What Do I Know? I’m Just A Nanny
As women, it can be easy to use certain words to downplay and minimize what we do, or even who we are. Maybe we do this to make others feel more comfortable. Perhaps we might be self-conscious about the role we’ve chosen to play. Additionally, we may not even be completely aware that we’re doing so in the first place.
One word that demonstrates this sneaky minimizing effect is “just”. We may say, "I'm just a housewife", "just a stay at home mom", or in my case, "just a nanny". It seems harmless enough, but in reality, it can shape how you and others see you. It’s as if you are saying that you are only (another restrictive word) one thing, and that thing is something you’re a little bit ashamed of.
One of the first things someone may ask when you meet them here in L.A. is "what do you do?" Asking about your profession can be a quick way for someone to get a glimpse of who you are. Answering that question has always made me feel a little uncomfortable. Among the production assistants, tech gurus, and aspiring actors, saying that I'm a nanny makes me feel a little beneath the people I'm talking to. Here I am in the land of glitz and glamor, and I spend my days wiping noses and changing diapers. I have tried to find a more creative way to describe my career, but I often end up saying, "I'm just a nanny". It’s said almost as an apology, and I'm left feeling a little bit like "the help". I get the sense that people are judging my intelligence and the decisions that led me to be what some may consider a glorified babysitter.
I'm not JUST a nanny. Deep down I know that I’m much more than that. I have an incredibly unique background, a vibrant life, and make a huge difference in the lives of those I work with.
I spend my days teaching little minds to think BIG, and that anything is possible.
I show them that life is full of surprises and joy.
I'm in charge of their safety, health, and happiness.
I'm trusted with people's flesh and blood so that they can go out and pursue their dreams.
I don't say any of this to puff myself up and boost my ego, but to acknowledge the reality and value of what I do. In doing so, my hope is to encourage you to gain confidence in yourself and what you do.
Think about how you really feel when it comes to what you do for a living. Are there any underlying fears or disappointments that you are hiding from yourself? Does the way that you describe your work give others permission to think or feel or treat you a certain way? What would it be like if you decided to make the conscious decision to do one of more of these things?
Realize that you are not defined by a single description. There is value and depth to your being.
Be confident in the choice(s) you've made to do what you do - whether that's stay home with your child, go back to work, or switch careers.
Find the value in what you do, and even if you don’t tell others, tell yourself.
Are there any words that you find yourself using to describe yourself that you wish you could remove from your vocabulary? How can you change the way you talk about yourself to encourage others to respect and appreciate what you do? If you describe yourself as “just” something you’ve subliminally influenced the person with whom you’re speaking to before they can come to their own conclusion.
Making the simple change to remove subtle key diminishing words like “just” can create a stronger first impression when meeting new people, and hopefully help you walk a little taller, too.
From now on when someone asks me what I do, I’m going to proudly say, “I nanny for a living”.
As always, I'd love to hear from my lovely readers with any feedback or suggestions. [email protected]
