Being a nanny offers daily rewards for those who love children and new experiences. But this is a job, and sometimes you need more rewards that end up in your bank account. If your budget is tight and you need to start making more money, don’t despair.
While nannying is a rewarding job for those who love providing care and working with children, it is a job! And as with any job sometimes, particularly when times are tight, you need to start earning more money.
If that sounds like you then don’t despair! We’ve put together 7 ways to earn more as a nanny:
- Enquire Into 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 okay.
Use the Care.com pay 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.
- Undertake Extra Duties
If you really want that raise, ask the family if you could 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 creation, family laundry, light housekeeping duties, errands and household organization. Negotiate ways you could help with these tasks, without sacrificing your time spent with the kids, such as while the little ones are napping or by coming to work an hour earlier in the morning.
- Get Writing
Whether you create your own website and sell advertising on the site or write online content for a public website, using your writing talents and experiences is a great way to make extra money. Blogging and freelance article writing are easy to do during nap time 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.
- Take On Extra Babysitting or Nannying Work
Both of our experts agree that one of the best ways to supplement nanny income is to provide child care to other families during your off hours. Nannies have a cornucopia of babysitting opportunities. 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 to jobs on Care.com posted by other families looking for occasional babysitters.
- Search for a Part-time Job
Finding a second job, such as being a part-time server or bar tender, can earn you some extra quick cash. 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! Barista, retail specialist, shoe shiner, whatever!
- Start Selling Your Crafts
Nannies often spend time making crafty items with the kids. Upgrade your crafty skills and sell items you’ve made on Etsy, an online store where you can buy and sell handmade and vintage items.
- Become a Tutor
Families are always in need of tutors. Think about your areas of expertise. Did you get all As in biology or help your own children pass maths? You may be able to help other children. Find a tutoring job to help make more money.
The opportunities nannies have for making additional income are endless. 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.
Have we missed any tips for boosting a nanny’s salary? Please share your experiences with us using the comments box below.