As the job market for part-time employment tightens, Indian students in the United States are increasingly opting for babysitting as a practical way to earn money. The emerging trend is especially evident among students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, who find babysitting a safer but also more profitable option compared to other job opportunities.
How Are Financial Struggles Driving International Students to Babysitting?
The financial struggles faced by international students in the US are considerable. With the high living costs and tuition fees, many students depend on part-time jobs to manage their expenses. However, the scarcity of part-time work opportunities has exacerbated their financial challenges. On average, a student spends about $300 per month on rent alone, not to mention other essential expenses like food, transportation, and educational materials.
The situation has driven many students to seek alternative ways to earn money, and babysitting has emerged as a popular choice. The pay for babysitting ranges from $10 to $18 per hour. The pay depends on the location and the demand for such services. The pay rate is considered reasonable and provides a steady income to help students manage their financial expenses.
What Are the Benefits of Babysitting for Indian Students in the US?
For many Indian students, babysitting within the Indian community offers a safer work environment compared to other part-time jobs. The other part-time jobs include working in restaurants or retail stores etc. A student from Hyderabad, currently studying in Ohio, shared that she babysits a six-year-old boy for about eight hours a day earns $13 an hour, and receives a meal. Similarly, another student in Connecticut mentioned that her employer covers her accommodation and food while she earns $10 an hour.
Babysitting also offers additional benefits, such as flexible working hours and the opportunity to work near to where the students live or study. These factors make it an attractive option for many who are balancing their studies and financial responsibilities.
How Are Indian Students in the US Finding Babysitting Jobs?
The trend of Indian students engaging in babysitting is most prominent in states with large Indian populations. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, there are about 39,000 Indian students in Texas, 20,000 in Illinois, 13,500 in Ohio, and 7,000 in Connecticut. Notably, about 50% of these students hail from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In states like California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois, the pay for babysitting tends to be lower due to higher supply than demand.
The babysitting jobs are often found within the Indian community, where families tend to hire students from their cultural backgrounds. The preference not only provide a sense of familiarity and trust but also ensures that the students are working in a safe and supportive environment.
Why Are More Indian Students in the US Turning to Babysitting?
The increasing number of Indian students in the US engaging in babysitting underscores the financial challenges they face and the efforts they make to manage their expenses. While babysitting offers a safer work environment and some additional benefits, it also highlights the need for better support systems and job opportunities for international students.
The trend also reflects the resilience and adaptability of these students as they navigate the complexities of foreign countries. Institutions and communities must recognize these challenges and provide the necessary support to help these students thrive both academically and financially.
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Mallika Sadhu is a journalist committed to revealing the raw, unfiltered truth. Mallika's work is grounded in a dedication to transparency and integrity, aiming to present clear and impactful stories that matter. Through comprehensive reporting and honest storytelling, she strives to contribute to provide narratives that genuinely inform and engage. When not dwelling in the world of journalism, she is immersed in the colors of her canvas and pages of her journal.
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