Private jets. Meeting celebrities. Being wined and dined across the world. Sounds great right? While all of these things are potential perks of working for a high net-worth family (HNW Family), we’re here to tell you that it’s not always as glamorous as it seems and it’s certainly not as easy as you might think. Whether you’re a nanny, house manager or private chef, read on for the highs, lows and how-to tips for working with a high net-worth family.

High Net Worth Family Household. A white stone house with sweeping staircase, ivy covered balcony and well-maintained lawns.

What’s It Really like Working for a High Net-Worth Family?

Roles within HNW Family homes are some of the most desired positions within the household staff industry. The chance to work with families of high and ultra-high net-worth has lots of advantages for the right candidate. You can expect to be very well-compensated - generally more than the industry average and potentially earning a six-figure salary. But, this is often the case because your role will extend beyond the usual 9-5. Similarly, your duties may extend beyond what you might expect in a more typical home. For instance, as a nanny for a HNW family, you may be the primary carer in a child’s life. It may be that you work on shift rotation with another nanny (e.g. 4 days on/4 days off) and be wholly responsible for the children’s lives. You may have to attend parent-teacher conferences on parents’ behalf, be responsible for children’s clothes shopping or school choices, perhaps even taking children to medical appointments too. Being a nanny for a HNW family often means you can expect to travel when the family travels too - that may mean you get to experience things or visit places you otherwise wouldn't be able to.

Something that is almost certain when working with a HNW family is the expectation you will sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Privacy and confidentiality is of the utmost importance when working with HNW families and so not only will you have to sign an NDA, you could get into a lot of trouble if you break it. This means you can’t discuss your work or the going-ons of the house you’re working in with anyone outside of the household which can result in feelings of isolation and loneliness as one nanny describes. “Even if you do befriend another nanny or any adult, you cannot talk about your job so the conversation becomes very stiff and one-sided….I truly believe this is for the best, but it is very difficult to form relationships.”

Whilst there are obvious challenges when working with HNW families, positions with a HNW household can be one of the most professionally and personally rewarding roles in the industry too. When you become a trusted member of the household staff, you can expect to be treated loyally and be exposed to people and experiences you simply would not get otherwise. Whether it’s managing luxury estates, yachts or even private jets as a house/estate manager, or accompanying a family on an international move, the potential is limitless. What’s more, if it’s appropriate (and permitted), you could be creating a network of VIPs that you could use when growing your own business. For instance, if you work as a bodyguard or Close Protection Officer, it may be that you want to stay in employment to continue growing your experience and skills meanwhile running your own CPO/bodyguard agency. Obviously, working for a HNW family also means you have expected, regular income that you can rely on whilst having minimal living costs too.

What Qualities Do I Need to Work with a HNW Family?

Many of the qualities needed to work with a HNW family are no different to those required of any household employee. Being discreet, proactive and reliable are perhaps the three most important qualities you’ll need but the list goes on. For more advice, read our blog on what makes a great household employee.

How Do I Work for a HNW Family?

Once you are sure that working for a high net-worth family is right for you, make sure you browse our job board. Once you’ve found a position you’d like to apply for, make sure your application shows what a high-calibre candidate you are. Recommendation letters from previous employers, especially if you’ve worked for another HNW family, are a great way to evidence your experience and skills. You can also show this through a detailed resume and personalised cover letter. Be sure to show off your personality and expertise as a highly-organised, responsible, trustworthy candidate. As always, we love hearing from high-quality candidates to match to our roles, so if you have any questions, be sure to get in touch with us at My Household Managed.

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 for staff for your family office or for any other home service, submit an application with My Household Managed.

If you are looking to work within a family office, apply at My Household Managed.