While you’re applying for jobs, you might feel like any income will make you happy. Getting paid to do what you love is the ultimate goal, isn’t it? Unfortunately, many nannies accept positions that aren’t perfect for them.
When it comes to taking a nanny job, you need to look beyond the salary. Here are some other factors to consider so that you end up with the perfect match.
Look At The Whole Package
Money doesn’t make the world go round. Even if you have a desirable salary and attractive benefits package, you may have to deal with some factors that spoil what seemed like a flawless job assignment.
Before you begin the application process, ask yourself what would make your job wonderful. Write down your ideal scenario. You might want to answer the following questions:
• What is the minimum salary that I would accept?
• Can I accept a job without benefits?
• How many kids can I easily handle?
• What ages do I prefer to work with?
• Do I feel strongly about certain parenting philosophies?
• Can I compromise if a parent has different ideas about raising children than I do?
• How far do I want to commute to work?
• Would I like to take on driving or household duties?
Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, think about the areas in which you can be flexible. Write those down. Make a note of the elements on which you will not compromise. No matter how appealing a particular job sound, one deal-breaker can sour the entire experience. Referring to your notes can remind you of what you’re really seeking in a long-term job.
Take Advantage Of The Trial
Some families sound perfect on paper. However, they may have unexpected quirks that you won’t discover until you’re around them in person. Don’t assume that everything will work out well just because the rest of the application process has gone without a hitch.
Make sure to do a trial run with the family before you agree to work for them. This will allow you to get a firsthand look at their lifestyle. It will also give you a chance to assess whether you feel comfortable in their home and working with their children.
The trial is especially important when the job has unusual requirements. Maybe the parents work from home. Perhaps the child has special needs. Ensure that you can work well under these conditions. If it’s a tougher job than you expected, you might need to ask for more compensation.
Don’t Repeat A Bad Experience
You should always learn from your mistakes. If you had a negative experience with a previous family, how can you avoid it this time? Make sure that you touch on those issues so that you can prevent a mishap before it happens.
Use your encounter to ask the right questions this time. If you ended up doing more housework than your employer indicated in the job description, make a clear agreement about that now. If the last parent consistently came home later than she said she would, find out how you will be compensated if that happens with the new family.
The Bottom Line
Accepting a job that doesn’t meet your requirements might leave you unhappy. Your lack of satisfaction could make your performance suffer. It can also leave you feeling resentful.
If you end up looking for another position behind your employer’s back, might have to lie about your current situation, which is never ideal. You might also leave your current family in the lurch if you suddenly change jobs. Land the model position with the perfect family by doing your homework.