Keep looking, the reason agencies charge so much is that it's tough to find a match. Experienced nannies tend to interview for more that one position at a time and pick
what's best for them (just like you would). You'll have to keep trying, good luck!

Have hope OP, all is not lost. You've just had a bad run. These types of candidates are out there, but they do not represent the vast majority, and you've simply been unlucky. Be happy they flaked before you left your baby with them!

No to all of the above. I have a dog but we aren't hosting. I asked if when the other family was away if the dog being here was an issue and all said no, because if it were i would send the dog to day care. And we have a dog walker so the nanny wouldn't have to do anything.

I am asking - is this normal for nannies? Do they my want nanny shares and then take the jobs but look for other things? If anyone is interested you send send your into to me at jeserf@yahoo.com. I have an ad in the job board here too for starting in 2/17.

It's very frustrating because I don't know how I'm going to go back to work.

Your pay works out to $19/hr, which is a good starting rate.

Are you requiring lots of tasks that a nanny wouldn't typically do? (Family laundry, cooking for the family)
Will the host family be alternating frequently?
Does a parent work at home?
Are there pets in the home?

Trying to think of anything that might be a "deal breaker" for some nannies.

No. The first nanny signed a contract the. Told us she wanted more money. They second told us she was undocumented when we offered her the job (we have security clearances and need someone legal) and the third was supposed to meet us today to sign and then said she took a job with another family.

I don't think we are talking separately to them - we are cc'd on all emails. Both of our families, to me, are great...in sync, very open and want open communication, open to negotiate work parameters, contract says no housework and all that and we are firm on that but we aren't the host. Hosts live in a lovely building on the ground floor, no stairs. Convenient to tons of metro lines and in the middle of the city.

I'm just confused and I have to go to work. It's very disheartening, and then to think that peoples it's this little respect for agreements or openness are to care for my kid? I'm very nervous but so know a nanny is better than day care. Sign.

Are they backing out soon after seeing the space they'll be working in? Or once they see the commute they'll have daily? I've had jobs that seemed great, but my interview was at a Starbucks or something, and the I see what will be my work space, and I just have to say no. Or I realize that the commute is just too much, once I take a rush hour trip to their home.

It may not be your compensation package, which is fine. It could be any other reason, but the fact that its happened twice says something is wrong. Are all of the share parents friendly and respectful (not just to each other but to her)? Check to make sure that no parent is having private outside conversations with your candidate, asking things of them outside the contract, or making them uncomfortable. I was in a share once, where one family was completely normal and very nice, while the other family was very kind to and in front of the other family, but one on one they were rude and condescending to me, constantly asked me to do things that weren't my job, didn't respect my time, etc. The other family was completely unaware until I brought it to their attention. There are things beyond compensation that matter.

Unfortunately, it happens. Your compensation package is fine. I only have ever backed out of one job offer because after spending more time with the family, I realized it would have been a very bad fit for me.
The first girl would not have worked out for you anyway. I know it is hard not to get discouraged when you see what the nanny pool has to offer, but keep looking and you will find someone great.

Sure but is there a reason?

Op, can u give ur email address?

One was word of mouth (who asked for 900 a week and then asked us for more money after she signed the contra t) and one replied to my post here (backed out two days before starting) but wanted to be considered for any babysitting needs...yeah right.

Is this common instead of negotiating to just pull out of agreements? I'm trying to see if it's worth it at this point. We wanted someone to commit for a year and I'm just sort of confused

Did you ask why they backed out? How did you find them?

45, 2 babies.
We went with 900 a week because that's what we were told by the first nanny she wanted.

40 hours?
How many children? Ages?

We are trying to find a nanny for our share - the other family and us have offered the job to two people who have then at the last minute recanted ther intention of working.

We are offering $900 a week to start (full time), some money towards health care, our share of taxes, all fed holidays and 2 weeks paid vacation on top of 5 sick days.

We are a very open share and happy to discuss the contract bit they keep saying it's fine and then backing out. I guess it's better than before they start but I am confused. Is this common for nannies? Is our contract that ridiculously low? We took the parameters from another nanny share so I confused. We need childcare because I have to return to work. Insights appreciated.