Searching for a job is very taxing and it requires a lot of thought and research. Your criterias should be explored and solidified before making any decisions.

It is important to ensure the job is a good fit for you. Sometimes, we make decisions that are not in our best interest.

I have been guilty of taking a nanny job that was not a good fit for me. Out of
desperation, I convinced myself that I could make it work.

I have learned that this is not beneficial. I was miserable and the job became unbearable.
But, by then I was very attached to the child and found it hard to leave the job.

Do not compromise on what is important to you. Being happy in a job is just as crucial as
payment requirements and job security.

A job may not be a good fit for a number of reasons.

I have compiled a list of reasons that have affected my job experience. Perhaps, you
should consider these factors too.

Reasons a job may not be a Good Fit

The time

The start and end time is very important.

Please consider your life and your ability to get to work on time. For eg. If you have kids, consider their schedule and your ability to manage your time. 

The start time might be too early. Likewise, the end time may be too late.

Parents hold value and importance in a caregive’rs ability to consistently get to work on time.

Therefore, if it is difficult to be on time, then the Job is not a good fit for you.

Location

How are you going to get to work?

Will you use public transportation or do you have a car? 

Is the job location within a distance you are comfortable traveling? 

These are important questions you should be able to answer.

The distance you travel to work is undoubtedly important. Location will determine how early your day will start. 

Traffic and weather conditions should also be taken into consideration when talking about location. Being stuck in traffic or driving a long distance in a snowstorm is never ideal.

As a result, make sure the distance is something you are comfortable traveling daily.

Payment

Are you being paid what you’re worth? 

Are you able to pay your bills and save at the end of each month? 

All your experience, licenses, certificates, and degrees should be reflected in your salary.

The monetary aspect of a job is a huge motivator for accepting, leaving, or searching for a new one. 

Therefore, make sure your hourly pay is something that fits your budget and lifestyle. 

Your weekly salary should be able to support your life in the long run. 

Too Many tasks/responsibilities

Are you overwhelmed with all your daily tasks? 

Do you have too many tasks to accomplish and not enough monetary compensation?

A nanny is expected to accomplish numerous tasks in a given day. But, sometimes these expectations are unrealistic.

Nonetheless, nannies are not equipped with superpowers. 

If the parent feels overwhelmed, it is important to realize a nanny can too. 

Make sure that you are comfortable with the number of tasks and responsibilities you are given.

For example, If you are uncomfortable doing the family’s laundry and running errands with a baby in tow, say so.

 If it is a problem at the beginning, it will not change in the future.

The Number and age of the Children

I prefer working with kids starting at 3 month old. 

It is very difficult coming in as a new nanny when the kids are older. 

My nannying style may be different from the previous nanny’s. The kids may be problematic.

In other words, the kids may not have real consequences for bad behavior.

Similarly there are no clear boundaries in place.

 Consequently compounding bad behavior with the number of children in your care can be very difficult. 

Make sure you are truly comfortable caring for multiple children at the same time. As well as the various age groups. 

You will be pulled in many directions with the expectation of satisfying all the kids’ needs simultaneously. 

Are you able and ready to handle this demand?

Conclusion- Good Fit

In conclusion, a nanny job is not a one size fits all. 

In the final analysis, take into consideration the things that are important to you. 

Think about your lifestyle and your ability to maintain it.

SPEAK UP for what you want. Because, you can ask for a change in time or a reduction in the number of tasks. 

Basically, do not try to fit yourself into a job that will not work for you. 

Be patient and wait for a job that is a good fit.