Meredith Swanson, a 33-year-old actress, singer, and dancer, has been nannying in New York City for over a decade as a way to support herself financially while pursuing a career in entertainment. She recently went viral on TikTok after posting a video that showcased a day in her life as a nanny in the Hamptons, documenting her commute from Manhattan, picking up the children she watches from tennis camp, and enjoying beach outings with them. The video garnered nearly 1.5 million views and generated a lot of interest from viewers curious about her job.
Swanson initially started nannying in order to make ends meet between auditions, but eventually realized that working with children brought her more fulfillment than her job as a hostess at a steakhouse. She began working part-time at a children’s gym, where she connected with families that she has continued to work with over the years. In 2020, she was offered a live-in nanny position in the Hamptons, which she has continued this summer, watching two young boys under the age of 7 for four days a week while residing at the family’s beach house.
During the summer months, Swanson commutes from Manhattan to the Hamptons to work as a live-in nanny, enjoying a break from auditions and the flexibility of a three-day weekend. She notes that the average rate for nannying in the Hamptons can range from $25 to $60 per hour, with the average rate for a live-in nanny in East Hampton being $26.33 per hour. Swanson emphasizes that working as a nanny has provided her with financial security, with some years earning close to six figures solely from child care.
Despite the challenges of nannying, such as long hours and adapting to different parenting styles, Swanson finds the job to be both exhausting and rewarding. She appreciates the opportunities for breaks throughout the day to exercise, read, or explore the nearby town. Swanson plans to reduce her hours to 20 per week once the summer ends to focus on auditions, as her career in entertainment picks up in the fall. While she doesn’t see herself nannying long-term, she values the rewarding experience of caring for children and bringing joy into their lives.
Swanson’s story showcases the viability of a career in child care and the importance of finding fulfillment in one’s work. Despite the challenges of burnout and adapting to different parenting styles, she appreciates the privilege of being trusted to care for someone else’s child. She plans to transition away from nannying in the future to focus on starting a family of her own but acknowledges the positive impact that working as a nanny has had on her life.
