Au Pair in Australia takeover!
A quick read from one of our lovely Au Pair's - Luna from San Francisco
What I Wish I Knew Before Working Abroad: Lessons from My Au Pair Experience
Taking the plunge to become an au pair was hands down the riskiest decision I’ve ever made. Before I left, I spent countless hours questioning my sanity—was I being reckless or just plain naive? I was about to live with and care for complete strangers in a country I had never even visited before. What could possibly go wrong? The anxiety-inducing thoughts kept circling in my head.
Now, six months later, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions of my life. My host family turned out to be incredibly welcoming, I found an amazing group of friends, and I created memories that will last a lifetime. While I wouldn’t change a thing, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known before jumping into this adventure. Here are five crucial lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone (Even When It Feels Awkward)
In the post-college world, we usually make friends through work or school. But as an au pair, you live and work for your host family, which means your social life can feel a little... isolated at first. Trust me, making new friends can be intimidating, but it's absolutely essential. My advice? Throw yourself into social situations—even the uncomfortable ones. Go to a bar alone and strike up a conversation, invite a "friend of a friend" to coffee, or just take the plunge and message someone you know in the city. Whether you’re there for six months or a year, time flies, so make sure you seize every opportunity to connect with others.
2. Always Say Yes to Adventure (Even the Unexpected Ones)
Living abroad is the perfect opportunity to step outside your usual routine and embrace new experiences. So, my rule is simple: always say yes to adventure. You never know where a spontaneous invite might take you, whether it’s an impromptu weekend getaway, a unique local event, or an activity you never thought you'd try. Saying yes opens doors to unexpected and life-changing experiences.
3. But Also, Know When to Say No
While embracing adventure is important, so is setting boundaries. This one took me a while to master, especially as a self-professed people-pleaser. But it’s crucial to learn when to say no—particularly when it comes to protecting your mental and emotional well-being. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time, and stick to them. Whether it’s declining an extra work shift or turning down an invitation that feels overwhelming, saying no isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to maintain your balance.
4. Don’t Settle—Wait for the Right Family
If your host family checks all the boxes except one glaring issue, don’t settle. It might seem like a small thing at first, but remember, you’ll be living with these people, and your living situation can make or break your experience. Hold out for the right match, because the perfect family is out there, and it’s worth the wait.
5. Speak Up When Things Aren’t Right
Communication is key, and if something isn’t working with your host family, speak up. I know it can feel intimidating to voice concerns, but your happiness is just as important as your duties. Your host family wants you to feel comfortable and content, so don’t be afraid to respectfully share any issues or frustrations. The sooner you address things, the smoother your experience will be—and the better you’ll be at your job.
Looking back, these lessons were hard-earned, but each one made my time abroad more rewarding and fulfilling. So if you're considering becoming an au pair, remember—don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, take some risks, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. It might just be the adventure of a lifetime.