As a nanny, you give your heart, energy, and expertise to the families you serve, often leaving little left for yourself. It’s incredibly rewarding work, but it can also be incredibly demanding. So, what happens when the workday is over? Who’s pouring back into you?
This is the exact question our Marketing Director, Reagan Fulton, dove into during a recent summit session where she interviewed the brilliant Stephanie Bauchum founder of Nanny Tees. Their conversation hit on a truth we all need to hear: showing up for yourself fuels the career you want. The conversation was so good, and we highly recommend you listen to or watch the full replay to soak in all their wisdom.
Find Your People, Fuel Your Power
First things first: you need your people. We’re talking about the kind of community that gets it. The friends who you can laugh, vent, and dream with, who see you as more than just "the nanny."
Stephanie, who has built her amazing brand, Nanny Tees, around creating these spaces for caregivers, knows this firsthand. She shared how creating networks where nannies can connect, recharge, and just be is absolutely essential for avoiding burnout. While you’re on the clock, you’re the rock for someone else. Off the clock, your community is that rock for you.
Treat Self-Care as Your Career Foundation
It's time to officially retire the idea that self-care is selfish.
One of the biggest takeaways from the chat was that prioritizing your own well-being is the bedrock of a successful career. Stephanie spoke candidly about her own journey with burnout, reminding us all that asking for help and protecting your peace aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signs of strength.
What does that look like in real life?
- Set Boundaries: Say “no” without needing a permission slip.
- Ask for Help: Admit “I can’t do this all by myself” and mean it.
- Prioritize Joy: Schedule the things that light you up—whether it’s a solo coffee, a weekend hike, or a concert with friends.
These are non-negotiable practices for a long and happy career. When you advocate for your own needs, you're teaching others how to treat you and building a foundation for respectful, lasting relationships with your employers.
Rediscover What Makes You, You
Who are you when you’re not on duty? What are the passions and hobbies that make your heart sing?
Maybe you’re a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, a music lover who lives for live shows, or an artist who needs creative time. Whatever it is, nurturing those parts of yourself is vital. Your identity is so much bigger than your job title.
Living a full, vibrant life outside of work makes you a happier and more engaged caregiver. It gives you fresh perspectives, new energy, and cool stories to share. It reminds you that you are a whole, dynamic person, and that’s a powerful thing.
Showing up for yourself is the most profound way to show up in your career. When you build a life rich with community, joy, and healthy boundaries, you move beyond simply avoiding burnout and into creating a career that feels as good as it looks. When your happiness becomes the measure of success, not just your achievements, you’ve built more than a career. You’ve built a life. And that’s an adventure worth taking.
