Hey dear candidate,
I never really got the chance to speak directly to you, but I want to share something personal. A few years ago, I worked as an au pair in Ireland for one and a half year, and it completely changed my life. It taught me responsibility, routine, and how to adapt to a new language and culture.
As a first-time au pair, I faced some challenges and learned from my mistakes. Later, after talking with other au pair friends, I realised that setting boundaries and managing expectations are the key to truly enjoying life abroad.
So, let me share what I’ve learned. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid if you want your au pair journey to be smoother, happier, and far more rewarding.
1. Not Defining Expectations
One of the biggest mistakes is not asking questions and assuming everything will just “work out.” Before you start, clarify responsibilities, routines, and expectations with your host family. Don’t be afraid to confirm both sides are happy with the agreement, it avoids surprises later.
2. Forgetting That Being an Au Pair Is Still a Job
It’s easy to think of the au pair program as a cultural holiday, but it’s also a real job with routines, responsibilities, and rules. You’ll have flexibility in how you interact with the kids, but remember that the family is your “boss” and they count on you.
3. Not Respecting Your Own Time Off
Living with your host family can blur the line between work and personal time. Kids might think you’re always available. Set clear boundaries and communicate your free time with your host family to ensure you can recharge and fully enjoy the experience.
4. Resisting Cultural Differences
Every country has its own culture and way of life. Be open-minded instead of trying to compare everything to home or insisting your way is “better.” Embracing differences is what makes the cultural exchange so enriching. (:
5. Overworking Yourself
It can be tempting to say yes to everything, but that can quickly leave you feeling tired and overwhelmed. Try to respect the hours you agreed on, and remember that light housework doesn’t mean doing all the cleaning. Protect your energy so you can fully enjoy your time abroad.
6. Ignoring Your Budget
Your meals and housing are covered, so it’s easy to spend freely on weekend trips and coffee dates. But learning to budget is essential. Keep track of your spending, save for special adventures, and enjoy of free or low-cost activities. Smart money management not only makes your time abroad more fun but also gives you a nice financial boost for the future.
7. Getting Too Attached
Being part of a host family is beautiful, but it’s important to keep emotional boundaries. If you become too attached, saying goodbye can be very hard for both you and the kids.
Be yourself and enjoy the bond, but protect your heart and your limits. When emotions take over, it’s easy to accept more than you should, and the children may struggle to respect you as their minder rather than just a friend.
8. Neglecting Self-Care
Your health matters. Between homesickness and busy schedules, it’s easy to forget about yourself. Make time to eat well, stay active, and take breaks to recharge. Caring for children takes a lot of energy, so protecting your own well-being is key to keeping both you and the kids happy. A happy, healthy au pair creates a happier home for everyone.
9. Hiding Your Real Skills
Don’t exaggerate your experience or hide things you’re unsure about, like driving or caring for babies. Honesty builds trust and avoids stressful situations.
10. Not Exploring Your Host Country
Your au pair journey is short, so don’t spend it all indoors. Travel, explore, try new food, and meet locals whenever you can. Experiencing the culture is one of the best parts of the adventure. Enjoy your time in your own way, but don’t let your year abroad pass by while waiting for the ‘perfect’ opportunity, try to make the most of every moment.
Becoming an au pair is one of the most affordable ways to live abroad, learn a new language, and grow as a person. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can fully enjoy your time with your host family and make the most of this striking cultural exchange. ether.
Contact us today at hello@roastjobs.com, or discover more at roastjobs.com.
You might want to read as well Discover the Au pair Program, How to Write an Impressive Au Pair Bio, Find Your Perfect Program, Find Out the Difference Between Nanny, Au Pair and Babysitter and much more.
This article was written by Júlia Zapparolli. Thank you for reading. 😊