It isn’t a secret that the Nanny industry keeps morphing. In the past few months, the priorities of families have drastically shifted. What is the reason for this? That’s the question everyone wants to know!
Food prices are soaring, gas prices are jumping, the housing market; whether renting or buying, remains a challenge; and an unexpected banking crises have all been cited as reasons that a recession could be imminent. Additionally, we are still dealing with the aftermath of the pandamic; and many families are still recovering financially from the losses experienced during this time.
This has all effected how families handle their child-care at the moment. Many Nanny Agencies have seen drastic changes in the child-care requests of/from families.
Family members helping more out, or a day-care near by, are now considered as alternatives or options, more than ever before. Agencies have also seen an increase in part-time Nanny positions, as families choosing for more creative solutions to keep the child-care costs to a minimum.
As a Nanny, a job-search at any point in time is no light matter, but – add in the uncertainty and instability of a recession – and finding a new position can start to get a bit complicated.
So…what does this all mean when you are seeking a new Nanny position at the moment?
More Nannies are currently experiencing that their Nanny searches take much longer. Every day we receive phone calls and emails from Nannies who have been home for several weeks…or even, several months.
The last two years, plenty of Nanny postions were available; and Nannies had the privelege to set their own requirements regarding hourly rates, benefits and job perks. It wasn’t uncommon that a Nanny interviewed with several families during the same time; and then had the opportunity to choose the position with the highest hourly rate, the most convenient work-hours; and the greatest benefits. There was such an overwhelming demand for qualified and experienced in-home childcare, that many families were willing to pay a much higher hourly rate.
Well…this has all changed in 2023!
We see that now, Nannies are more willing to negotiate…choosing positions with less than ideal situations. Nannies are now considering two part-time positions in order to have full-time hours. We also have seen that Nannies are taking on some family-assistant duties, and are now more interested in Nanny-Shares; and accepting pre-covid hourly rates.
As a Nanny, you are not currently just competing with other candidates, but also with other solutions that families concurrently consider for their child-care.
This is unfortunately where we are at the moment!
My advice as a Nanny Agency Owner is to stay where you are if your job is secure. In case you are seeking a new Nanny position, consider taking a few dollars less with a family who will have their money tomorrow, than accepting a job, paying big bucks with a family in a risky industry. Think about the current Actors and Writers strike.
This Blog post is not to instill fear – but to paint a transparent and real-time picture of the prevaling issues in the industry. Yes, there are always families seeking a Nanny; and in the end, you just need one offer…just one! But being open to new solutions and opportunities might make you a better candidate.
As always, be prepared! Make sure you have a professional resume, letters of recommendations; and references. Update your CPR & First Aid certification; and if you reside in the state of California, being registered with TrustLine is an absolute must! It’s the law!
Be the Nanny who brings the best package to the table, so the family will remember you as the best prepared.
Rainbow Nannies will always be here to support you; and our priority is to continue to be an advocate for the Nanny industry! Please reach out to us if you have any further questions or concerns. Our email is: info@rainbownannies.com
