Hi all,
I'm almost 31 wks now with a boy My pregnancy was extremely unexpected and unplanned, as I was told I wouldn't have kids. I'm 20, and at the time of finding out I was pregnant I was working as a live out nanny for 2 gorgeous children.
Short back story: I suffered horrendously from depression and anxiety through my teens, which means I never got any qualifications of any sort, but worked hard and luckily had a few jobs in childcare and nannying. My last position lasted a year and I got it through a gumtree ad, I was working cash in hand (and literally only just found out that that's illegal?!?!)
When I found out I was pregnant I was shocked but over the moon, and kept it from my employer until I was about 4 months. I'd planned to tell them at 3 but I was always quite intimidated by them and couldn't quite find the right time. Anyway, when I did tell them they said they were very happy for me, and we approached the subject of what we were going to need to do (as obviously, I would be leaving). I told them I hoped to work up until the last minute, but understood they would need to find a replacement and I'd be happy to help them with this. They agreed that they would need to find someone else, but said they were happy for me to work for as long as I felt comfortable for.
2 weeks later, I had to have 2 days off as I was suffering with EXTREME sickness, not even being able to keep water down. I'd never taken time off for pregnancy issues before this, and planned to return on the Monday although I was still exhausted and probably dehydrated. However, I received an email from my employer (the mother) saying that, since I'd been ill, perhaps we should end our working relationship there, and she had been planning to end things at the end of the month anyway. I was completely bewildered, but agreed..as what else could I do?
She then sent me emails demanding the wages she had given me back, as they were 'owed to her' since I had stopped working. I told her that actually, I will keep that money as my notice money, and that I regretted how things had ended. Her emails turned very hostile and included telling me I will be a bad mother. I was absolutely devastated, as the job has been very significant to me in terms of my recovery from all my past problems and gaining back control of my life. I'm still gutted it had to end in such a horrible way.
I've always been certain that I wanted a career in childcare and that's where I belonged, but this experience has made me doubt that. Does anyone have bad experiences of being a Nanny, and did it effect your career choices? I really needed the money, and now am forced to claim benefits which is NOT what I wanted to do.
I feel stuck as I have no qualifications or anything, so my CV is heavily reliant on references..and I have a feeling I won't be contacting them for one. But I don't wish to stay on benefits while I raise my child. I considered childminding as then I could keep my son with me too, but can the parents be equally as difficult in that situation?
Sorry for long post! Rant over now!
S