Being a nanny offers daily rewards for those who love children and new experiences. But sometimes you need more of the kind of rewards that end up in your bank account. If your budget is tight or you’re trying to save and you need to start making more money, don’t despair.
We spoke with two former nannies for suggestions on ways you can make more money on the side. Former nanny and professional writer Brittney Schering, and Erica Christopher, former nanny and the creator of Nannypology, share their insights and ideas on how caregivers can earn extra cash.
1. Ask for a raise
Sometimes the simplest answer is the best. Talk to your employer about getting paid more. “If you think you deserve more, you probably do, and negotiations are always OK,” says Christopher.
Use the rates calculator to find out what the average sitter makes in your area and compare that to what you earn. When was your last raise? Have you taken on any additional duties? Do you regularly receive great feedback about your care? Talk to your employer about why you deserve a raise. If budgets are tight, the family may not be able to afford the complete raise, but talk about slowly increasing your salary over a time period and other ways you can make this work.
2. Take on extra duties
If you really want that raise, ask the family if you can take on extra duties around the house. Although the kids should always be your first priority, many parents could also use a little help around the house. Some of the more popular tasks families are willing to pay for are grocery shopping, meal prep or creation, family laundry, light housekeeping duties, errands and household organization. Negotiate ways you can help with these tasks without sacrificing time spent with the kids, such as while the little ones are napping or by coming to work an hour earlier in the morning.
3. Market yourself
Schering has a smart and unique way to find additional nanny work. While out and about doing her nanny job, “I carried a nanny bag to display that I was, in fact, the nanny.” (Schering’s bag literally read: “Nope, I’m the nanny” and included a link to her website.) This not only helped other parents at the park or playground to see her work in action but also gave them the opportunity to introduce themselves, or get in touch later. “From there, new work opportunities presented themselves.”
4. Be a babysitter or part-time nanny
Find a babysitting job or part-time nanny job
Both experts agree that one of the best ways to supplement nanny income is to provide child care to other families on a part-time basis during your off hours. “Nannies have a cornucopia of babysitting opportunities,” Christopher says.
Ask your regular family if you can also babysit the kids during weekends or date nights. Find out if they have any friends or family who need a babysitter. Apply for babysitting jobs posted by other families looking for occasional babysitters. Another option? Overnight babysitting or weekend sitting for parents who need to be away.
5. Take on dog walking or pet sitting
Find a pet care job
Being a nanny takes a lot of energy, but if you love animals, caring for a dog or cat as a side gig can actually help reduce everyday stress and anxiety — and earn you extra cash. Pet owners are always looking for dependable caretakers to provide daily dogs walks while they work or provide pet sitting when they travel.
6. Be a tutor
Find a tutoring job
Families are always in need of tutors. Think about your areas of expertise. Did you get all As in biology or help your own kids pass calculus? You may be able to help other children. A tutoring job can help you earn more money.
Not ready for being a full-on tutor? Learn how to get a job as a homework helper.
7. Write a blog or create content
“I was a writer, in addition to serving as a nanny,” says Schering. “Deadline pressures could sometimes be stressful, but it’s that pressure that brought out my best work as well.”
Whether you create your own website or blog and sell advertising on the site, as Schering did, or write content or create video content for an online publication that pays, using your talents and experiences is a great way to make extra money. Christopher tells us, “Blogging and freelance article writing are easy to do during naptime and your free hours.”
Of course, make sure you preserve the privacy of any current or former employers by using pseudonyms and avoiding recognizable information.
8. Find a part-time job
Schering suggests finding a second job for some extra quick cash, such as being a part-time server or bartender. “Make sure that your second job is something that you love and enjoy as much as nannying. Also make sure it doesn’t conflict with the energy you need to perform at your best self for your nanny job. In other words, don’t overwork yourself.”
“If you’re a part-time nanny, you can be a part-time anything!” adds Christopher. “Barista, retail specialist, shoe shiner, whatever!”
The opportunities nannies have for making additional income are endless. As Christopher says, “Nannies are fortunate to have flexible schedules, allowing them to do a plethora of things to boost their income.”
But with all of these options, be careful that your regular family doesn’t think you’re ready to jump ship! If they think your attention isn’t on their kids, you may find yourself with no job at all.
