I have had many jobs throughout high school and my college career. However, the most lucrative one that I have landed has not been with a brick and mortar company. After working in retail for years, then going to Starbucks as a Barista and finally working in accounting at an air charter company I decided to work for myself. Let me tell you, it was the best decision I have ever made.
I have not only made the most money from my decision, but I have been able to structure my own schedule according to my needs. I am sure by now you are wondering what this job is and where you can get one. It is simple! I am a nanny. If you love kids, want something more than minimum wage, want to create your own hours, and are a responsible person then I suggest you go for it.
I grew up with a large family and was an Aunt by the time I reached five. I have had tremendous experience with kids and love being around them. This job enables me to hone in on my parenting skills without being a parent. Jon and I want a big family in the future and being a nanny has been a great patience builder!
Another aspect of nannying that I love, which is perhaps my favorite part, is that I get to spend quality time with the kids. They become like my second family. It is truly a ministry. I often bring Christian children books and read to them. I adore being able to instill in them Bible verses. I also love being able to kneel beside them in bed and pray for them. I hope and pray that the Lord uses these times and shows them His love.
I find most of my nannying/babysitting positions by either word of mouth or through an amazing website I found a few years back called www.sittercity.com. It has been an incredible asset to me. I have a few tips regarding the use of this website, however:
1. While using this website, or one similar, invest in a background check. It makes you more credible to the families seeking to hire you. I have been fortunate enough to have had people pay for my background checks in the past. However, they are only around $10.00 per year and in order to get more jobs, I suggest investing in one!
2. ALWAYS make sure you are comfortable with the family. I set up a face-to-face interview prior to accepting any position. I also request to meet the father as well. I do not want to be faced with any surprises. I once babysat for a couple who seemed nice enough at first until the dad started flirting with me. Needless to say, you don’t want to place in such an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous position.
3. Don’t be afraid to negotiate your price! Be competitive, but don’t cheat yourself or the family. Also, be sure and charge according to how many youngsters you are watching.
4. Tell someone close to you where you will be and the address and phone number where they can reach you. My parents always know the house I will be at and in case of emergency they are always available. Remember: these people are strangers, and until you get to know them, you need to keep them at arm’s length.
Last but not least:
5. Have references handy for the family. This, along with your background check, adds to your credibility and helps secure a job quicker. Also, it is okay to ask them for references! Don’t be afraid. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Maybe nannying isn’t the job for you. However, there are other jobs available that may fit you perfectly! Sittercity.com isn’t just for babysitting and nannying positions. You can find people who need housekeepers, house-sitting, pet sitting, elderly care and a myriad of other positions!
Don’t be afraid to branch out and find a job that isn’t with a corporation. Pave your own path; I know I am glad I did. After all, this is the home of the free….
Very sincere post! I quit my full-time job a year ago and have been putting all my energy into my online start-up while working part-time at a restaurant in town. It was the best decision I ever made and I am looking forward to seeing what results come from it. Just need to sprinkle a little bit of patience and I should be good.
Thank you! And patience is something the Lord is continually working on in me. It’s not easy! Good luck with your endeavors….I am sure you’ll do great!
I love this idea, the only problem is it’s a woman’s club. And while women can make a lot of money nannying, it’s a bummer being a guy, loving kids, and not being able to make a living through it. lol.
Even so, the advice you offer is great for a lot of businesses. As someone who also started his own not long ago, I can take your advice and apply it to the things I am working on. Thanks for the great post!
It is that. But housekeeping, dog-sitting and pet-sitting isn’t! I think your best bet, Alex, is to get married and have some kiddos of your own. I’m pretty sure your wife will let you babysit them anytime you desire…;) And thanks for your encouragement! Good luck with your own freelance ventures…
I always love reading stories about people who have gone independent and are doing it on their own. Thanks for sharing this post.