How do you become a nanny? Could I do it?

[themachinewillstop]

I'm at a bit if a loss and looking at my future.

Until recently I worked in care of the elderly. I've also done cleaning. I loved both jobs but have had to leave due to medical limitations. I have developed a condition which means I cannot lift over 3kgs regularly and over 5kg never again. I also shouldn't be on my feet constantly, although I can be on my feet some of the time.

I feel much more suited to 'practical' and 'service' type jobs. I have neither the time or money to retrain really.

I've been thinking over what the hell can I do now? I need to do something to pay the bills.

I had a brainwave the other day - what about a nanny? I have two children who are 17 and 13 now. I'm quite good with children (I think).
As long as I don't have to lift them, so say age 3-11.

Am I crazy?

@Losingmyusername and @Belltentdreamer I suppose I am just a person trying to make a living and pay bills. In giving birth to my own children I sustained injuries which the effects were not apparent until years later and now it is not advisable that I lift. I technically could lift in emergency situations, I am strong enough, but I obviously could not take a job where lifting or being on my feet all day was part of the job description. The surgery I need to have, you cannot lift more than 5kg again unless an emergency.

Of course I could give the children my full attention, and would not listen to music when with them (that was when I was a cleaner), I just meant I am more service-orientated than creative / outgoing.

@ComtesseDeSpair Thanks. I do have a passion for helping people, and advocating for them, I am just I suppose what was called in the olden days - painfully shy. I worked in Care Homes only, and they are quite regulated what with hours and duties, but hopefully I could adapt. I have thought about Activities Co-Ordinator jobs too, but the Activities staff in my workplace did push wheelchairs a lot.

I totally understand you’re just trying to make a living - we all are but just don’t underestimate how physical caring for children is. You’d be better suited to a desk based job by the sound of it - you’d likely make more money that way too!