After another week of disappointing interviews, Matthew moaned and sank into his spot on the couch. He flashed back to that school official muttering a profanity under her breath when he left; after another interview, he stared out at the highway, contemplating "slipping" into the oncoming traffic to sue for money. Liza called before he had the chance, and, getting into Lloyd, drove home.

'It's better than nothing,' he mused, opening his laptop. "It's...still in the childcare field," he told himself, a little less assured each time. Matthew would have done it on his bed in Toby's room, but his roommate was already asleep.

Three days of reading over what Liza had sent, coupled with his own research, had built up to this point. Learning average salaries and benefits, typical responsibilities and hours, and the differences between being a part-time and a full-time nanny floated through his head as he scoured ads online. He sighed, anxiety sitting in his stomach, knowing what to look for and where to read between the lines to detect a more-problematic "want" versus a genuine "need".

Family seeking Monday – Thursday, weekend availability for lively and energetic children, ages 4 and 4 months. Must possess excellent ability to multi-task and on-the-spot problem solving. Busy, working parents, so they are in your care from start of shift until you are relieved. Working car a must. Not responsible for gas compensation.
Hours needed: 7:30 AM until 6:15 PM at the earliest. 60$ a week, no benefits.

Matthew studied the ad, stomach twisting in disgust. He punched some figures into his calculator, letting out a horrified breath at the resulting number. "I...that's a dollar an hour," he whispered, mouth agape. How could people get away with doing this? Scanning through the details made him madder still – the location stated was two and a half hours away, in another state. What made it worse was the address: listed in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in that city. "I shouldn't. I'm better than this."

He applied for the job despite his personal protests. Popping a piece of nicotine gum and disgusted at himself, Matthew pressed SEND.

Easygoing, laid back, fun mom in need of a pleasant, outgoing babysitter, live-in or otherwise. Needed for the start of summer or sooner, to care for four children, aged between 3 and 13 years old, as well as running errands, cleaning, cooking, etc. When the school year starts, dropping them off at their respective schools/daycares and helping with homework.
Hours needed: M-F 7:30 AM until 6 PM. $140 a week, dental included.

"No description of the kids," he whispered, "...meaning they're either Satan's spawns or just plain boring. Why's there more description of the mom than the kids?" Matthew's eyes moved over the details again. "Four..." he said aloud, the anxious pit in his stomach growing. For starters, he didn't cook; he burned. "If the kids are on the older side, they might just be boring. But the pay's decent. And...dental, too." Like that was supposed to make the entire ad better. The address listed was within driving distance of his apartment, too. Matthew applied.

Corporate dad in desperate need of nanny for energetic children, aged 5 and 11. Looking for candidates with strong organizational skills, problem-solving, and a temperament that encourages the children's "creative" spirits through meaningful interactions. Managing daily routines, organizing special outings, and additional tasks as needed. Other expenses covered for the right candidate.
Hours needed: Varied, except Sundays, every other Saturday, and nights after 7:30 PM. Enquire for salary.

Matthew could read the desperation in the ad, which only compelled him to apply more. "Maybe I shouldn't," he whispered, just as he attached his resume. "What the hell is a 'creative' spirit?"

He moved back to the ad, eyeing the last line. Matthew had read far too many times that "Enquire for salary" was code for "I have a set price so let me lowball you, or convince me otherwise". "Additional expenses...?" he wondered, swallowing back the lump in his throat. "Hopefully, that means groceries." He applied, regardless. The desperation called to him, and he moved on.

Working parents in need of nanny for an energetic 6-year-old. Parents travel for work and desire someone to stay with the child for extended periods (1-week minimum to 2 months maximum). Three references are required. Required to live-in. Stipend for groceries and other necessities provided.
Hours needed: Depends on the parent's schedule. Enquire for details. $80 a week.

"Two months?" Matthew reread the ad, grinding his teeth. "Two months?" he repeated a little louder, only to bite the inside of his cheek and wait for someone to tell him to shut up. When the initial moment passed, Matthew returned to the ad, a fire raging in him. 'What kind of parent leaves their child alone for so long?' he thought, leaning back into the couch's cushions. 'What's the point of having a family if you just end up leaving them?' The question bubbled in his stomach and turned it in a way that made him queasy.

An email bearing his father's name booped into his inbox. He deleted it.

He applied without a second thought. "This could be good," he told himself, chewing his gum, yet the words themselves sounded less and less convincing the more he said them.