Au Pairing - Is it Worth it?

So, a friend of mine has approached me for advice -- she wants to be an au pair in Germany. Now, despite my overly crappy experience, I keep trying to remind myself that being an au pair can be a good thing. So I've armed myself with advice I thought I'd never need again, and have given her the lo-down. You know, at least 260€/month, one day per week off... things like that.

Even though I'd never wish my soul-crushing experience on my worst enemy, I'm excited for my friend. I remember the fluttering feeling I felt in my stomach as I boarded the plane from Canada to Germany. I remember standing in the airport, not having the faintest idea of what I was getting myself into. And despite all the crap I put up with, I remember meeting some very cool (and if not cool, at least interesting) people on those rare nights I was allowed to leave my prison and venture out into the city. I hope her experience is filled with more love and happiness each day than I experienced the entire time. And maybe she'll meet some cute German in the process...

The picture, incidentally, is from my time as an au pair. Taking long walks in the mornings with the baby in stroller was literally the only time I had to give myself a break and enjoy life in Germany..