Losing my job - Fishy, mixed signals?

[Anonymous]

I've been with my current family for 3 months. Everything has been going great ( so I thought). I had to take off last Friday for a severe sinus infection. Both MB and DB said they understand and not to worry. Yesterday MB gave me her laptop to use for my paper (print it out). In the midst of it, I found a document that says " Nanny search" which was made late Monday evening. It was password protected so I couldn't see the contents. I took that as they were looking to replace me. Yesterday and today, MB has been fine and even referenced and talked about future play-dates I can take their daughter to.

I wont come right out and ask, but I am very confused. Why are they searching for a nanny but then starts talking about future care regarding me? I am very concerned and want to start searching ASAP but don't want to jump the gun. I feel very strange knowing they might be replacing me. I was late one time but that was it. Never had an issues ( none that they spoke upon). They aren't the quite type either.

I would love responses from parents, first and foremost. Does it sound like they are looking and how do I proceed?

[Anonymous]

So you've been working for three months and have already taken a sick day, been late one day, and borrowed your boss's printer? Not very professional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So you've been working for three months and have already taken a sick day, been late one day, and borrowed your boss's printer? Not very professional.

I took a sick day because they wanted me to. I had no choice because it was highly contagious. Yes, I was 5 minutes late one time and I never asked to use their printer. They suggested a few times before I did just once.

[Anonymous]

Get your ducks in a row. Save some money, polish your resume, update your profiles, etc. and maybe even send out some applications. Then when you're ready, ask them for a feedback meeting.

[Anonymous]

Sinus infections aren't contagious nanny here and i have gone to work with one and parents are doctors. I might start searching seeing what other jobs are out there but talk to mb before accepting a new job.

[Anonymous]

MB here. I would suggest you just ask to have a conversation with the parents now that you've been on the job for a few months. "I'm really enjoying working for you all and would like to make sure you're comfortable with how I'm doing so far."

Then see what they say and pay careful attention to tone, attitude, etc...

I will say that I have draft ads, contracts, interview questions, etc... that I used for our nanny search that I keep in a file. I've accessed that file several times since hiring our nanny - to update things I'd do differently if I have to replace her, to update her contract when we've given raises or increased benefits (she's in her third year with us), and also to share sample language with friends who are starting a search.

Just having been in the file doesn't mean they're starting a search (though I certainly understand why it would be alarming).

[Anonymous]

Maybe they were looking into back up care.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the the advice and answers. I'm still very unsure but I was asked to sit next Saturday for their anniversary ( in 1.5 weeks). Wouldn't that be a sign they aren't letting me go? I couldn't see them asking if I'm available if they are looking to replace me correct?

[Anonymous]

There's no way to know what they're planning without asking, but if they are talking about future play dates my guess is they are not upset or at worst are seeing if you improve. Agree with pp they might have just been looking at back up care. I would just be on my best behavior since you have been late and missed a day right off the bat.

[Anonymous]

I'd be nervous too. Casually ask them if they are happy with how things are going, and to please tell you if there is anything you could do differently.

[Anonymous]

I would like to note my being late was about 2 months ago. Due to a severe storm that tool me 3 hours to get to work. They understood because it took them very long as well. I always go above and beyond my expected duties and with care for their daughter. Besides great care, I keep detailed logs, forward them all photos, do light housekeeping while baby naps ( not in contract) and pick up anything they need while out at the store. I'm always in a great mood and their daughter loves me. They always been super appreciative and they make comments how wonderful I am with the baby and what my secret is to her being in such a great mood when then arrive home. I worked while I was sick for 2 days ( I notified them and they said come in ) but took a sick day last week because I was very ill. I have a sinus infection with strep and they didn't want her getting it. They assured me it was ok.

I make notice to come early ( usually 5-10 always) and immediately start preparing for the day. I ask for advice on specific issues and try to make sure they are happy. I've also stayed late with little to no notice on 3 occasions, and did additional babysitting 4 times, working 15 hour days those times.

I'm trying to think back but I honestly can't think of anything I've done wrong. They have never brought up any issues or reservations. I'm stunned and absolutely love working with them. I've never been let go in my 8 years of being a nanny. I'm just very worried but don't want to act too fast if letting me go isn't the case.

[Anonymous]

OP, it sounds like you haven't done anything wrong at all from your description. I agree with the PP that there could be a perfectly legitimate reason. I actually update my searching documents and interview questions and contract throughout my time with a nanny just to capture any lessons learned - perhaps she realized she would have done something differently related to sick time and created a folder so that she could start capturing those changes for next time.

If it would make you feel better, perhaps ask for a three-month performance review just to check in and see if there's anything you could be doing better? That could be a good opening to let them know how invested you are in doing a good job.

[Anonymous]

Op here- I'd also like to note that it wasn't updated, but created 2 evenings ago. That is what worries me because it was just created.

[Anonymous]

Ah, I see. Well, OP, I think you're just going to have to ask for a review. I wouldn't mention the folder, just simply that you like to make sure you're hitting all their needs, and would they have time for a performance review.

[Anonymous]

I think don't think you need to be worried although I understand why you would be. That creation date could mean anything. They could have simply made a copy of the file two days ago. The new copy would have a new creation date. They could have just recently compiled all the information that they gathered in their original nanny search into a file just for future reference.