Wednesday Worry: I can’t find a new job

My last employers gave me notice in June and I finished in August. I’ve been looking for 3 months and I still don’t have a new job. What am I doing wrong?

NannyAnnie, Hampshire

Looking for work is a very stressful time, and unfortunately the job market isn’t great at the moment so lots of nannies are in the same position you are – it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you! You don’t say whether you’ve had any interviews or interest from employers, or where you’re looking so let’s try to cover everything.

There are lots of places to find jobs these days. You can register with local and national agencies, look on websites where parents can post nanny job vacancies privately, post an ad at toddler groups, look in local papers and magazines and ask your friends and acquaintances whether they know of anyone looking for a nanny. If you’re only trying a few of these avenues, for example only looking at jobs advertised with agencies, try some other options, but remember to be safe when arranging to meet a family.

If you’re getting contacted about jobs but they don’t appeal to you then maybe you’re being too specific in your requirements. Most people’s dream job is one family, full time, sole charge while the parents work out of home, but those are few and far between these days. Consider putting two or even three jobs together to fill your week, looking for nanny share positions or try a job where the parents work from home. If you set everything out clearly at the start then parents working from home doesn’t need to affect you.

Perhaps you’re getting interviews and find yourself being pipped to the post by other candidates. Try asking families for feedback on what you can do to improve your chances. It might be that you could take a course or volunteer to get some extra experience.

Finally don’t give up hope! Not having a permanent job is hard and you might need to take temporary nanny or nursery jobs but it’s all experience and the perfect job will come and find you one day!

Wednesday worry: No social life?

I have to babysit a lot in my job and finding the lack of a social life very isolating. Do you have any suggestions?

NannyS, Cardiff

Being a nanny is sometimes an isolating job and although you may have plenty of opportunities to socialise during the day it might be harder to spend time with friends in the evenings. If you are lucky and your bosses allow you to have a friend over on a babysitting night it is fun to watch a favourite movie and maybe share a takeaway too.

Today’s technology is amazing and with facebook and twitter you need never feel alone. There is also skype and facetime both of which can connect you to distant family and friends. Another good idea is visiting all the blogs and websites. Apart from the forum on BAPN site you can use www.nannyjob.co.uk for a chance to get involved in discussions on up to date topics. If you are creative then Pintrest will keep you entertained for ages.

Babysit evenings are an ideal time to catch up on any nursery duties including sewing and ironing and of course watching your favourite TV programmes while you do it. Make the most of your evenings off and either keep another nanny company while she babysits (saving money) or catch the latest blockbuster!

Wednesday Worry

I’m coming to the end of the probationary period in my new job and my boss wants to have a meeting. I think she has some concerns and I don’t feel I’ve bonded with the children either. I’m worried I’m going to lose my job. Can you help?

*Hammersmith Nanny*

 

Hi Hammersmith Nanny,

I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling worried about this meeting. Getting together at the end of the probationary period is normal so it doesn’t necessarily mean your boss has concerns or is unhappy with you.

Has she said anything specific since you started, and have you tried to modify it? Perhaps if she does have some concerns you could suggest extending the probationary period with a clear list of things she wants you to change and that will give you some time to bond with your charges too. It’s normal to take a while to feel settled with children, especially if your previous job was a long term position, and your charges might be picking up on your anxiety as well.

If the worst happens and you and your boss decide it’s not working out then there’s nothing to be afraid of. I think every nanny has had at least one job where they’ve tried and it’s not gone their way. Well done for sticking it out until the end of the probation, and ask your boss to write you a positive reference. Don’t be tempted to cover up the position on your CV. Acknowledging that sometimes it doesn’t work is a great sign of maturity and prospective employers should understand.