things to consider
Before you sign a contract to work for a family, there are a few things you need to think about. Depending on the family you find, you’ll be working for at least a number of weeks, probably closer to a year. Since this sort of work is different than most, due to living (in most cases) with the family, you need to think through your expectations, your level of stress tolerance, and flexiblity.
Living with your employer has its ups and downs. Some of the benefits are being able to get dressed and ready for work in all of five minutes if it suits you (showering is usually optional - do kids really care if you’re in tip-top condition?). You’ll also benefit from being with a family, avoiding some of the angst and loneliness you might otherwise experience. There will also be no need to worry about paying rent or other bills, since you’re living costs are covered by the host family.
There are drawbacks, however. Living where you work can get old. If your work schedule and duties are not clearly ironed out, you run the risk of feeling like you are constantly on the clock. And unless you’re deathly ill you also might feel obligated to keep working even when you’re sick (although decent families should give you time off). Another double-edged sword is the children’s attachment to you. Of course you want them to like you, but the more they like you the more they will want to be around you - and they don’t understand that you’re paid for a certain amount of time. Their attachment to you might not be so cute on a Saturday morning when you want to sleep in but hear tiny knocks on your door.
Basically, the drawbacks are all about boundaries and balance. If you have a tough time establishing boundaries with people, you will easily work too much and wear yourself out. But if you are able to create a reasonable routine, balancing work and play and time with your family, your chances of having a successful experience will be good.
