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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not be able to hack this job anymore?

8 replies

NurseryHell · 20/08/2023 18:59

Recently left my nanny role and am waiting for another one to come up.
In the meantime I decided to work at a nursery. Been there 2 weeks and I absolutely hate it. All for the reasons below-
Ridiculously long hours. Often doing 7.30AM-6.30PM with travel time included also.
Changing nappies all day, probably over 20 if not more a day.
The pay is terrible for what you do.
Although I am a fit woman under 40, my knees and feet hurt so badly after every shift. You don't get a minute to yourself to just sit.
The excessive cleaning that we all have to do as the cleaner has left so we are effectively also doing his role which also includes toilets.
The incredibly bitchy staff, always someone bitching, so negative all the time.
Short staffed constantly.
Lots of SEN children but no added support as short staffed.
Manager is very strict and also patronising and sarcastic.
The paperwork is ridiculous.
Some of the parents seem to think that their kids needs are the only things we should be thinking about, at the expense of the other children.
Feel like I have no work life balance. I finished late both Fridays gone and by the time I got home, the evening was gone.
Aibu to just quit and find a retail or office job? I am in tears thinking about another week like this let alone a day.

OP posts:
WhateverMate · 20/08/2023 19:01

Aibu to just quit and find a retail or office job?

I don't understand why you think you would be unreasonable?

Anyone can change jobs at any time.

Clarinet1 · 20/08/2023 19:04

Certainly look elsewhere if it makes you feel like this. Also, if you have the headspace do anything about it, if they are short-staffed, is the nursery actually operating legally?

NurseryHell · 20/08/2023 19:05

Just feel a bit of a failure for not being able to hack it.
On the website, they have all the team members on there talking about their experience etc. So many say they are thrilled to be at the nursery, that it doesn't feel like work and that it's their dream etc. Makes me feel bad as it feels like hell to me. I couldn't even contemplate doing this through an agency and picking my own hours and days.

OP posts:
CherryMojito · 20/08/2023 19:06

NurseryHell · 20/08/2023 19:05

Just feel a bit of a failure for not being able to hack it.
On the website, they have all the team members on there talking about their experience etc. So many say they are thrilled to be at the nursery, that it doesn't feel like work and that it's their dream etc. Makes me feel bad as it feels like hell to me. I couldn't even contemplate doing this through an agency and picking my own hours and days.

They're lying or exaggerating for the website.

BrutusMcDogface · 20/08/2023 19:08

I’ve never liked the idea of working in a nursery. Maybe try and find a nice preschool to work at? The pay is peanuts but the hours are shorter and it’s a pleasant job (on the whole!)

Of course you’re not unreasonable to want to change jobs if you hate it that much (and it does sound shit).

TakemedowntoPotatoCity · 20/08/2023 19:23

I feel sorry for the kids when the staff are treated badly, or bitch all the time..it must be unpleasant for them and they have no say in the matter.
Yanbu, I couldn't work in any nursery I don't think. For physical reasons - my back is bad anyway and I can't crouch because my knees are fucked! I do wish nursery workers were paid more fairly, it is very hard physical.work (bending down, crouching, often setting up and clearing the entire nursery every day if in a village hall etc).

nannynick · 20/08/2023 19:36

I did nursery temping in 2003/04 and some places were lovely (BBC Caversham Just came to mind). I expect there are still some nice nurseries.

Look for something else. YANBU to want to look at doing something different.

NurseryHell · 20/08/2023 20:58

They may be exaggerating but it was statements like ' It isn't a job to me, more a passion.' As well as 'I'm truly thrilled to work here. It is also an immense jot to be studying my level 2 qualification. '
Feel like I should be able to cope and that I should be loving it, but I don't.
Can barely function at the end of the 10 hr shift.
Going to get signed off and then resign. Today has been awful worrying about it all and life is too short.

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