Returning to work - au pairs?
Discussion
I guess the title got your attention, and I fully expect a PH roasting.
My situation in a nutshell. 41. 2 kids, youngest just started school. Wife in full time employment, breadwinner, prospects for promotion and will have additional workload in the near future. I have been a stay at home dad for 3 years, although I found the time to complete a self build 7 bed house which is finished so I have made myself effectively redundant.
Worked in IT roles (IT manager/support) for the 10 years until 2007 for various companies, London Business School, Laings, Design Council, start up cash machine co and Inchcape.
I can't rely on the wife at all with any childcare and have no other close relatives. There is a before and after school club, and the school is 5 minutes walk from the house. My house has a basement with 2 large bedrooms, ensuite, and a lounge and kitchen. Separate access to the house too. Whilst the school clubs will accommodate the kids it doesn't help with holidays.
The thought of an au pair came to mind, we are just outside of London in the country with good transport links so I think we may be able to find someone half decent. This would allow me to go back to work full time, if I can find a job of course!
So how hard is it to find a reliable au pair?
My situation in a nutshell. 41. 2 kids, youngest just started school. Wife in full time employment, breadwinner, prospects for promotion and will have additional workload in the near future. I have been a stay at home dad for 3 years, although I found the time to complete a self build 7 bed house which is finished so I have made myself effectively redundant.
Worked in IT roles (IT manager/support) for the 10 years until 2007 for various companies, London Business School, Laings, Design Council, start up cash machine co and Inchcape.
I can't rely on the wife at all with any childcare and have no other close relatives. There is a before and after school club, and the school is 5 minutes walk from the house. My house has a basement with 2 large bedrooms, ensuite, and a lounge and kitchen. Separate access to the house too. Whilst the school clubs will accommodate the kids it doesn't help with holidays.
The thought of an au pair came to mind, we are just outside of London in the country with good transport links so I think we may be able to find someone half decent. This would allow me to go back to work full time, if I can find a job of course!
So how hard is it to find a reliable au pair?
AndyAudi said:
sisters just done it using an agency, loads of applicants many of whom didn't match the profile she requested which was frustrating for her.
Has had a nice guy! now for a few months. Seems dirt cheap in comparison to child care and preps meals for her return. Bonus is my niece learning french.
echo the car comment, they've got him a cheap runaround but is still has to be safe.
Andy Has had a nice guy! now for a few months. Seems dirt cheap in comparison to child care and preps meals for her return. Bonus is my niece learning french.
echo the car comment, they've got him a cheap runaround but is still has to be safe.
Could you let me know which agency? Also she found a male au pair?, fairly unusual I would have thought!
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