Quitting my job

[Anonymous]

I have been a nanny for about two years. I have worked with the same family for over a year. I'm graduating college in May 2015, and I just recently interviewed for a great position in my field. The company offered me the job right away, and I start full time as soon as I graduate. The best part was that they offered to bring me on part time for training starting in December so that I can dive right into the position full time upon graduation.

I am so excited about the opportunity, but I can't help but be extremely nervous about having to tell my current NF. My MB is so sweet, and she knows that being a nanny isn't my long term career goal. She also knows that I am graduating in May, and has often said things like, "We will miss you so much in May. I don't know what we'll do without you!" I always joked around that I probably wouldn't find a job in my field by then, but that I will miss them too. Now I'm looking at leaving after Thanksgiving, so it's quite a bit sooner than we were both expecting.

I want to give my NF as much time as possible to find my replacement, but I'm just not sure how to approach the subject of my leaving. I feel a bit better that I'm leaving for my actual career instead of just leaving for a different NF, but I still have never had to quit a job in the past as my last family let me go when they moved to the west coast.

What has been your experience with quitting your nanny position? Was the family mad? I can't see my MB letting me go earlier than my last available day or being mad, but a lot of people say that and end up really making their MBs mad. At the end of the day, I won't really need her as a reference since I'm not going to be working in the field anymore, but I would like to stay in contact and maybe even babysit for my charge for date nights or something because I do love him a lot!

[Anonymous]

Just tell her what you said here. You were offered a job starting after graduation, but they want to begin training you in December.

[Anonymous]

Just tell her what you said here. If your MB is truly as nice as you say she will be happy for you and supportive.
Tell her now so she can get someone hired before things get busy with the holidays.
Congrats on the job and good luck in your new career =)

[Anonymous]

Explain to her like you did it here, I am sure she will be understanding.

[Anonymous]

I left to move away and my NF was amazing, as were the 2 part time families I worked for. Let them know ASAP. They won't be mad.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. Sometimes I read horror stories here of people who thought there MBs were perfectly nice only to have her turn on them when they quit. At the end of the day, if she decides to be rude and fire me on the spot it won't be the end of the world (for me anyway). I will move on even if it will hurt me not to see my charge.

[Anonymous]

I was in the same predicament earlier this year. I am still in school but I was offered a position with a company that would afford me the opportunity to gain experience and exposure in my career field. I was with that family for 2 years. MB and DB both knew that I was in school and were very supportive. This position was out of no where and I had to start in a month. I was so nervous but I told them both. They were very understanding and happy for me. That was 5 months ago and I still babysit and keep in touch.

If they are really great people, they will be happy for you. I am so blessed with having them as former employers. MB was also pregnant and ended up having their daughter a few weeks early so she went straight into maternity leave. They have a new nanny. I know it sucks especially when the family is great but I had to go with the mindset that I was doing what was best for me. Yes they will miss me but they will move on. If they had an incredible job opportunity in another state, I'm sure they would take it. Many employers move. They do whats best for their family and you need to do whats best for you, regardless of who you upset. I've learned over the years that its best to put yourself first. Their family will still go on no matter who the nanny is.

[Anonymous]

I had wonderful nanny quit because she was moving 2hrs away. I was crushed, but certainly not mad! We go out and visit her and she sometimes comes and vists us and stays the night. No hard feelings, but of course I was sad, she was great!!!

[Anonymous]

I doubt they will be upset abput you leaving. They may express disappointment but that is normal.

[Anonymous]

MB here. I would be sad that you were leaving us early, and distressed/worried about finding someone as good to replace you, but I would completely understand.

If you talk with your employers now about planning to leave after Thanksgiving you are giving them very gracious notice and plenty of time to find your replacement.

Congratulations on your position!

I truly hope (and expect) that your MB will be happy for you and totally supportive.

[Anonymous]

Let me give you some very important advice her OP and please take it because it will make or break the situation at hand.

Timing is EVERYTHING here!!!

In other words, let her know ASAP. The sooner, the better. The longer you wait, the worse it will be.

Thanksgiving is next month so you need to tell her like tomorrow. I am sure considering the circumstances that are totally unexpected and out of your control, she will not have any issue with it. She may even be happy for you.

However, as each day passes, if you do not tell her, she may be less happy.

So let her know NOW and even offer to train the next nanny for her.

By the way, congrats on the new position and I wish you a huge amount of luck in all of your future endeavors.

It sounds like you have a bright future ahead of you OP!

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much everyone! I only work for my NF on Mondays and Wednesdays, so I'm planning to tell her on Monday. Hopefully all goes well.

[Anonymous]

Good luck! if you were my nanny I'd also want to know right now because then I have more time to find a replacement. If you happen to know anyone who could replace you, double-bonus!

[Anonymous]

OP, how'd it go?

[Anonymous]

There is absolutely no reason to feel bad. You are quitting your job as a nanny for a professional job that requires a college degree. It would be insane for the family to expect you to stay. Just give them as much notice as possible.