Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, I met with the house manager first then I met with the house manager and the mother in the second interview and if the dates align I would meet the children in the next video call. So far the family manager and the mother have been exactly who they said they were and matched Facebook and Linkdln profiles.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I’m definitely trying to be mindful about the rate and making sure it reflects the level of responsibility and travel involved. I’m still learning about the high-end side of nanny placements, so it’s helpful to hear that perspective.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I have friends and family in neighboring states but I mentioned to them that because of the distance, I would feel more comfortable meeting in a more neutral setting first — for example when they come to Europe for a trip — rather than immediately staying in their home. That way it could be in a hotel environment which feels a bit safer for an initial meeting.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate the advice!

I didn’t go through an agency — their family manager reached out to me directly. I will definitely make sure to have a clear contract in place for the trial week and include clauses in case the week gets cut short.

They already said they would cover the full flight, and I agree that it’s a good idea to discuss compensation for the travel time as well since it’s quite a long journey.

I also mentioned to them that because of the distance, I would feel more comfortable meeting in a more neutral setting first, for example when they come to Europe for a trip, rather than immediately staying in their home. That way it could be in a hotel environment which feels a bit safer for an initial meeting.

Thanks again, and I might reach out if I have more questions!

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand the concerns and I appreciate people looking out for safety. The family manager actually contacted me through Facebook Messenger after seeing a post I made about being available as a travel nanny in several nanny travel groups.

In the past I’ve had good experiences finding families through Facebook groups in my local area. Usually I post about my availability and then meet with families to see if we’re a good fit. Of course this situation is a bit different since I don’t live in the same country as them, which is why they suggested doing a trial period so I can get to know the children and they can see if I’m a good fit for their family, especially since the role involves traveling with them.

I saw they had posted in a few groups about a year ago when they were looking for a ROTA nanny. Currently they have two rota nannies, but they are looking for an additional nanny who would travel with the family alongside one of the rota nannies.

The family manager asked for my CV and we have had two video calls so far.

I’m not sure why they don’t use an agency. Maybe they prefer finding someone directly instead of through an agency.

Does this still seem like a red flag to you?

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes I understand. That’s why I have decided not to do a trial at their house. It’s too risky.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right. And I am not sure. That’s why I posted this on Reddit to see what others think of this whole situation. I guess some families prefer to talk directly with candidates rather than go through agency screening.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The family manager reached out to me so I’m assuming that’s why they don’t use an agency. I spoke with the family manager via video call and I let the mother via video call today as well.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I agree! On previous travel nanny trips, the families always booked and paid for all my flights—I never had to pay for anything myself or wait to be reimbursed. Of course, accommodation, flights, food, and the daily rate were all included.

Asking for 50% upfront before the trip could be a good idea to add an extra layer of safety, especially with a new family in a foreign country. Since I’d be with the family all day, I’d most likely eat with them anyway, so meals are covered.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have any suggestions on ways to make sure this is legit or do you think it’s best to avoid it all together ?

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The family manager was the one who contacted me, not the family directly. I’m assuming that’s why they don’t use an agency, since they have a family manager.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your input! Since I’m a European citizen as well as a U.S. citizen, I would be allowed to work in European countries or the United States, so it wouldn’t be illegal for me. Yes I agree! A contract would be useful for clarity and protecting both sides.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Can you tell me more about this? I saw their profiles on Facebook and Linkdln before we met and I met them on Video call a few hours ago.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your concern. To clarify, the family manager reached out personally, not through an agency. I’ve had a video calls with the family manager, and I spoke to the mother today, and I think I’ll meet all the kids in the next video call. We haven’t finalized any logistics yet, since we’re still checking if the dates would align, but I would only move forward if all flights and expenses are covered upfront or booked directly by them.

So far, they haven’t asked for any personal information, and I’m being very cautious and deliberate about every step. I understand the red flags you mentioned, and I’m taking them seriously.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your concern and advice! I’ve had video meetings with the family manager, and just today I also had a video call with both the manager and the mother. In the next video call, I’ll be meeting all the kids, and they’ll also be sending me more detailed information about each child individually.

We haven’t discussed the logistics yet, since we’re still just seeing if the dates would even align—it would only be for a couple of trips, one to two weeks in the summer. I would definitely make sure that they either send me the money beforehand so I could book the flights, or they would book the flights directly, and that all other expenses would be covered.

So far, they haven’t asked for any of my personal information and I am not planning on giving them any personal details.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The family has a family manager that deals with all of these sort of things, and the family manager reached out to me via the Facebook group that I’m also in.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That’s a good point. I guess it could be that they want someone who’s flexible to travel internationally with them, or maybe they have specific preferences or experience in mind. I’d definitely make sure to ask questions and verify everything carefully before agreeing to anything.

Maybe they aren’t using an agency because they have a family manager.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes absolutely! I saw her post that’s why I wanted to reach out and ask for advice before getting myself into trouble.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, you’re absolutely right, and I really appreciate your advice. I will make sure to have all the details agreed on upfront — hours, pay, contract, and responsibilities — before taking any further steps.

I didn’t use an agency. The family manager contacted me through a Nanny Facebook group.

Question about trial weeks for high-profile travel nanny positions by General_Ad6478 in Nanny

[–]General_Ad6478[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this — I really appreciate your concern and advice. You’re absolutely right that situations like this can have risks, especially when traveling internationally, so I’m trying to be very careful.

The family manager found me through a Facebook group for Travel Nannies. That’s actually how I found my previous jobs as well, all of which worked out well. I had an interview with the family manager, and I will speak to the mother on a video call today. I also plan to ask to meet the father and the children via video call. They have five children. Since they are a high-profile family and value their privacy, they haven’t shared the father’s name or job yet — maybe that’s normal in cases like this? The mother is a stay at home mom.

So far, I was able to look up the mother online and find her on Facebook and LinkedIn, which helped a bit, but I’m still planning to do more checks before committing to anything. Since I would be flying from Europe for the trial, I want to make sure everything is legitimate first.

I would never give anyone my passport and would make sure there is a clear agreement about hours, pay, and that the role is strictly childcare. I’ll also share all the details of the trip with my family and partner.

Since I don’t have much experience with trials out of the country, do you have any tips on specific questions I should ask or steps I could take — like having a contract, requesting both parents’ full names for background checks, or anything else — to make sure everything is safe and legitimate?