave the kids while I go do a quick interview.

As a career nanny, I wanted to offer my thoughts.

I graduated with honors from a top 10 private university. After graduation I had A LOT of trouble finding a good job, so I settled for nannying in the area I grew up in. I only expected to stay at the job for a few months, meanwhile applying to every major corporation that I had always dreamed of working for. Don't get discouraged. See your job for what it is- a stepping stone, a means to an end. I know the hours are long and the days are hard. I know that parents can be crazy, overprotective, micromanagers. I know that the kids can be bratty and self-absorbed. I know that you're going to curse yourself for taking out so many college loans or majoring in an "undesirable" field while you're washing dishes and folding laundry for people who may come off as ungrateful and out of touch with reality. There are days where you probably feel overworked, underpaid, and under appreciated. Don't let it get to you.

Go to your nanny job each day determined to be as professional as possible. Find out what your employers want, and do it. Don't waste your days wishing you were locked in a glass tower somewhere wearing control top hose. Concentrate on the children you've been entrusted with. Have a work agreement, and stick to it. Don't let yourself be taken advantage of, figuring you'll be moving on in a short while, so working for crazy people isn't a big deal. Remember there are crazy, ungrateful, micro-managing bopsses EVERYWHERE - consider this practice that allows you to learn how to deal with future employers gracefully.

I first heard of DCUM when I was interviewing for nanny positions in my area. I had never known that nannying could be considered a career path. I'm not trying to knock those who choose to become a "career nanny," my advice is intended to encourage those who never envisioned themselves doing a job like this and are feeling discouraged or depressed that they have not broken into their desired field yet.

If you have a "desired field" try to volunteer in that field. Yes, it's hard while you work nanny hours, but it's a foot in the door. And don't feel "less than" because you're a nanny. If you are using the education you have to do your very best, that will help keep you from feeling depressed. And if you don't have a lot of actual childcare experience, do some reading, get some training, and find ways to be the best nanny you can possibly be.

Unless you are being seriously abused by your MB & DB - stick with the job. Gaps in employment make for questionable resumes and, especially in this economy, not many people can afford that. Plus, regardless of how much money you're actually making - at least you're making something. As long as it's enough to pay rent, put food on the table, and take care of your monthly bills, the rest is irrelevant. Take this time to make some cash while you're still sending out applications for your dream job. Also, be careful not to get too comfortable at your current position. Yes, there are certain advantages to working in someone's home, creating your own schedule, dressing however you please, and being able to listen to the TV in the background while you make the kids' lunches. But don't ever forget the dreams that you had for yourself while you were in college. Don't give up just because the economy is tough. It's hard not to get sucked into "nanny culture," especially with sites like DCUM gaining in popularity. Take advantage of the perks of being a nanny while still sending out applications! Trust me, it works!

The nanny culture is a terrific thing to investigate. Not all nannies and nanny groups are like the anonymous posters here who claim to be nannies (or MBs). And those "Career Nannies" often have damn good advice on how to cope with horrid bosses, difficult kids, and tough days when all you have the energy to do is go home and cry. Tap resources that make you better at the job you have, so you can learn the lessons you need to learn as you go forward into your desired field. Google "nanny support groups" and connect with some folks who do the same job you do - if nothing else, it helps to know you aren't alone!

Oops left out graduate! Haha
I honestly see nothing wrong with using "nannying" as a stepping stone to an alternative career choice. Some people are meant to be career nannies while others are not. I LOVE being a nanny and having a significant role in children's lives, but this is not something I plan on doing for the next ten or even five years. Keeping holding on to your wonderful perspective!

Thanks. This is me. I like being a nanny but don't see myself doing it as my main long term career. Haven't finished college yet but definitely plan to.

Thank you so much OP for this thoughtful, encouraging, and positive post! As a fellow recent college and current nanny I resonate with a lot of what have touched on.

Just wanted to offer some advice for those who found themselves entering the nanny world as a stepping stone after college and before embarking on their professional careers ...


I graduated with honors from a top 10 private university. After graduation I had A LOT of trouble finding a good job, so I settled for nannying in the area I grew up in. I only expected to stay at the job for a few months, meanwhile applying to every major corporation that I had always dreamed of working for. Don't get discouraged. See your job for what it is- a stepping stone, a means to an end. I know the hours are long and the days are hard. I know that parents can be crazy, overprotective, micromanagers. I know that the kids can be bratty and self-absorbed. I know that you're going to curse yourself for taking out so many college loans or majoring in an "undesirable" field while you're washing dishes and folding laundry for people who may come off as ungrateful and out of touch with reality. There are days where you probably feel overworked, underpaid, and under appreciated. Don't let it get to you.

I first heard of DCUM when I was interviewing for nanny positions in my area. I had never known that nannying could be considered a career path. I'm not trying to knock those who choose to become a "career nanny," my advice is intended to encourage those who never envisioned themselves doing a job like this and are feeling discouraged or depressed that they have not broken into their desired field yet.

Unless you are being seriously abused by your MB & DB - stick with the job. Gaps in employment make for questionable resumes and, especially in this economy, not many people can afford that. Plus, regardless of how much money you're actually making - at least you're making something. As long as it's enough to pay rent, put food on the table, and take care of your monthly bills, the rest is irrelevant. Take this time to make some cash while you're still sending out applications for your dream job. Also, be careful not to get too comfortable at your current position. Yes, there are certain advantages to working in someone's home, creating your own schedule, dressing however you please, and being able to listen to the TV in the background while you make the kids' lunches. But don't ever forget the dreams that you had for yourself while you were in college. Don't give up just because the economy is tough. It's hard not to get sucked into "nanny culture," especially with sites like DCUM gaining in popularity. Take advantage of the perks of being a nanny while still sending out applications! Trust me, it works!