In Mokokchung, a quiet revolution is underway within the childcare industry as Odikumla Longkumer and Imtirenla defy convention to pursue financial independence through babysitting.
With the global market for babysitting services soaring to unprecedented heights, driven by the increasing prevalence of dual-income households, urbanization, and the decline of extended family support, the global babysitting services market is projected to reach USD 37.5 billion by 2030, according to Polaris Market Research.
Longkumer seized an opportunity to address a pressing need in her community while striving for financial independence. Leveraging social media platforms like Facebook, she advertised her babysitting service in February 2024. “I didn’t know if it would succeed, but I took the chance and received overwhelming support,” recalls Longkumer in a conversation with Mokokchung Times.
The response was remarkable, she said, with inquiries flooding in from Mokokchung, Kohima, and Dimapur. Longkumer’s babysitting service, however, was aimed only at working parents in Ungma village and Mokokchung town. “This shows that Nagaland really needs babysitting services,” observed Longkumer.
Personal journeys and community impact
Inspired by Longkumer, Imtirenla, 30, joined the journey, launching her own babysitting venture in Mokokchung village and Mokokchung town. “I was initially hesitant, but Odikum’s guidance and support gave me the confidence to pursue this path,” Imtirenla shares. “The demand for my service extends beyond Mokokchung; I receive inquiries from Kohima and Dimapur as well,” she adds, although she said it was not in her plans to go beyond Mokokchung town.
For Longkumer, the significance of babysitting extends beyond mere childcare—it represents a dual benefit for both parents and aspiring youths.
“Babysitting is beneficial in two ways. First, it helps the parents to work while allowing the youths to earn,” she emphasizes, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between childcare provision and economic empowerment.
Longkumer’s journey into entrepreneurship was spurred by personal circumstances. Returning home from pursuing her Master of Divinity (M.Div) in Siliguri due to personal reasons, she found herself unable to depend solely on her mother for financial support. Despite facing challenges in securing part-time employment due to her impending return to studies, Longkumer discovered her passion for childcare.
“Being the eldest child in the family, from a young age, I loved children and loved taking care of them,” said Longkumer, recalling how this love for the children was further honed through years of caring for her mentors’ children. “I needed pocket money at the same time I needed some savings for my further studies, so I decided to go ahead with publishing my advertisement” she said.
Empowering youth and looking ahead
Today, Longkumer is confident that with dedication and a genuine love for children, one can turn babysitting into a sustainable livelihood.
“It is challenging at times because we get physically exhausted and therefore, we may get bored. But because I had my own aims and objectives, I was determined to go ahead. That is when I learnt patience and consistency are key requirements for this job. First, patience is necessary because we have to deal with parents as well as the children. Only with consistency will we be able to keep up with the job regularly,” she said.
Initially charging Rs 300 for 6 hours of babysitting, Longkumer recently adjusted her rates to Rs 400 to cover travel expenses. “I would encourage youths to be a channel for this. It’s not just about earning money; it’s about gaining independence and valuable life skills,” she said, adding that she’ll be stopping her service by June as she has to pursue her M.Div in Servanthood Bible College, Dimapur.
Imtirenla, inspired by Longkumer’s initiative, also ventured into babysitting after overcoming her initial hesitations. “With dwindling government job opportunities, I realized that no job is too small if it provides financial stability,” Imtirenla shared. Grateful for Longkumer’s support and guidance, she is determined to continue her journey as a babysitter despite any challenges that may arise including people ‘laughing at her’.
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