~ how a ‘No’ can turn into a ‘Yes’ down the road
Wow. It’s hard to believe that come 2021 it’ll have been 30 years since I first embarked on my exciting adventures as a career Nanny! I vividly remember my very first interview with a family. I answered an ad in the Chicago Tribune, as in the actual hard copy of the newspaper. Remember those days, lol? I took the commuter train to the scenic, north suburbs and met with my potential Mom Boss. She was lovely. Her son, full of energy. She offered me freshly made bruschetta (sidebar: I think it was then, my foodie identity was born). The timing seemed right. I was more than qualified. Yet, I didn’t get the job.
I was a little surprised but not overly disappointed. I continued my search. And then a few weeks later, I received a phone call. Turns out, the potential Mom Boss referred me to her friend, a Mom returning to work full-time in need of a live-in Nanny. I got back on the commuter train to another gorgeous north suburb, met with the Mom, and clicked with the child in an organic, non-forced way. I got the job and was with that family until the child transitioned successfully into school full-time. Everything was right about that position. In fact, a substantial chunk of my early twenties was beautifully established as a result of that opportunity.
I’ve interviewed with families since then and if the answer is ‘No’, I always remind myself that it will eventually turn into the right ‘Yes’ at the right time. In the interim, I like to do an inventory of the ‘No’ interviews. Why? There’s always something there to learn from. I find out what some of my strengths and boundaries are that may not have come up otherwise. I become aware of practices, behaviors, and responsibilities that may or may not work with my care giving philosophies and background. I ask myself honest questions like: Can I really see myself working this house, this neighborhood, growing with this family, etc. The great thing is there are always cues. You’ll know when it’s the right opportunity and so will your Nanny Family. My heart smiles every time I recall this: after interviewing with the referral almost 30 years ago, I waited in the kitchen while the Mom put her son to bed. She came downstairs with a huge grin on her face. She told me that as she was tucking him in, he said my first name and their last name together. She gently informed him that I already have my own last name to which he responded, “I know, I just like the way it sounds.” And that was my cue ?