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Original poster

Why is it so difficult...? PLEASE HELP =[

59 replies

Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 18:54

I really don't understand. I have been trying to find a Nanny position for over two months now and to no avail

Let me explain. I was working for a lovely family for six months, living with them. After three months, the mother of the family had a baby. I stayed for three months more (although my contract was only for those three months) until she felt ready and able to handle everything alone.

Since then, I have moved back home (more painful than you can imagine) and worked two mornings a week for the lovely family. I have been searching since then for a new job, but for some reason have only been able to secure the odd night's babysitting.

Don't get me wrong, I'm more than happy to babysit, but as I mentioned above, living at home is a real pain! Very big family, very small house, two months on the sofa.

I found a job which I thought was perfect, until the woman decided that she didn't have to pay me - don't even get me started.

My point is, I am so desperate to start working properly again! Children are my passion, always have been. I have over 18 months experience with children of all ages, am CRB checked, have a first aid certificate and am soon going to be OFSTED registered, so why oh why is it so difficult for me to find work?

I know you're all probably used to posting sympathetic responses to poor mothers, but I really feel lost right now and would love some help!

I live in Hackney, on London Fields. I am more than happy to work in surrounding areas (Stoke Newington, Clapton, Newington Green, Bethnal Green, Islington etc.)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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nannynick · 19/05/2008 20:56

Your age is another factor... I am in my 30's and parents I am finding now seem to quite like the idea of having a nanny who is a similar age to themselves.

Registering with agencies is bound to help. They may be able to give you tips for how to present yourself at interviews, how to organise a portfolio/CV.

Also while job-hunting, you may want to consider voluntary work. Back in my college days, I used to volunteer at a local playgroup and crèche. Last summer (in my current job I get very long summer holidays) I volunteered on a playscheme.

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 20:52

Well it differs, sometimes I get an interview, sometimes no response at all. It's so difficult because I can't gain more experience if nobody will hire me.

This is what I want to do so badly and to be honest it's really starting to get me down.

OP posts:
nannynick · 19/05/2008 20:50

I would agree I'm afraid with regard to the amount of experience you have. You will be competing against other nannies who may have many years of experience working with children one way of another - be it nursery, playgroup, crèche, cubs, brownies, live-in/live-out nanny, babysitting etc.

Are you finding that you get interviews, but not given the job... or are you not even getting interviews? Is there a market in the area you are looking for live-out nannies?

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 20:48

Well it's 7 p/h, I do three hours in the morning on the two days. I have no problems with that at all, it's just that I need more work.

I understand that it's not a huge amount of experience, but I am actually only 18, so it's as much as I could have.

I'm not registered with any agencies, do you think that would be very beneficial?

I have had a few interviews, they all tell me that they think I'm lovely, wonderful with their children etc. but it never amounts to anything (except for the one woman).

I've had some nursery experience and I'm willing to do anything at this time tbh, it's just that nobody seems to be interested.

I've applied for well over twenty different things since I've been back at home, but I've had little or no response.

OP posts:
annh · 19/05/2008 20:41

If you are earning £21 per day from working as a nanny that's shocking but probably another topic ... in the meantime, where have you advertised yourself - websites, noticeboards, magazines, which agencies are you registered with? TBH, 18 months is not a huge amount of experience, would you consider working in a nursery, even supply, in order to earn some money and get more experience? I know it's not every nanny's desire but might help short-term. Have you had ANY interviews in this time and if so, what was the response? Go in to the agencies you are registered with and ask them what you can do to improve your chances?

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 20:41

I am looking for my own place.

And a live out Nanny job.

Sorry if that was unclear.

OP posts:
nbee84 · 19/05/2008 20:34

So if you're not looking for another live in, what are you looking for? Only your opening post makes it sound like you are as it is too crowded at home for you.

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 19:45

The thing is, I'm really not looking for another live in. I come from a family of six children and so I really just want my own space now.

I am really flexible about the areas, the ones I mentioned were just examples really.

It sucks so bad, especially as I'm paying 75 p/w to sleep on the sofa, but earning 42 p/w from the two days I work...

Not expecting miracles, but SOMETHING

OP posts:
annh · 19/05/2008 19:39

From your message, it sounds like you are looking for another live-in position in order to move out of home? So, would you not consider areas other than the ones mentioned in your post? TBH, it's tough times for everyone right now and you may need to be very flexible on your location, particularly in London where a lot of high-fliers seem to be losing their job.