A Year Abroad: Why I Decided to be an Au Pair
When I was hired as an au pair, I was asked so many questions: Why France?; Are you excited, nervous, etc.?; How many kids are you watching?; How long will you be there for?; Will you get to travel?
The list goes on, but the one question I received the most, and still do since arriving in France is, "Why did you want to be an au pair?". There are so many reasons to list. For starters, it is a very affordable way to live abroad for a year. I have always wanted to live in France (and maybe even permanently one day), but thought this was a good way to test the waters. I have always enjoyed working with kids, and although this experience has been fun as well as challenging, I have also stated to friends back home that it will be a LONG time before I have my own. I also wanted to better my French, and potentially come home almost fluently speaking the language, and what better way than to submerge yourself in the culture. The last reason I chose to au pair, and the reason I tell all people when they ask, is that my mom was an au pair in France when she was in her early 20's as well. She always told me stories of her time as an au pair throughout my life, and when I was around 16, I told her I wanted to do the same after college!
I was always talking about applying from sophomore year of high school until the day I did in February. I remember texting my mom when I found the perfect host family for me asking if I could accept their offer to hire me on for a year. Even though I'm 22 years old (soon to be 23), I still like to confide in my mom with big decisions like this. She texted back saying, "If you liked the family, and are sure you want to do this then go for it!". In that moment I knew I had to accept the offer.
It's crazy how things can change so fast. Before I accepted my host family's offer, I was applying for a million jobs in Communications and Social Media Marketing; I was freaking out about what to do post-grad; if I was going to stay in Virginia, or move to New York City; In general just freaking out about graduating and finishing school. Accepting my host family's offer to be an au pair for their children gave me that grounding that I am sure we all have had when we get an official job offer, or our next step in life is visible and in the process of being complete. It was nice to feel prepared and ready for life after graduating (at least for the next year anyways).
My host family is so kind to me, and I do not regret my decision of becoming an au pair. Yes, I miss home and my friends and family back home, but they are a plane ride away if I want to see them (which I am for Christmas and New Years)! I have adapted well here, and have made so many new friends. I also truly feel apart of the family here. I do not feel like an employee ever, but more like a big sister, and my host parents are always making sure I am okay and happy as well! They really have become my family away from home.
Although this step in my journey ends at the end of June, I know that my next step will come. Whether it's in March when I'm beginning to job hunt like crazy again, or a little after I return, or even months (let's just hope not year(s)!); I know that I will be just happy and excited as I was when I chose to live in France for a year!
