I think families are actually very open to and enthusiastic about an older nanny candidate -- provided that you are physically healthy and able to chase the child around and are up-to-date on what's happening in the field (i.e. new medical advice, teaching tips, etc.).

Your experience in education is going to be a huge plus. What age(s) are you currently teaching? If it's elementary school, I think you could easily "count" this as a form of experience when looking for a nanny job.

What about gaining experience doing summer gigs as you get closer to leaving your teaching position? You could work as a summer-only nanny or even back-up care during the summer. This would help you gain additional experience without needing someone to hire you FT. Plus, you gain good references.

Getting fresh CPR certification (which you may have anyway as a teacher) and maybe taking a community college class on early childhood would be a good idea. You could also do the childcare certification series at a local community college (not expensive) close to looking for a job -- just to prove you are serious about this and are "current."

And teaching works now for the breaks. This summer- instead of shelling out money for camps I'm taking the kids to stay with our ILs in Tuscany. May not be a big deal for many famillies in this board ?, but it's exciting for us! Like I said- I'm looking about 10 years out. Just wanting to know how to stay relevant.

It's not terrible. My undergrad and masters were paid for. The law degree was not. But if I teach for ten years- while making payments, all the rest of the loan is forgiven. Plus- then pension is unbeatable.
It's mostly about waiting until my kids are older.

How much debt are you in?

Yay! This is so very encouraging! My plan it to teach for another 10ish years then jump back into the nanny world. DH will be retried by then (he's a bit older than me and career government) so he will be back up kiddo care.

My first job out of college was as a nanny. I went back to France, where I'd spent my junior year in college, and nannied for the family I'd lived with. Through a couple other professions, I always remembered how much I enjoyed being a nanny... so I went back to it at 50 and have never been happier in any job ever!!!

There is no other occupation where you actually miss your "boss" on Sunday afternoons!

You will need to have fresh credentials, OP (CPR, infant certification, etc) and be in great health and fitness, OP. Take a few part time or occasional nanny/sitting jobs to build up your references. AND make sure you have back-up care for your own kids even after they start school. Regardless of the age of the nanny, it is the first thing that any potential employer would worry about.

When it comes to caring for children, the more experience the better (IMHO). As long as you are in good physical shape and know that the mother/employer has the final say in all things, then I think it's great.

The best nanny I have ever seen is a lovely, older nanny (probably in her late 40's or early 50's). I see her in the neighborhood walking her charge and she is always talking to him and engaging him. (We live in LA - beautiful weather all year). And she is so happy in her job! When you talk to her, she raves about her charge and is always smiling -- so unlike some of the other miserable young nannies I see! The times I have seen her at library story time, she is the same with him - never takes her eyes off him and keeps him interested in the story. The little boy clearly adores her.

I'm contemplating going back to work (out of the house) and, if I do, I would actively seek an older nanny.

Good luck (and yes, keep in shape and healthy).

As an MB, I have found that there are more positives to hiring an older nanny than a younger nanny (in my experience and in general of course - I'm sure it can vary from nanny to nanny). It is very important that you remain it top health and fitness, OP - our nanny is in better shape than I am and has much more energy than I do!!! And it is very important that you are up-to-date on all changes in childcare.

That said, here is what I have found:

Our older nanny is not addicted to her phone. She doesn't even carry her personal cell with her - just a cheap flip-phone that only DH and I have the number to.

Our nanny has NO DRAMA in her life. She has been in the work force long enough to know how to keep her personal and work life separate.

And I know I am going to get flamed for this but the truth is that I feel better about DS bonding with an older woman. I never feel that I am being replaced by our nanny probably due to the fact that most people assume she is his grandmother.


Good luck, OP.

Again, all of this is my personal experience. I am sure there are young nannies out there who are just as good and dedicated to their work.

Anonymous wrote:I started my actual "nanny career" at 58! I was in another field, have a masters degree in liberal arts but did have a little experience as a teacher. I first applied for part-time positions, 2, and got them both. When I applied for my third and current position, I had two references.

So I applied for three jobs and got all three. No issues with my age. I am also very healthy and a normal weight which I think does help.

Perfect!!! This is what I want to hear!

Nope, I passed. As cheesy as it sounds- I just love working with kids. It drives my family nuts (all lawyers) but I can't shake it. I wanted a better work/life balance.
After law school/passing the bar I worked at a firm back home. I hated it. Applied for grad school and was a nanny while I got my masters in education.
I know that I can't build a career as a nanny, hence the emphasis on pension and loan forgiveness. But once that is done and my LOs are older- I want to jump back in!

I started my actual "nanny career" at 58! I was in another field, have a masters degree in liberal arts but did have a little experience as a teacher. I first applied for part-time positions, 2, and got them both. When I applied for my third and current position, I had two references.

So I applied for three jobs and got all three. No issues with my age. I am also very healthy and a normal weight which I think does help.

Did you not pass the bar? Why would you go from Lawyer to nanny? Inquiring minds want to know.

^ sorry, forgot to add that I do want to nanny again, just a few years from now. When my own kids are older and we have built up a better retirement plan ect.

So my first and favorite job was when I was a nanny. I truly loved connecting with famillies and having the time/resources to engage kids. Since my nanny days I went to and graduated from law school then went back to school for a masters degree in education. I have been teaching- special education for 10+ years. For many reasons I am not yet ready to jump back into the nanny world. I have 2 small kids and am really focused on teaching/building a pension/student loan forgiveness.
My question is- how do I stay relevant and attractive as a nanny candidate? Do people hire 'older' nannies (45+) or is it unrealistic to think I could compete with the recent college grads? And has anyone else done a similar career path? Returned to being a nanny after s long absence?