Photo compliments of Erin Wittwer
Erin Wittwer, a 2000 graduate of Ricks College, is shown with Timothy and Christine, two children she nannies in Connecticut.

Wiping snotty noses for an honest living

by Allison Walker WAL04015@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Even though it’s hard to believe, in no time at all, mid-terms will pass, the snow will begin to melt and minds will wander into the future summer months. For many this means finding employment. If this thought brings about dread of the typical hamburger joint, movie theater, or the ever-popular position of Wal-Mart greeter, perhaps a lesser known position will be appealing — that of a nanny.

Erin Wittwer, a 2000 graduate of Ricks College, is currently employed as a nanny in Connecticut and has been for the last several years. After graduating, she was looking for a good-paying job, and her sister referred her to a nanny placement agency that had proven itself successful in finding her a job. Wittwer had very positive experiences with this agency.

“The best part about the organization was their thorough screening of both the families and of me as a prospective nanny,” Wittwer said.

Perhaps the best ways to find a placement agency are from recommendations from trusted individuals. Also be prepared for the criteria that certain agencies will require: some will only represent those over 20 years of age, while some will represent those who are at least 18. Other standards may include experience, education and proof of good health.

While many online sources recommend finding a job through a placement agency, there are individuals who have had positive experiences working for people they knew or lived by. Bryan Palmer, a senior from Seattle, Wash., worked for a family he knew previously. “It was a great job. . .It was hard after while . . . I had never been so tired after a job in my entire Life, [but] it was fun hanging out and playing with the kids,” Palmer said.

No matter the hiring process, there are certain things to look out for in any situation. “Be careful and make sure it’s a safe situation,” Palmer said, and if you are uneasy for any reason with the potential hiring family or the situation, trust your instincts and move on to another option. “It’s best when it feels more like a family and not like an employer-employee relationship,” Wittwer said.

When interviewing for a job with a family, it is absolutely important to have clear communication in every aspect of what the potential job will entail. Wittwer recommended right away understanding the family’s discipline style and policies. Hours, duties and compensation are also to be very clear in the contract.

“Make sure you have a written contract . . .[and] that your duties are listed in the contract,” emphasized Wittwer. While there are many families who treat nannies very well, there are some who will take advantage of the nanny’s services when their responsibilities are not specified on paper.

Of course, part of this contract should outline payment policies. Acceptable payment is wide-ranging, depending on many variables. The 2003-2004 Nanny Salary Survey, conducted by the International Nanny Association, reports that salaries can range from $400-800 a week, while www.4nanny.com estimates the starting range at about $300 and the high end being $1000 per week.

These figures depend on location and economic status, number of children and varying responsibilities. Being a nanny can be very difficult, however it is also a job with many benefits.

Summer nannying jobs can often be hard to find, especially in this part of the country. However, Wittwer assured summer positions on the east coast are much more prevalent.

Nannies have to make sure they are willing and ready to live away from home, deal with the different cultures, and are ready to be a good example for the children. Nannying, as any job, has its downsides, but if meeting new people and having new experiences are appealing, it’s worth looking into.