Taking the leap and becoming an au pair for the summer was one of the most incredible things I have done thus far. Since I was a child, I have always wanted to travel to the places I had read about. What I didn’t know, however, was how incredibly easy it could be. It is easy to sit down, figure out where you want to go, book tickets, and be on your way. It is easy to find yourself in a new place, falling in love with the city. It is easy to travel around the city when you get there, make new friends, and develop a connection with the kids. What isn’t easy is the mental roadblock you may encounter if it is your first time. For me, this roadblock almost deterred me from experiencing the most magical four months of my life. So how do you take the leap and become an au pair?
- Define your “why”
- Talk with other people who have done it before
- Remind yourself that you are capable
There is a reason that “Define Your Why” is number one on my list. It is one of the most crucial areas you need to target to take the leap and become an au pair. The more clearly you understand why you would like to do something, the more likely you will accomplish it. Do you want to travel to find yourself? Do you want to travel to discover like-minded friends? Do you want to travel to the place where your great-grandparents once lived? This “why” will help you push through the mental block that often goes with wanting to try something new. Anytime we want to begin a new thing, be it a hobby, a new language, school, or travel, it is easy to talk ourselves out of it. Sometimes, you’re not alone in your doubt. Even if they care about you, your family and friends can try to influence your decision due to their own fears. Something about new experiences can cause the mind to spiral into doubt. This is normal and understandable, but if you hold onto your “why,” you can help yourself out of it. So, sit down with a notebook and define your “why.” Clearly define it and outline how you will achieve it. Write about how it will make you feel. Visualize yourself as an au pair living abroad in a foreign country. Visualize yourself going through every step of the process. See yourself happy at the finish line. By doing this, you will overcome that first internal roadblock. Define your “why” and get going!
Having defined your “why” and put your doubts at ease, start learning more about the process. Although being an au pair is a unique experience, it is becoming increasingly popular. Before I became an au pair, I watched YouTube videos and scoured Instagram for past and current au pairs that I could ask my questions. Luckily, I decided to use RomeAbroad, which has a great network of au pairs that are more than willing to help. There is always a representative available at any agency that can answer your questions, however, talking to someone your age or from a similar background can make everything feel more manageable. I listed out a few questions that I had (such as: how did you plan weekend trips, how did you get to and from different places, how did you connect with your kids, etc.) and I messaged away. The only thing I encountered was a willingness to help, not dismissal. Being an au pair is such a special experience and you will find that anyone that has done it is happy to share about it. Talking to different people that were once au pairs or currently are au pairs pushed that doubt that I had even further away. It showed me, “if she can do it, so can you!” Aside from speaking with other au pairs, I also watched videos of other people that were au pairs. There are so many vlogs on YouTube of au pairs detailing their typical “day in the life” that showed me that this experience is not something I should be afraid of. Seeing it in real-time, in such a simple way, only excited me and made me more eager to live that experience independently. Explore Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube with the hashtag #aupair once you’ve defined your “why.” Watch videos, reach out to people with prepared questions, and be accepting of their responses. This significantly helped me. I had my “why,” I pushed my doubt aside, I spoke with people that lived the life I was hoping to live, and I was able to determine I could also live it. This was the second step that helped me leap into becoming an au pair and a step that I was glad that I took.
Finally, and truly last but not least, remind yourself that you’re capable! You can accomplish hard things, scary things, new things, exciting things, everything. You are more than capable of deciding you want to be an au pair and committing to it. Create your “to-do” list, stick to it, and achieve everything on the list. Being an au pair doesn’t have to be a scary thing. It can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Once you have your “why,” you’ve talked to other au pairs, the only thing left to do is know that you can do it. To truly take the leap and become an au pair, may be the most crucial step. Becoming an au pair is just about your mindset, knowing you want to do it, figuring out how to do it (that is what RomeAbroad is for!), and doing it. You can take the leap and become an au pair. I know you can because I did it and if I can do it, then so can you!
Always feel free to contact me on Instagram if you have more questions. I always get asked about my experience and I am always happy and excited to share the joys that Rome Abroad gave me. Get out there and start traveling!
