We are two weeks away from having a new baby in the house!!! I have been here almost 4 months now...and am learning a lot every single day. Its an experience that not many people can really understand totally and certainly something I have to adapt to on a daily basis. I think the hardest thing I am learning is how to be myself and enjoy my LIFE while living at my job. There really is no line between the two, so the advice I would give to anyone looking to be a live in nanny is that there are two ways to deal with the awkward situation of living with the family you nanny for, and you have to be prepared to do one or the other.
The first situation is to completely push yourself into your work, making your job your life and vice versa. The other way is to make the job just a job and the house just the place you live and spend as much time away and doing your own thing. I however, would never be able to do the second option...its just not who I am. I am very committed to my job and I am fortunate enough to be working for a family that I adore. It has become very easy for me to become just a part of the family...as a big sister, daughter, aunt, or whatever that may be. I am more a part of the family who is just helping out than an employee, and though my paycheck would say differently, don't feel like the "hired help".
Its not always easy though. This weekend the family was away on vacation and after having my weekend plans cancelled, I spent the weekend at the house alone and had a rough time with that. I miss my friends in Greeley, miss being able to go out and have an adventure, and most of all, miss my family and my puppy dog. I survive by connecting with the people that I used to know, as its become quite a challenge to meet new people here. Every attempt at communication from my friends means the world to me, as its all I have. I am dying to find my own personal out, my way to meet new people and create my own life here apart from the family. I have tried online dating, and that blew up in my face. Who knew you could meet so many people with very negative intentions?
Its the biggest struggle in my life right now. How to meet new people? I have met a few great moms who are also teachers through Scooby's school, which has led to some great playdates, both for him and for me! But the little town that I am in is not very "young adult" oriented, and as I am not a big party girl, it makes meeting people tough. Ideas are welcome!
Happy labor day weekend,
Fran
