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Original poster

39 year old nanny - weird?

38 replies

Butterflybows · 12/09/2011 21:58

Hi, having recently gained a first class degree in Early Childhood Studies, I have been unable to find a professional job. Infact, I can't find any job at all - not for the want of trying.

I was thinking about going back to nannying - which I haven't done for 20 years - because I could do it well and to be blunt it pays better than the shop/admin etc jobs I've been trying for.

Would you be suspicious of a 39 year old nanny? Would you think it weird?

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cherub59 · 13/09/2011 12:45

No! Our nanny is 42 so 5 years older than me. I have previously had a 22 yr old nanny. I prefer the nanny with more experience who is more reliable, never late, understands that the job is about looking after my children and not her social life!! There are lots of brilliant younger nannies but experience is worth a premium.
Not wierd at all!

Blondeshavemorefun · 13/09/2011 10:33

no hope for me then - im 39 next year 'gulps'

guess the only thing i would find weird as a parent is employing you as a nanny as you havnt done it for 20years and you did say you are thinking about it as pays better then shop work

yes you will get more then nmw (unlike sains/sb/etc) but area depending doubt you would get a huge wage as havnt worked as a nanny for so long

but i could be wrong - does happen occasionally lol Grin

good luck :)

thebody · 13/09/2011 09:31

i think you would be snapped up

minderjinx · 13/09/2011 09:21

My friends children had an older nanny who was fab, especially as they had no aunts or grannies. I think a lot of young parents would find an older nanny quite reassuring, and also less of a threat to Mum's own bond with the child(ren).

MrsVoltar · 13/09/2011 08:43

Definitely not, although they might worry that you will be looking for another job (will you? if something good comes up), and wonder how long you will stay.

nannyl · 13/09/2011 08:38

with that CV i cant imagine parents have any problems employing you Smile

Original poster
Butterflybows · 12/09/2011 22:20

Good points nannynick. I don't have a lot of nanying experience but I have a couple of years nursery work experience. I had two children, was a sahm, then parent helper in my children's school. Qualified as a Teaching Assistant (NVQ 3), worked three years as a LSA then did my degree.

You could say I've had something to do with children for much of that time!

OP posts:
nannynick · 12/09/2011 22:10

I would hope that parents would not think it that odd... I'm 37 soon.

What I do think parents would expect is prior experience. You say you are going Back to nannying, but you have a 20 year gap. I am wondering what parents would be wanting in terms of a reference about your childcare capabilities. What has happened in the past 20 years... have you done no childcare at all during that time? I am wondering why you did the degree course, how you got accepted onto it. Is it just nannying you haven't done for 20 years... but you have been still working in childcare?

Parents: What would you be looking for in terms of someone demonstrating they have childcare experience - would you count something from 20 years ago?

LynetteScavo · 12/09/2011 22:03

Not weird at all.

Lots of people don't want a nanny under 25, and will pay for the privilege of an older nanny. Although some people think nannies over 55ish are a bit old for running around after a toddler, before they have even met them. Hmm

Original poster
Butterflybows · 12/09/2011 22:03

Oh thanks!

OP posts:
casawasa · 12/09/2011 22:02

Definitely not. I'd probably find it reassuring.

YesYes · 12/09/2011 22:02

no way, of course not!

If it suited my circumstances I would definitely employ you - in fact I did speak on the telephone with an 'older' nanny before now (not sure how old but she did have a 17 year old son), but unfortunately she was looking for full time work and I part time

why don't you just start looking, you have nothing to lose

good luck!

warthog · 12/09/2011 22:01

not at all!

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