A common complaint we hear from families on Care.com is that nannies, babysitters and other types of caregivers are sometimes late for both interviews and jobs. Everyone is late occasionally, but chronic lateness can cost you that fabulous new nanny gig. And if you’re late for an interview, expect to be crossed off the candidate list.
Caregivers are expected to be on time. This is not only because caregiving is a job and you should always be on time for your job, but also because another person’s plans are contingent on your promptness.
Lateness comes down to a failure to plan ahead, according to Howard Taylor, time management consultant and author of the book, “Making Time Work for You.” “Planning involves determining how long the commute will take, what materials you will need to bring with you and the actual time it will take to get there.” Without a plan, you can’t account for these factors.
Whether you’re preparing for your next babysitting job interview or you’re just looking to decrease tardiness, these tips should help get you on track.
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Choose to Be on Time
The first step to being on time is to make a true commitment to doing so and make it a habit, says Taylor. This is very important for building a good reputation as a caregiver — and getting good reviews on your Care.com profile! “Lateness telegraphs a lack of respect for your client,” Taylor points out. “Have as much respect for other people’s time as you have for your own.” -
Prepare the Night Before
There’s nothing worse than being rushed in the morning. “Get any materials ready the night before,” Taylor says. He suggests making a checklist if you need to, so you’re not caught looking for something at the last minute.Kelly Johnstone*, a babysitter in Huntington Beach, California, concurs. “I usually try to shower, prepare my breakfast and/or lunch and pack anything that I might need the night before, so that I can just grab everything and go.” This adds a nice perk, too: “I get to sleep a little extra in the morning.”
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Go to Bed (and Wake Up) on Time
An intrinsic part of being on time for Johnstone is going to bed on time the night before. It helps her actually wake up and get moving in the morning. Have a problem getting enough sleep? Check out the sleepyti.me bedtime calculator, which calculates REM cycles and when you should go to sleep and wake up for optimum rest.Johnstone also places her phone far away from her bed, so that she has to get up to turn off her alarm. It’s a simple way to get up and moving right away.
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Allow for Extra Commute Time
It never fails. The morning you’re running late, there’s an accident on the road or a delay on the bus. You’re only human, and everyone is late sometimes, but make sure you add extra time to your commute in case of regular hold ups like traffic. Download an app like Waze, which calculates arrival time based on current traffic conditions. And call your employer if you think you’ll be late.On the other hand, if you arrive too early for a job or interview, don’t go to the door right away, says Taylor. Being too early can be as problematic as being late in some cases. Instead, try these 8 Things to Do During Your Downtime.
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Don’t Squeeze in “One Last Thing”
If everything’s going great and you’re on time, resist the temptation to do “one more thing,” says Taylor. If you’re ready to leave five minutes earlier than you planned, leave. If you wait around and make “one last call” or do “one more task,” you stand to throw off your entire schedule. -
Accept Jobs that Fit Your Schedule
Although this might not always be practical, it’s sometimes a better idea to choose only jobs that fit your natural patterns and biological clock. “It’s more difficult to keep a 7 a.m. appointment if your brain is not fully alert until 9 a.m.,” says Taylor.If you’re an early bird, focus on morning gigs like before-school sitters; if you’re a night owl, you might be better off becoming a night nanny or after-school nanny.
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Be Positive
One of the most important tips you can follow for being on time is to make a positive decision to be on time. Instead of thinking in terms of not being late, “Make a commitment to always be punctual,” says Taylor. “Then take the necessary action to make it a reality.” The positive phrasing will make you feel more confident.
Punctuality is important for anyone, in any job, but babysitters and other caregivers carry the responsibility of entire families on their shoulders. Taking that seriously is vital to your success in this industry.
And your employer should show you the same courtesy and respect! If the people you work for are regularly late, talk to them about extending your hours permanently. And make sure you’re getting paid overtime.
*Name has been changed.
Brenda Barron is a writer from southern California. When she’s not typing at a frantic pace, she’s spending time with her family, knitting or watching Doctor Who — often all at once. Find out more about her here.
