Anyone ever become a nanny.....

**ready4thebeach** · 03-06-2008, 10:34 PM

after staying at home with kids?

I was divorced about a year ago and have been trying to figure out what to do career/income wise!! I was a stay at home mom for 20+ years and am having a difficult time re entering the working world. I know I don't want to work behind a desk...in an office environment...I hate paperwork, I am bad at anything to do with math and science, so going back to school for any of that is out. I have a BA, but it is over 25 years old, so while it might get me an interview, it is basically useless.

So, that's why I'm considering becoming a nanny. I can do it and like it. The bad part would be the pay and perhaps long hours.

I'm also considering trying to get on with AmeriCorps and seeing where that leads. They have a reading program in elementary schools that I would love to work in.

I need to start bringing in an income!

Thanks,

Jeannie

**dianne9106** · 03-06-2008, 11:33 PM

Perhaps you should pursue a career as a Doula - a mother's helper in child birth and after. I am not in your same situation as you, but I trained to become one in England last year when we were stationed there. I was able to work some before we moved - it was very fulfilling and it was more than just taking care of children. It is also excellent pay - but it may be slow to start at first. Check around in your area and find out if there is a demand for it. I mentioned this as the organization I trained with also employed nanny's as well. Good luck!

**PrairieRose** · 03-07-2008, 08:55 AM

I have entertained this idea as well as the Doula path. I think there is a great need and as far as pay, in our area childcare is in such short supply (so to speak) that the pay isn't that bad. If you were a full time nanny you'd have some pretty good benefits and if you worked in a high income area you could make some decent money. You should seriously look into what if any certifications you'd need and try it out.

**cissylu** · 03-14-2008, 10:04 PM

good luck!!!

**Cricket1** · 03-15-2008, 10:25 AM

Can you do daycare in your home? I may do this again if I don't get a job in the school system in the fall. I did it before and if you care for 3-4 children, you can make really good money. Plus, it pays more than if you went to work at a center. The downside is that you rarely get to leave your house and no benefits.