As lots of high school graduates, I was determined to take control of my life. After finishing all my exams, I packed my bag and I decided to move to London. I won’t lie, it was a big and scary step for an 18-year-old me to leave my parents and, most importantly, to move to a foreign country, with a different language and culture. But my willingness was bigger than anything else.
So, I left.
Because I was only 18 and without much work experience, but babysitting my siblings and because I knew it was going to be hard to find a job that could pay for rent, travel expenses, and food in London. So, I thought.. wait, what if I can find a way to keep babysitting and still living in London? I’ve always loved kids, I guess it is because I used to take care of my little sister a lot. And that is how I found out and decided to become an au-pair! I thought that it would be a great way to improve my English, to get to know London and it would make the transition easier ( and less intimidating) because I was going to live with a family.
And I couldn’t have been happier with my decision.
The family I came to, made me feel just like home but at the same time, they also treated me like an independent adult who has her own interests.
A few months in and I decided to start university in England while keep working for the same family. Many people would ask me what is it like to work as an au-pair while studying?
So, here’s my answer. Being an au-pair requires taking care of children usually school age. You’re with them during the school runs in the morning and school pick-ups in the afternoon. You help them with homework, spend time with them playing and cook for them. It doesn’t take a long time to find yourself to be a part of the family. You create a special bond with kids and believe me, sometimes they can save you from the horrors of the university. Because you only work in the mornings and in the afternoons, that means that you have the whole day while the kids are at school, usually, 9 am to 3 pm, free. That’s the time that you can spend at university- going to classes or studying independently. In addition, you’re free on the weekends which means that you can catch up with your university work but also socialize, go out with your friends and rest. You really become aware of your time and try to spend it more efficiently. Notwithstanding, you definitely become more independent. Being an au-pair saves you money and you can easily afford to live in one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Moreover, you get to travel places and get to know a different culture, which is always an amazing and life-changing experience. In my opinion, this experience really helped me to become independent but, ultimately, it gave the gift of a new (second) family. While I am aware that this is something peculiar that might not work for everyone, I’d definitely recommend it for those who love kids, enjoy a family atmosphere and are trying to manage their finances along with their studies.