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ROTA nannying is exciting for those who love the flexibility, autonomy, and rhythm of alternating work periods. Shifting from a traditional Monday-Friday nanny schedule to a ROTA (rotational) role can be a game changer and boost your nanny career. But, like any job, it comes with its own unique set of challenges and rewards. In this post, we'll explore the ins and outs of ROTA nannying—what it's like, what perks you can expect, and how to navigate the highs and lows of this role.
What is a ROTA Nanny?
A ROTA nanny works in rotation with another nanny (or nannies), typically providing 24/7 care for a set number of days or weeks before having a designated period of time off. The goal is to ensure the children have continuous care while allowing the nannies significant downtime to rest and recharge. ROTA schedules vary depending on the family's needs, with rotations ranging anywhere from 4 days on/4 days off to even one month on/one month off.
The Pros of Being a ROTA Nanny
True Time Off
One of the most significant advantages of being a ROTA nanny is that when you're off, you're truly off—or at least that is the way it should be. However, let's remember that not all ROTAs are created equal.
No more worrying about work on your off days or having to pick up shifts. You know another nanny is stepping in, and this dedicated break allows you to disconnect and recharge fully. You can use your off time to travel, spend time with family, or just catch up on sleep.
Extended Periods of Rest
While traditional nanny roles often come with weekends off, ROTA nannies enjoy longer periods off at a time—sometimes up to a week or more, in exchange for working insanely long hours during their shifts. This is a luxury that many nannies find challenging to give up once they've experienced it. The extended breaks offer a healthier work-life balance (on paper) and can help prevent burnout, which is common in high-demand caregiving roles. In theory, this is true, but as I have already mentioned, not all ROTAs are created equal.
Higher Earning Potential
Typically, ROTA nanny roles come with higher pay than traditional nanny jobs, especially in areas where overtime laws ensure you are paid for every hour, including overnight. In many cases, ROTA nannies can earn a significant salary due to the intensity of their work during the "on" period, with wages up to $250K annually/£90,000, depending on the location and responsibilities.
Remember, though, that typically, the higher the salary, the higher the expectation of the nanny. Don't think for a second that only because you have worked 168 hours this week will the expectations not be high!
Ideal for Travelers, but not really...
If you love to travel, ROTA nannying is a dream come true. Many ROTA jobs involve traveling with the family, or you can use your extended time off to explore new destinations. Having multiple days or weeks off at once lets you enjoy personal travel without worrying about work. Most ROTA Nannies, however, do not get to see much of the location they are traveling to, and some may be too exhausted by the time they get to their "off" week to travel and end up spending their downtime closer to home and binging Netflix.
Better Work-Life Separation, or is it?
Many nannies find that a ROTA schedule allows more explicit boundaries between work and personal life. When you're on duty, you're fully immersed in your role, but when you're off, you can focus on your needs and interests without feeling guilty. But not always; there are roles where you are expected to be available for a quick call with your co-nanny or the school calls because they don't know who is on shift, etc. Not all ROTA jobs are created equally...
The Cons of Being a ROTA Nanny
24/7 On Call
Many ROTA roles require you to be available 24/7 during your shift. This can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially if the children require nighttime care. It also means that you may be living in with the family, which can sometimes blur the boundaries between personal and professional time.
Co-Nanny Dynamics
Working with a co-nanny can be a blessing or a curse. If you and your co-nanny work well together, the job can be smooth and enjoyable. However, if there are differences in style or communication, it can feel like a constant battle to maintain consistency in the children's care. Open and honest communication between you, your co-nanny, and the family is key to making a ROTA arrangement work. Extra tip: have a clear communication policy laid out.
Long Hours During Your Shift
While the time off is great, the "on" periods can be intense. You may find yourself working long hours, traveling, not eating correctly, not having an adult conversation for days, and it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the demands of round-the-clock care. For some, living in during the on-period can also feel isolating if you're away from your own home or community for extended stretches. You need to figure out your support network, your
" people," and what you can share. Let's not forget the NDAs that have most likely been signed.
Challenges with Sick Days
Some families may expect nannies to cover each other's shifts if one gets sick, creating tension and burnout. This is an unrealistic expectation unless there are more than two nannies and one is paid to be on "call." Setting clear boundaries and communicating expectations upfront regarding sick leave and backup support is essential. The other nanny may be traveling and unable to cover the shift for the sick nanny.
Transitioning from Full-Time Nannying to ROTA
The transition can feel liberating and challenging for those of you considering the jump from full-time to ROTA. The biggest adjustment is often learning how to manage the 24/7 nature of the job during your shift and finding ways to balance personal time. Many nannies find that after enjoying multiple days off in a row, it's hard to return to a traditional schedule. The extended breaks help keep you refreshed and better equipped to handle childcare demands during your "on" weeks.
It's also essential to mentally shift into an "all-in" mode when working and fully unwind during your off period. The structure, on paper, allows for more focus when you're with the family and more freedom when you're off-duty.
Perks and Benefits
As a ROTA nanny, there are perks you can negotiate in addition to your salary. These can include:
Paid time off (PTO)
Health insurance
Travel expenses (if your job involves travel)
Accommodations during your on-duty periods
Overtime pay for working additional hours
Retirement contributions, if you're with a more established family
While some families automatically provide these benefits, others may require you to advocate for yourself and outline what's important for your well-being.
Tips for Succeeding in a ROTA Role
Create a Consistent Routine
Just because you're working long shifts doesn't mean you can't carve out a few minutes each day for self-care. Whether journaling, stretching, or meditation, find something that helps you reset and stay grounded.
Communicate Clearly with Your Co-Nanny
Open communication is the key to ensuring smooth transitions between shifts. Establish a system, like a shared diary, to keep track of essential details about the children's routine, upcoming events, or any challenges you've encountered.
Set Boundaries with the Family
During your "off" time, be clear that you are unavailable unless it's an emergency. This will help maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life.
Pace yourself
Burnout is real; pacing yourself and knowing how far you can push your body or through things is important. You will be pushing your body into situations that you may never otherwise be pushing into, so be careful!
Final Thoughts
ROTA nannying isn't for everyone, but for those who thrive in structured yet flexible environments, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path. The opportunity for more personal time, higher pay, and travel makes it a highly sought-after role. However, it's essential to go into it with clear expectations and a plan for managing the long hours and potential challenges. With the right mindset and communication, ROTA nannying can perfectly balance hard work and well-deserved rest.
If you're considering switching to ROTA, I encourage you to reach out to others in the community and learn from their experiences. It's a unique role that can open doors to new adventures and opportunities you may have never considered!
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Candi