A Day in the Life of a Household Employee: House Manager/Nanny in Evanston
In this series we reach out to a House Manager/Nanny that has made a career of working in private households.
Whether they are nannies, housekeepers, private chefs, house managers, estate managers, or chief of staff, the candidates featured in this series have demonstrated professionalism and expertise in their craft. The candidates we feature are all candidates registered with our agency and have made a positive impression with our team at My Household Managed
The goal of the “Day in the Life of a Household Employee” blog series is to give anonymous candidates a chance to share their experience in order to provide awareness & education for anyone curious about beginning or expanding their career in the field of private domestic service.
What is the job title that you feel best describes your role?
“ House Manager / Nanny ”
What led you to this path?
“ I worked many years in hospitality and education before staring in this role. "
What is typical work day like for you?
" Well, I feel like there’s no such thing as typical! (Which I usually love) Most days start off with the morning/breakfast/getting ready for school routine, driving kids to different schools, then on some days, all the kids are in school and I do some admin/household management work along with meal planning, prepping, cooking, light cleaning and laundry. (Sometimes with the youngest). Then playing with the youngest child, going to parks, museums etc. Pick up kids from school in the afternoon and finish dinner/kitchen clean up. Throughout the day I will create and keep track of to-do lists, and consult with principle on a multitude of things. "
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this career?
"In the very beginning ask questions and really observe. Try to take mental notes on how things are done in the home and the principle’s preferences. As time goes on you will become more and more autonomous. As appropriate, try to take initiative as much as possible. My experience in hospitality really taught me how to “read the room.” Since I am in the home many hours per day, I try to blend into the background when it feels appropriate as well as find the right time to bring up questions or just chat. As with any position, you want to be punctual and dependable, but this is especially important when caring for children. I take a lot of notes in many forms and cross check my lists to be sure things run smoothly and efficiently. And if you’re working with children, have fun, smile, be creative, play! Have clear and consistent boundaries and don’t be afraid to talk to the parents about anything. "
What is the most rewarding part of the job?
" The relationships with the children. So much laughter! "
What is the most challenging part of the job?
" Some days can be just exhausting. It is a position where you are always on. "
You’ve got enough on your plate in your day-to-day life — let us make your life easier by handling your unique household staffing needs.
If you are a family looking to hire a household employee or other home service, register with My Household Managed.
If you are a professional nanny, house manager, or other household employee looking for a job, apply at My Household Managed.
Want to be the next candidate we feature?