Got itchy feet? A taste of the old wanderlust? Being a nanny is one of those unique career paths that could take you virtually anywhere in the world – experiencing new cultures, working with wonderful people and living in some truly fabulous places. Hard work it may be, but the payoffs of working abroad as a nanny are endless. Let us whet your appetite with some highlights of living in some of our top placed destinations.
DUBAI: Particularly if you’re coming from the UK, a major benefit to working in Dubai as a nanny must be the weather. Those scorching summers take some acclimatising to, we’ll admit, but with air-con everywhere the reliably warm weather is a wonderful thing. This is a luxury, gold-plated and diamond-studded city like no other, so you will soon become accustomed to a neater, cleaner and altogether more refined way of life – both at work and in your free time. This is also an extremely multicultural city, so nobody feels like a foreigner here and expat networks are strong.
GENEVA: With green spaces covering over a quarter of the city, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in great lungfuls of that clean, crisp Swiss air if you choose a placement in Geneva. Another expat stronghold with English spoken widely, this is a refreshingly different setting where, equally, you’ll fit in and feel at home quickly. Its proximity to the Alps also means that days off can be spent skiing, though you may also find yourself skiing during working hours if your employers like to ski – which is likely.
LA: Who doesn’t want the opportunity to live and work amongst the stars of LA? Our nannies love the friendly atmosphere in California, as well as the beautiful year-round weather and this city’s penchant for good food and healthy, outdoorsy living. Children will enjoy beach trips and visits to your local farmer’s market.
DOHA: High salaries and low crime rates make Doha an attractive choice for nannies considering work abroad. With a welcoming expat community and great shopping opportunities for time off, your free time will be well spent and your work life fulfilling and rewarding. Dubai, Goa and the Maldives are all easily reachable from Doha, so weekends off and holidays can be spent in the lap of luxury without the bankrupting airfare.
LONDON: We still place a huge number of nannies with London-based families, where nannies enjoy living in a big, cosmopolitan city which positively buzzes with art, culture and fashion. London transport is all very child-friendly and the capital is bursting with activities for young people, from its many parks and green spaces to its friendly cafes and museums, city farms and playgrounds. London at Christmas is possibly our favourite thing about living and working in London, though summer picnics in the Royal Parks are a close second.
Where have you lived and worked? We would love to hear and share your experiences with the Nannies of St. James community. Do tweet us @StJamesNannies and we will share your tips and tales!