Exploring Career Options Beyond the Classroom
If you’re a qualified teacher exploring life beyond the classroom, chances are you’ve come across and have heard about nanny roles. But what about governess positions?
Having worked as both a nanny and a governess, I’ve seen the real differences first-hand. These go far beyond the job titles and into the daily realities. While they may seem similar at first glance, they offer very different experiences when it comes to responsibilities, salary, structure, and long-term career potential.
In this post, governess vs. nanny, I’ll break down what sets them apart and who each role is best suited to. You’ll also learn how to decide which path might be the right next step for you, especially if you’re a teacher ready to leave the classroom for something more flexible, fulfilling, and rewarding.
From Class Teacher to Governess: How One Phone Call Changed My Career Path
My journey started with a bit of holiday nannying during the school summer holidays. I wanted to earn some extra money while still working as a classroom teacher.
I loved the one-to-one interaction and the slower pace an being part of family life in a relaxed setting felt refreshing. It was a welcome break from the usual school pressures.
After my summer of nannying, I returned to teaching and took on work as a supply teacher (something I actually really enjoyed). The variety, the freedom from endless planning, and the chance to teach without the usual pressures, felt like a breath of fresh air.
Then, out of the blue, I received a phone call from an agency asking if I’d ever considered becoming a governess. A role I’d honestly never even heard of at the time. I couldn’t find much information at the time, but my curiosity led me to say ‘yes’ to an interview with the family’s PA. Shortly after, the family offered me a trial… and just like that, I headed off into the unknown. It was a leap of faith and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Governess vs. Nanny: What’s the Real Difference?
Whilst both nannies and governesses work closely with children and are deeply involved in their development, the responsibilities, the expectations and long-term career paths, can be very different.
Having worked as a governess myself (after years in both traditional teaching and nannying) I’ve seen first-hand how unique the role really is. In the sections that follow, I’ll break down the key differences between nannies and governesses, sharing real insights from my own experience to help you understand which role might be the best fit for you.
So, let’s start by looking at what a nanny does, because while it’s a role many people are familiar with, it’s often misunderstood or oversimplified.
What Does a Nanny Do?
As a nanny, your day revolves around making sure the children in your care feel safe, loved, and supported. You’re there through the everyday ups and downs, from breakfast battles to nap time snuggles and you often become a trusted, steady presence in a child’s life.
It’s more than just childcare, it’s about building a bond, understanding their needs, and helping them grow with patience and care. If you love being hands-on, nurturing little personalities, and making a difference in the early years, nannying can be incredibly rewarding career choice.
Key Responsibilities of a Nanny
Here are some of the typical things a nanny might do:
- Creating and maintaining daily routines
- Preparing meals and snacks
- Bathing and dressing
- Putting children down for naps
- School drop-offs and pick-ups
- Engaging in play and early learning activities
- Supporting developmental milestones
- Light housekeeping related to the child (e.g tidying the nursery or children’s laundry)
Some families hire live-out nannies who work regular set hours during the week. Other families prefer live-in nannies, especially when both parents have long or unpredictable schedules. In live-in roles, accommodation and meals are typically included. This can be a great benefit, particularly if you’re just starting out in private childcare.
From my own experience, nannying is incredibly rewarding, especially if you love creating a nurturing, calm environment where young children feel safe and supported. It’s not just about routines, it’s about building strong, lasting relationships and supporting a child’s development in their most formative years.
Why Nannying Can Be a Stepping Stone to Governess Work
For many professionals, working as a nanny is also a natural introduction to the world of private household roles. Nannying often serves as a stepping stone into more specialised careers, such as becoming a private governess. My initial nanny roles certainly helped me secure my first governess role as I was able to obtain references from the families I worked for.
P.S. If you’re curious about the different types of nanny roles available, live-in, live-out, from rota to VIP travel nannies, then keep an eye out for my next blog post where I’ll dive deeper into the world of professional nannying.
What Does a Governess Do?
While nannies focus more on care and routines, the role of a governess is centred around a child’s education and overall development. This is why governess work is such a natural fit for those of us with a teaching background.
Families usually hire governesses when they want more than just help with homework. They look for a tailored, high-quality learning experience. Some families need preparation for international school entry, others need you to ensure that their English is up to native level. In recent years, more families are looking for homeschooling support. Governesses and governors provide a more personalised approach to education that schools can’t always provide.
But being a governess isn’t only about academics. Yes, we plan lessons and support academic progress, but we also play a big part in a child’s emotional, social, and cultural growth. From encouraging confidence and independence to helping children navigate different cultures during travel, it’s a role that’s both structured and incredibly dynamic.
Key Responsibilities of a Governess
Key responsibilities often include:
- One-to-one academic teaching
- Homework support and progress monitoring
- Supporting entrance exam preparation
- Encouraging independent learning
- Teaching etiquette, manners, and social confidence
- Overseeing schedules and routines with a developmental focus
- Providing continuity of learning during travel or relocation
Working with High-Net-Worth Families as a Governess
Many private governesses work with high-net-worth (HNW) or ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families, often in multiple international locations. It’s a more formal role than that of a nanny, and usually includes a written contract, clearly defined responsibilities, and some incredible benefits—like luxury travel, private accommodation, and a competitive tax-free salary.
From my own experience, becoming a governess felt like reconnecting with everything I loved about teaching. Gone was the endless planning, politics and pressures of the classroom. I had the freedom to design personalised lessons. The opportunity to support children’s confidence and independence and truly focus on their individual learning needs. Create resources that actually worked for them, not just tick boxes and that made my teaching feel meaningful again.
Governess vs. Nanny: Side-by-Side Comparison
Now that we’ve explored each role on its own, let’s compare them directly. While both involve working closely with children, the day-to-day responsibilities, professional expectations and long-term career outlook can be quite different.
If you’re wondering which role might suit your background, lifestyle goals, or personality best, this side-by-side comparison should give you a clearer picture.
| Nanny or Manny | Governess or Governor | |
| Main Focus | Daily care, routines, and emotional wellbeing | Education, development, and academic support |
| Typical Background | Childcare qualifications and/or hands-on experience with young children | Qualified teacher or tutor with academic credentials |
| Responsibilities | Feeding, bathing, naps, play, school runs, light nursery duties | One-to-one teaching, homework help, manners, travel education, structure |
| Work Environment | Family homes (live-in or live-out), often UK-based or home country based, maybe weekend residences | Private households, often have several international residences, sometimes travelling with families |
| Working Hours | Varies—can include long or irregular shifts | More structured, usually full-time with agreed hours and holidays |
| Salary & Perks | Moderate salary, VIP Nanny (higher salary) sometimes includes accommodation | Higher salary, often includes accommodation, travel, bonuses & contracts |
| Travel | Depending on family needs, some travel frequently, others very little. | Some roles involve international travel or relocation |
| Formality | Typically informal, though professional standards apply | More formal and professional, often fully staffed households |
| Best Suited For | Those who love nurturing care and daily interaction with younger children (can also be older children) | Qualified teachers seeking to use their skills in a private, high-end setting |
Which Role Is the Right Fit for You?
The comparison shows clearly, that while both roles offer the chance to work closely with children, they suit very different personalities and professional goals. If you thrive on nurturing little ones, love creating a safe, caring environment, and enjoy being part of the rhythm of family life, then nannying might feel like the perfect fit.
Are you a qualified teacher who misses the magic of one-to-one teaching? Do you crave more structure and travel opportunities? Does the idea of working in a high-profile, professional setting appeal to you? If the answer is ‘yes’, then a governess or governor role might just be your next great adventure.
When I made the switch, it was the best of both worlds. I still got to teach and guide, but without the classroom burnout. The opportunities that followed were far beyond what I ever imagined possible back when I was in the staffroom.
Perks and Lifestyle Differences Between Nanny and Governess Roles
When it comes to lifestyle and perks, both nanny and governess roles can be incredibly rewarding, but in very different ways. As a nanny, you might enjoy a close-knit, family-style environment with flexible hours. You have the chance to build a strong emotional bond with the children you care for. Governess roles, on the other hand, often come with higher salaries and the opportunity to travel internationally. In many governess roles you live and work in luxury homes, yachts, or private villas. But no matter which path you choose, both careers require adaptability, professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping children learn and thrive in a one-to-one setting.
Ultimately, the right role for you depends on your skills, goals, and personality. If you’re a qualified teacher who loves structure, academic support, and the idea of working in a more formal, professional setting, a governess position could be your ideal next step. If you prefer nurturing care, flexibility, and hands-on support in the early years, a nanny role might be a better fit. Think about what lights you up. Do you love planning lessons and watching confidence grow? Or are you most fulfilled creating a calm, supportive home environment? Both roles are meaningful, and both can lead to exciting, long-term careers in the private childcare world.
Final Thoughts + Free Resource
Further reading:
If you’re a qualified teacher curious about life as a governess and want to explore whether it’s the right next step for you, be sure to check out my other blog posts:”
- What Is A Governess or Governor And Why Teachers Make The Best Ones
- 10 Transferable Skills That Make Teachers Ideal for Governess or Governor Roles
- Inside the World of Private Governess Luxury Travel
- Private Tutor vs. Governess: Which Role is Right for You?
And if reading this has sparked your curiosity about life as a governess, don’t miss my free Teacher to Governess Mini Guide — it’s packed with practical tips to help you take the first step with clarity and confidence.
