Nanny

In the past couple weeks, I have been trying to explore my options and figure out what my next job move will be since Anya's mom will be one of the many teacher's being laid off. First of all, jobs of any kind of slim pickin's in Midland. Nanny jobs are also slim pickin's... of course then you have to consider half of the few nanny jobs out there are insulting. Insulting because many times they suggest paying a nanny squat. There are honestly families who think it is OK to pay a nanny $5 an hour. That is almost $3 below minimum wage, caring for what should be their most precious thing. Now who would take a job that pays less than minimum wage? I mean I guess someone desperate would, but I would question the mind set of someone who would do that. I know that childcare is a great expense and if someone's only working an $8/hr job, how can they pay a nanny that. That's when I'd considering some kind of community setting. Just don't expect to be able to hire a private nanny. But I just find it insulting. A lot of families don't consider this, but I truly believe nine times out of ten, you'll get what you pay for. Now I'm not suggesting that nanny's make a fortune, but they should at least be paid fairly. Back when Nathan and I first got married, I actually had a family who paid me $2 an hour!

At the same time... I'm looking into a position right now that is paying what I would consider fair enough. My dad questioned whether or not it was truly fair, being that it was for three children. But being in Midland, Michigan... I've found you'd better snatch up the 'fair enough' jobs. And I know there are plenty of wealthy families in Midland, but many of those expect the nanny should also be the housekeeper, cook, and personal assistant. So as I said, when a normal, fair enough job comes along... its a pretty clear choice.

***A special thanks to the families who have paid me well... You know who you are! =)