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Original poster

Am i daft to look for a new job

34 replies

pinkdaffodil23 · 20/04/2014 20:29

Hi looking for others thoughts cause im not sure if im just being daft at the moment.
I work as a full time nanny for a family with three children none are yet at school. I love the family and they treat me like family but i feel a little fed up at the moment.
I always look to see what jobs are out there but thats normal but recently I have really found myself wanting a new job. I would say im paid mid range i get £7.50 net p/h i have 7 years childcare experience half as a nanny half in nurseries and have a childcare degree. I am currently finding myself feeling really bored and not challenged at all and really not apprecuated by the family. I go away with them often and often do over time. I know they want me to stay on until the youngest goea to school which is three years away. Am i daft for wanting to look for a new job. I know if i left they would be really upset witj me and i would really miss the children but I also feel like I need a change. Im so confused I really dont know what to do. I dont have a contract either and have been with the family for three years.
any advice lovely people?

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Booboostoo · 21/04/2014 18:29

Is it possible you are working for too many hours with the overtime and holiday work and have lost touch with your own private life as an adult? How often do you get to meet up with friends, go out for an evening and when was the last time you took a holiday? I don't think anyone can work in any job without decent breaks and not get really fed up, and I think this is especially true when you spend most of your time interacting with very young children.

Original poster
pinkdaffodil23 · 21/04/2014 17:07

I have worked in nurseries before and wouldnt want to go back. No im not a live in nanny i live out but do long hours like all nannies. I also babysit for them on a friday night and at the weekends. Yes sometimes i do muss adult company but not all the time. The eldest goes to school in sept so dont know if i will feel different then or not. I have been invited for an interview for a job closer to home, less hours more pay although some over nights needed and for school aged children. Im just so confused on what i should do. Granted i may not get the job but if i did i know id be totally stuck on what to do. There are other things that bug me about job at mo but if i put it on here it would be easy for my employer to recognise me if she is on here

OP posts:
Bettercallsaul1 · 21/04/2014 16:45

It sounds as though your present job is taking up too much of your life -as if you don't have enough of a life beyond it. I assume you're a live-in nanny? Because, if you are - and are already working long basic hours - going away with the family often and doing overtime a lot will leave very little time for yourself. You must be working very hard with three under-fives, so it's possible you're suffering from burn-out.

It sounds as if you don't have enough time for yourself - for socialising, and hobbies and interests. Do you feel you lack adult company? It must be lonely working long hours with just the children. What about a job in a nursery while you work on getting into a hospice?

Original poster
pinkdaffodil23 · 21/04/2014 09:16

I dont know what i need to be more challenged its just every day is the same at the moment and its a little argghh lol. Cant go into detail as to why as i dont want to get found out. The going away is something that yes they want me to do. Its to their holiday home in this country but i find myself wondering why am here as nothing happens and im really bored and want to go home.
lovelife no not got ant particular major gripes with the family although lots of little things that are currently getting to me.
I know its not always best to leave thats why i find myself so confused at the moment cause i just dont know what I need to do.
bettercausall i do feel like im in a rut and want a new challenge as in i would like to work in a role such as in a childrens hospice. Thats what i always wanted to do its just hard to get into.
Thanks for all the advice so far
I

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 20/04/2014 22:19

there is never any harm in looking for a new job, only time will tell if/when you are offered it if you want to leave, or stay with your family

agree 3 under 5 is prob the most challenging, unless want twins as well lol

the grass isnt always greener

sure you are appreciated by the family, maybe you need to not go away with them?

tbh 7.50 nett isnt a bad wage for 7years exp, prob £9/10gross hours depending , or you can earn a little more then be at that wage for the next 10years if carry on nannying

im at the top end of pay, i wont generally earn much more then i do, but have been at the same wage for 4yrs now iyswim - and i have over 22years exp as a sole charge nanny including new born twins

def get a contract sorted,illegal for one, two you have no back up regards pay/hours/salary etc

Bettercallsaul1 · 20/04/2014 21:41

Perhaps you need to change careers, OP. Is it possible that you've gone as for as you want with nannying or even with childcare generally? Looking after small children can be rewarding but is also extremely hard work and can be lonely - also, shamefully underpaid for the effort involved. You have a degree in childcare - could you put it to some other use or build on it to enter a different profession? Or perhaps start planning to retrain for some other kind of job completely?

Or if that is too drastic, maybe you just need a complete change of scene - nannying for a family abroad perhaps, or in a different part of the country. Perhaps with different aged children - three under five sounds tough!

You definitely sound as if you are in a rut and getting unhappy as a result. Most definitely put yourself first - most families don't hesitate to dispense with nannies as soon as their need for them is over. You sound as if you need to make some changes -accept it and start planning now!

NannyLouise29 · 20/04/2014 21:06

Better the devil you know for sure!

I agree with Callaird. Sometimes the idea of a new job is far better than the reality. Especially if you go from a family who treat you as family to one who treats you as an employee.

Callaird · 20/04/2014 20:40

What do you want to do to be challenged?

Looking after 3 under school age and juggling their differing needs is a tough job! I'm not sure it gets much more challenging!

£7:50 net is not a great wage but at the moment the job market is very slow and it's an employers market, looking at positions now and the wages are much lower than 3 years ago!

Do you have any gripes with the family? Obviously you don't have to air your dirty laundry in public, just a yes or no! But feel free to PM me if you want further advice. I have been a nanny for 28 years and some times the grass looks greener on the other side but most of the time, it's better the devil you know! If you don't have any real grievances and they are treating you correctly then it might be better to stay put.

Do you have any concerns about not having a contract?

lovelife1 · 20/04/2014 20:34

You need to put yourself first.

Its not about if the family will be upset etc.

When push comes to shove.. families will always put their needs first.
You need to put your needs first.

Life is too short to be unhappy.

Also.. in your new job.. make sure you have a contract agreed and signed at the very start.

You need to feel valued and appreciated in your job.

Goodluck with the job search

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