Going into college I was never the girl that worked, or had a job. I relied on my parents for mostly everything. When I got to college I realized that having a sufficient supply of money was going to be necessary to really enjoy college. So I made a care.com account and hoped for the best. I found a family and messaged them at midnight one night, thinking I would get a response in a couple of days. I woke up the next morning to a response asking if I could start that afternoon. I called my parents; they freaked out a little bit due to the horror stories, but agreed to let me try it out. It was the best decision I ever made. What’s so great about taking care of kids when you’re just learning to take care of yourself right?
A Home Away From Home
All of a sudden I had this gorgeous house that I could attend a couple days a week rather than being stuck in a 10-by-12 foot dorm room. I can come early and relax on the couch and watch television before the kids get home from school and just relax in a house that really does feel like my own. It is also nice to be able to go swimming with the kids in the middle of January… how cool is that?!
Food
Between the endless supply of snacks in the pantry and refrigerator, it's so nice to have something other than dining hall food. You get a good dinner every night you work rather you’re helping to cook it, or it is take out from an amazing new restaurant you’ve never had before.
The Kids
I was lucky enough to land a job with four kids. This means I get a constant flashback to the sibling rivalries, wrestling matches, and game days that I grew up with. And when it snowed for the first time since they've been in North Carolina, it was pretty fun to be able to run outside in circles and celebrate the excitement with them. I miss my siblings a lot sometimes and it really helps to be around these kids that I think of as my family as well. Not to mention we tell all of their friends that I actually am their other sister that no one has ever heard of.
Second Family
With my job, I am at the point that I truly feel like part of the family I work for. It's nice that any time I’m sick I can call and let them know that I won't be there, but instead of a “Hope you feel better” response, I get a “Come over!! I have soup!! I will take care of you!!” It is so nice to have that when I am so far away from my actual home. And it is also encouraging when getting to work I get asked how my day was, and how I did on the test I was stressing about earlier in the week. Oh and even when the bumper on your car detaches they reattach it for you in the driveway so that you don't have to take it to the shop.
Money
It is also really nice to have a job that I love going to. I look forward to the days that I work. Being able to work for money makes it a lot harder to spend. I now don’t have to rely on my parents anytime I need gas (only when I come home and pull out the puppy dog eyes), when I want a concert ticket, or when I want to go out with my friends. And for holidays, I can’t help but spend that money on presents for the kids whom I love so dearly.
I would encourage any, and every college student to get a nannying job. It is by far the best job I could have gotten. Although I may be kind of biased due to the fact that I landed an absolutely amazing, super fun, and loving family!
