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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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Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 21:26

Bink, I don't know what that is?

Any info?

I'm gonna look into some volunteer work.

Maybe I'm just having a down day. Being quite hard on myself I guess.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 21:28

Yeah I'd do mother's help. I'm honestly open to anything right now. What agency did you register with?

OP posts:
Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 21:30

No support from DH today either

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nannynick · 19/05/2008 21:31

Job hunting does get depressing. Even once you find a job, negotiating the contract can be problematic and stressful. You just have to keep at it and think positively. I remember being told on a training course once that PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) helps a lot, as it makes you come across much better at interviews.

nbee84 · 19/05/2008 21:32

I'm not in your area - I'm in Herts. I've registered with Tinies and Hawthornes - both have lovely staff and are very helpful.

Bink · 19/05/2008 21:33

Tash - link to Mark Warner childcare jobs - says nannying positions still available for this year - Greece, Corsica etc.. There's not just Mark Warner - other all-inclusives do childcare too - have a search on web. (It can be fairly full-on as a job, but you'd get away from that sofa!)

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 21:34

I've heard of Tinies, maybe I should try that.

I'll have to try to be more positive tomorrow. I don't think it's possible today.

I've just been sending a few e-mails to different agencies in my area, hopefully I'll wake up to a full inbox tomorrow?

OP posts:
nbee84 · 19/05/2008 21:34

You are right about the contracts nannynick though this is the 1st time in 20 years I've had a problem with one which resulted in me not wanting the job AND the job offer being withdrawn!

nbee84 · 19/05/2008 21:36

What qualification is it that you will be getting? (sorry if I missed that bit)

The Mark Warner thing sounds really appealing. I wish I had done something like that when I was your age.

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 21:37

Bink, I'll have a proper look into it. Would have to take non supportive DH into account though.

Thank you

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Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 21:38

I'll be getting an NVQ2 in Early years nbee84.

Not exactly the highest you can get...

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nbee84 · 19/05/2008 21:45

But it's a start.

It shows you were willing to study.

I actually have no formal qualifications. I have done lots of short courses on a variety of childcare skills. I started off in a Mothers help position and after 6 months Mum got a job and I got a promotion to nanny. I've built up many years of experience from newborn to teenagers. In my experience, once you've got about 5 years experience under your belt most employers will consider you along with nannies that are qualified.

You just need to get that experience and hopefully some of the suggestions that have come up tonight will help you towards that.

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 19/05/2008 21:48

Yeah, you've all been very helpful.

I'll have to look into doing some voluntary work and registering with agencies first of all.

Hopefully I wont still be in this situation in two more months.

Thanks everyone, I think I'm gonna go and cry myself to sleep.

All the best xxx

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nbee84 · 19/05/2008 21:50

Sleep tite x

annh · 19/05/2008 22:30

Tash, I'm sorry if you think I'm being harsh but I am unfortunately one of the nanny employers who could well be interviewing you and telling you that you are lovely and wonderful with my children - and then not giving you the job! I am just trying to give you some insight into why you may not be getting those jobs. Having said that, if you have had a year's sole charge experience (which must have been age 17 for at least part of the time) including newborn and special needs, that is something which you could really build up on your CV. Very soon, you will be able to put an NVQ on there too. There have been lots of good ideas here on ways of building up your experience, all you need really is for one of them to work! Good luck with it.

justwaterformethanks · 20/05/2008 09:20

what about ;looking for a job for the summer hols live in ,that way you get some experience ,you can save some cash and if you are any good you get a fab reference ,aswell as the one from your current family .

dividedself · 20/05/2008 09:25

Well you could be a daily nanny for meand my three children if you'd travel by train to St Albans 5 days a week ;)

GentleOtter · 20/05/2008 11:23

We URGENTLY need help Tash89 if you were prepared to come up to rural Scotland. There is a detatched 3 bed cottage available on the farm.

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 20/05/2008 13:02

dividedself, I would! Where in St Albans are you and how would I get there? Also, what are the hours?

GentleOtter, I think Scotland is too far for me sorry.

That's very good advice justwaterformethanks.

I might just do that...

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rollsroyce · 20/05/2008 14:02

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NotABanana · 20/05/2008 14:04

be wary of seeiming like you just want to a job to get out of home

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 20/05/2008 14:06

I know, that's not what was intended it was just to put across how bad it is.

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nbee84 · 20/05/2008 15:06

Hello rollsroyce - I'm in Hatfield too

Had a good interview for a nanny job in st albans this morning. Have an interview for one in Elstree tonight and another one for st Albans tomorrow eve.

Are you a childminder or nanny?

Hi Tash Feeling more positive today?

Original poster
Tash89Islington · 20/05/2008 15:12

Hi nbee84, feeling a little better thanks.

I'm trying to find a summer Au Pair/live in job until the school term starts.

Hopefully then I can go back to my last family.

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frannikin · 20/05/2008 15:38

GentleOtter if you still need help I'd be interested! fen532 at bham dot ac dot uk

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