Nanny Insight

All throughout college I was a nanny for wealthy Orange County families. I left that work force to move forward towards a career and focus on my husband who at the time was in the military. It wasn't until he was released from the military I went back into the field. I didn't only get back into it because of the amazing money but because I genuinely love working with my children. Here's my insight.....

Orange County, California is a special place my friends. I've lived here for over 8 years now and it never seems to surprise me. It's a fairly large county and just like other areas there are the rich and famous, the rich wannabe famous, and the less than desired areas. Vanity plays a big role in this county and the car you drive, the clothes you wear, the area you live in shows people an insight into who you are. At least, that's how I've always felt. I live in a rather prestigious city, Irvine, where the houses are HUGE and worth millions. We live here because the cost of living is high but that also means the jobs pay more, in terms of childcare.

As a nanny, I have several roles in the homes I've worked in. Sometimes I am solely the nanny, looking after the children and when or if they nap I have time to myself. Those gigs are great, but rare. More often than not I am a nanny/personal assistant/chef/driver/pet sitter. I don't mind all those roles because realistically it's like being a stay at home mom but getting paid to do it.

I went to college, got my degree in child and adolescent development and now I'm a nanny. To me that seems so confusing because shouldn't I be seeking positions in schools, day care centers, after school programs? I could and I have, but I don't make nearly as much as I do as a nanny position. People in Orange County will pay me good money to be a nanny, but even better money because I have my degree and essentially 8 years of nanny experience. I am adult/child/infant CPR/AED/First Aid certified. I interned at 3 different elementary schools. I have worked for 3 different families all giving me tremendous recommendations. I am married which shows I have no problem committing. I don't have children, which means I won't have limitations on travel/sick days, etc. I live in Irvine which means I live close by.  I know the developmental aspects of children. I can teach, I speak English, I have a car, I am insured, am fluent in Spanish, I am the ideal nanny. I have had several offers from families that seem too good to be true but they're not. I have had people offer to buy me cars, pay for my car maintenance and gas, room and board, the works! I even worked for a family for 2 years and would socialize with mom's while waiting to pick up the kids from school. I have had moms (who know I am employed) ask me if I would be willing to come work for them instead. These women are insane!

Here's the thing, none of that matters to me. Yes, the pay is good and necessary and the perks are great too. But to me, the most important aspect of this job is finding a family I connect with. I don't want to work for a family that treats me like "The Help" (which has happened before and never again). I want to work for a family that treats me like a family friend. I wan to work with a family that will allow me to teach and help raise their children. They can offer me all the money in the world but if I don't have that special bond from the first time we speak on the phone, I remove myself as a serious candidate. Ask my husband, after only 10 minutes on the phone with a potential employer I look at him and give him a thumbs up or down. I have been in this industry long enough to know when there is a genuine mom who needs help on the line and when there's a stay at home mom with a 5 year old in kindergarten who needs a full time nanny so she can get her manicures.

I love my job, and yes there are days I want to throw it all away but it's become who I am and what I'm good at. I love my kiddos and my job is one of the most personal jobs you will ever find. I help raise your children into kind, thoughtful, respectful, loving kids. I wouldn't change it for anything else in the world.
EMM