The disconnect between notice periods and hiring lead time

[Anonymous]

I have a question for MBs and DBs. I'm beginning a new job search, as my current charges are aging out of nanny care. This issue has always confounded me, and I'd like to know the reasoning behind it, or if it is something you all just do not consider. I find that most prospective employers will write a lengthy notice period (30 days-6 weeks) into the contract, while at the same time, so many prospective employers only give 2-3 weeks lead time before hiring (which after all is said and done with interviews, negotiations, and trial days leaves her with no notice to give at all), and then act put out when I say that I need to be able to give 30 days notice. Why is this? Why do you understand the need for proper notice on one end of the process and not the other? Isn't is a good sign when a prospective nanny really wants to honor her contract and not overly inconvenience her previous employer? Why would you want someone who thinks nothing of dropping a family with little thought?

[Anonymous]

I think you are in a somewhat unusual, and enviable, position of searching for a job while still employed. The vast majority of applicants we've dealt with are either unemployed or much closer to bring unemployed. We found almost the opposite, in fact, that applicants wanted to start working sooner than was necessary for us.

We also only write in a two week notice period into a contract (for both parties)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you are in a somewhat unusual, and enviable, position of searching for a job while still employed. The vast majority of applicants we've dealt with are either unemployed or much closer to bring unemployed. We found almost the opposite, in fact, that applicants wanted to start working sooner than was necessary for us.

We also only write in a two week notice period into a contract (for both parties)

Yeah I know that I'm in a pretty good position right now. It's just a bit grating to have to turn down an otherwise great position because the parents need someone to start in a week. I just wish people would give more time for this process, which shouldn't be rushed.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you nanny.

I don't know other types of jobs where the employers actually require a month's advance notice when an employee needs to give notice.

Two weeks notice should be enough.

Thirty day's advanced notice seems very extreme and very beneficial to the parents more so than the nanny leaving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with you nanny.

I don't know other types of jobs where the employers actually require a month's advance notice when an employee needs to give notice.

Two weeks notice should be enough.

Thirty day's advanced notice seems very extreme and very beneficial to the parents more so than the nanny leaving.

You're absolutely right. I'm not sure parents realize what a challenge giving that much notice can be. It almost forces you to give notice before fully securing a position, which we all know is risky and unwise.

[Anonymous]

While it's nice to be able to give 30 days notice, the family should be able to piece together a one to two week stop gap coverage to fill the void while they look for their longer term new hire. They have to have back ups on call anyway for if you fall sick or take vacation.

I recently had to figure something new out with just a couple days notice and was able to find a sitter between jobs who's doing a good job with the kids - it's fine for now, but I'd want some one with a bit more initiative for the longer term. But for a few weeks? It's good enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While it's nice to be able to give 30 days notice, the family should be able to piece together a one to two week stop gap coverage to fill the void while they look for their longer term new hire. They have to have back ups on call anyway for if you fall sick or take vacation.

I recently had to figure something new out with just a couple days notice and was able to find a sitter between jobs who's doing a good job with the kids - it's fine for now, but I'd want some one with a bit more initiative for the longer term. But for a few weeks? It's good enough.

Even if this is true, wouldn't you look poorly upon a nanny that left with less notice than was stated in your contract? I don't want to ruin a reference. I've been with these families for 4 years.

[Anonymous]

I agree OP it's frustrating.

I was in your boat.

If you know your end date or even approximate bend date look for jobs that don't start until then.

If your thinking your charges won't need you after this school year look for a position that starts June/ July.

Get hired and give notice in May/ June.


I've learned the hard way and no longer agree to notice beyond 2 weeks as part of a contract.

[Anonymous]

There is no law on how much notice because you are an at-will employee. They can fire you as you walk out the door at end of day and you can quit as you walk out the door.

[Anonymous]

That is true. But in best case scenario it is common courtesy to give at least 2 weeks notice.
You don't want to burn bridges especially as a nanny where one less than positive reference can ruin you.