Part 2: Navigating the Challenges: Boundaries, Burnout, and Staying Energized

Welcome to Part 2 of Crafting a Career You Love: Nanny Edition! In this post, we’ll talk about how to recognize and prevent burnout, set healthy boundaries with families, and keep yourself energized, so that you can thrive in your career while being your best self

Nannying can be incredibly rewarding, full of exploration, snuggles, and overwhelming cuteness.  But it also comes with its challenges- long hours, emotional demands, and the responsibility of caring for others can leave you feeling exhausted. That’s why it’s so important to manage your energy, set clear boundaries, and prioritize self-care so you can continue doing what you love without burning out.

Recognizing and Preventing Burnout

Burnout can be a sneaky, slow build, and it can often be hard to recognize until it feels overwhelming. Identifying the early signs can make a big difference in preventing full burnout. Here’s how to recognize when it’s happening and take steps before it becomes too much.

What is burnout?

Burnout occurs when the demands of your job, both emotional and physical, become too much for you to handle.  You may feel drained and detached from your work. It’s more than just feeling tired; it’s an overwhelming sense of exhaustion, frustration, and lack of motivation. If left unchecked, burnout can affect your well-being, relationships, and overall ability to be present for the families you work with.

How to recognize burnout early:

• Emotional Exhaustion: Emotional exhaustion is one of the earliest signs of burnout. It happens when you begin to feel emotionally drained by the work you once found fulfilling. You might find yourself feeling irritated or frustrated more often than usual when kids don’t listen or when a parent asks for a little extra help. Tasks that once felt manageable now drain you, and you may start feeling disconnected from the kids you care for. The emotional energy that once felt natural to give starts to feel like it’s in short supply.

• Physical Fatigue: Burnout doesn’t just affect you mentally; it can take a serious toll on your physical energy. You may notice that even after a full night’s sleep, you still wake up feeling exhausted. Even short tasks can seem overwhelming, and the thought of getting through the day feels like a heavy lift.

• Increased Irritability or Short Temper: A sign of burnout is becoming more irritable or short-tempered than usual. This can show up as frustration over small issues, those things that you would normally brush off. You might find yourself snapping at the kids when they make a mess, or you might feel upset with the parents when their schedule changes unexpectedly. Little things that used to roll off your back now start to feel like a bigger deal, and this constant irritability can be exhausting in itself.

• Reduced Satisfaction and Motivation: When burnout sets in, you may notice that you’re no longer getting the same satisfaction from your work that you once did. Do you find yourself zoning out during pretend play or checking your phone at the playground more than you normally would? You may also begin to feel unmotivated to go to work in the mornings, despite the fact that you once loved what you did.

• Feeling Disconnected: Another common sign of burnout is emotional detachment from your work. This can show up as feeling like you’re going through the motions rather than truly engaging with the children or families. For example, you might realize that you're just going through the tasks of the day- getting the kids to school, making lunch, playing, but you no longer feel emotionally invested. This detachment can make your job feel less meaningful and harder to connect with.

How to prevent burnout:

• Recognize your signs early: Keep an eye on how you’re feeling each day. If you’re noticing yourself getting tired more quickly, feeling disconnected, or having trouble focusing, take it as a warning sign. It’s easy to push through these feelings, especially when you don’t have anyone to share the workload.  But acknowledging them early can prevent a complete burnout later.

• Build in regular breaks: This could be as simple as a quick five-minute break to sit down, stretch, or take a few deep breaths. Give yourself mini breaks throughout the day! It allows you to recharge and be more present in your work. 

• Set realistic expectations: It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be perfect, but that pressure can contribute to burnout. Set reasonable goals and expectations for yourself and communicate with your employers.  You aren’t a magical Mary Poppins with an unlimited ability to give. Perfection isn’t the goal, sustainable, quality care is.

• Talk it out. Find someone to talk to about how you're feeling. Attend a Nanny Thrive event and crowdsource solutions with your community, talk with a close friend, or even a therapist. Having an outside perspective can really help you see the bigger picture when you’re feeling overwhelmed

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries are a cornerstone of maintaining balance in your life and career. They help you protect your personal time, ensure your needs are met, and build respectful, sustainable relationships with the families you work for.

• Why boundaries matter: Setting clear boundaries is essential for maintaining your mental and emotional health. When you have clear guidelines about when your workday starts and ends, how much extra work you're willing to take on, and when you need time to recharge, you're able to give your best without sacrificing your own well-being. Boundaries ensure that you don’t burn out and that your job remains fulfilling, rather than exhausting.

• How to set boundaries: The first step to setting healthy boundaries is identifying your limits. Are there tasks that drain you? Do you feel overwhelmed when the schedule changes constantly? Not interested in doing date nights? Recognizing these things will help you understand where to set your boundaries. 

• Communicating boundaries with families: Setting boundaries isn’t about being difficult; it’s about creating a positive and sustainable working relationship. It can be really easy to blur lines when your office is someone’s home, but when you set the expectation of being treated like a professional, your employers will follow your lead. Communicate openly with them about your needs, whether it's time off, not doing certain tasks, or a break during the day. Make sure they know that these boundaries are in place to help you provide the best care possible.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Self-care has become such a buzzword, but it truly is a necessity for anyone working in a caregiving role. You can’t provide quality care to others if you're not taking care of yourself first. Below are some ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine, even if you’re busy.

Small daily self-care practices: Even if you don’t have long stretches of free time, you can still make small, intentional moments for yourself. Here are some simple practices to weave into your day:

• Morning stretches or a quick workout: A short, 5-10 minute stretch or quick workout can give you a natural energy boost to jumpstart your day.  If your schedule supports it, start your work day with a walk with your nanny kid(s).  

• Hydrate and fuel your body: We are not surviving on leftover goldfish and an Alani all day! Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated can have a huge impact on your energy levels.

• Mini breaks during the day: Whenever you can, take short breaks to breathe deeply, stretch, or get some fresh air. Even a 3-minute reset can help you regain focus and feel more refreshed.

The importance of time off: Take. Your. PTO! Time off is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of your well-being. Regular time off allows you to recharge, spend time with loved ones, or just do things that make you feel good. You don’t have to take a vacation- having an extra day to just be at home and relax or catch up on life stuff for yourself is important too. Scheduling your time off in advance can also help ensure you get the breaks you need. Mark it in your calendar and stick to it as you would a work appointment. A long weekend once per quarter is a great start.

Balancing Work and Life

Balancing work and life can be one of the trickiest parts of being a nanny, especially since your job revolves around caring for others. But it’s essential to find a rhythm that works for you so that you can sustain your energy, enjoy your personal time, and avoid burnout.

• Managing your schedule: Organize your day so you can have pockets of time to rest or recharge. Are mornings hectic? Turn on a toddler podcast or have a 10 minute dance party while you clean up from breakfast.  There are plenty of ways to give your brain a break while still incorporating the kiddos.  Also take advantage of nap/rest time or even those precious minutes in the carpool line.

• Keeping your energy up: Staying energized throughout the day requires more than just getting enough sleep. Staying hydrated, eating well, and incorporating moments of rest can make a big difference. Plan ahead by preparing meals or snacks that fuel you. Small adjustments like these can help you stay energized and focused during long workdays

• Making time for your hobbies and interests: It’s easy for your personal life to take a backseat when you’re fully immersed in your nannying role. But nurturing your own passions and interests is a crucial part of staying balanced. Whether it’s a hobby like painting, running, or reading, set aside time to do the things that fill you up outside of work.

• Finding joy in the little moments: Life as a nanny can feel overwhelming sometimes, but taking the time to appreciate small moments throughout the day will help you stay balanced. Appreciate the benefit of getting to spend time outside or the excitement of your nanny kiddo finally getting something they’ve been working so hard on.  Every day isn't going to be amazing, but there’s something amazing every day.

Taking care of yourself is just as important as the care you provide to the families you work for. By setting healthy boundaries, managing your energy, and making self-care a priority, you can continue to thrive in your career without compromising your wellbeing. Remember, you can’t be at your best for others if you’re not taking care of yourself first.

Reflect on your current boundaries. What’s one change you can make today to better care for yourself and avoid burnout? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you prioritize self-care and set boundaries in your work.