In March 2017 I moved to Australia where I took on a new role as an au pair with an Adelaidean family.
When one thinks au pair, they most likely think ‘nanny’. However this isn’t necessarily 100% the case, it really depends on the needs of the family. The age of the children plays a part in this – for me my role was not hands on child minding – the 3 children I was responsible for were ages 9, 11 and 13, so they were pretty independent. I would check up on them and be there if they needed anything, but essentially I was more of a chauffeur and cook. I was a helping hand within the family.
Every au pair experience is so unique, because every family is so different and their needs can vary. I was very fortunate with mine. Here is a little more detail about my time as an au pair.
What did my role entail?
My routine went a little like this: In the morning I was required to take the two youngest to school – it was a short ten minute drive. Once I dropped them off I was then free until the end of the school day. Around 3:15pm I would leave to collect them. Depending on the day there could be an extra curriculum activity I was then required to take one or two of the kids to. I would make dinner, have it ready for around 6:30pm. After dinner I was free again.
Seeing as I cooked the evening meals throughout the week, I was in charge of buying the groceries for such. I was provided money to do so, and could pick up any extras I required for myself too. It was a good system. So, on a Sunday evening I would make a meal plan, and on Monday I would do the big food shop for the week ahead (Mon-Fri). This was essentially the Monday to Friday routine every week.
Beyond this, I had a lot of free time. Throughout the day while the kids were at school, after dinner and every weekend I was completely free to do my own thing. This is ideal when wanting to experience a new city/country.
Overall, my au pair job in Australia was very chilled – clearly my time as an au pair was done in a true Australian manner.
Why did I enjoy my au pair experience?
- My host family had a good system for new au pairs – they liked to have an overlap period with the previous au pair of around a week. As the au pair before me was one of my good friends from home we actually spent around 3 weeks together before she left. This meant I felt comfortable by the time I took over the role, knowing what was required of me each day of the week. Additionally, I had time to learn the route to the school/supermarket/the kids after school activities, etc – driving in a new city can be a bit daunting when you don’t know where you are going, especially with kids in tow, so I was glad I had time to get used to such.
- I was always very welcomed into the family. It wasn’t just my immediate host family who were very welcoming, but the extended family too. Since my host family had had a good few au pairs before me, I guess they were used to having a random foreigner around. It really was so nice to feel so included though. Whether that be to family holidays or birthday celebrations etc, I was always invited, not on a working basis but simply because I was considered part of the family. That, I believe, is paramount in this role.
- I had a lot of freedom. I had a pretty chilled work schedule – I worked morning and late afternoon/early evening Mon-Fri. What this meant was that I got a good amount of free time to do as I pleased. I could also take off a Monday now and then if I wanted to do a bigger weekend trip away – the family understood I was here for travel, not just to au pair. On top of this, my host family had an ‘au pair’ car – essentially a car not only for transporting the children, but for the freedom of the au pair. This meant in my free time I could explore the local area – drive for a hike, or to the swimming pool/gym, to meet with friends, the shops or wherever else I may desire to go.
- My job role was clear. I knew what I was expected to do day to day, and if there were to be any changes I would be notified accordingly. It honestly didn’t even feel like a job!
- Location. My family lived in a suburb just outside Adelaide CBD. A 5-10 minute drive, or a 15 minute cycle to the city centre. It was also only a 20 minute drive to the beach, and the same to the Adelaide hills. Ideal for getting out during the day when the kids were at school but not wanting to waste too much time traveling too far.
No two experiences as an au pair will ever be the same, but there we have it, a glimpse into my time as an au pair in Australia!
