Loose wording in notice requirment

[Anonymous]

I am starting a new job soon. We are in the process of going over the work agreement. I have worked with two other families, both required four weeks notice from either party and included a severance if I was let go without notice. I suggested the same to my soon to be employer. However, they rejected the idea. Instead the agreement says best efforts will be used to give advance notice of any intention to terminate the arrangement.

I am not sure whether I agree with their approach. On the one hand, it is equally liberating for me because I could easily back out if I were unhappy. But I can't imagine myself doing that. Even when I am roaring to leave a job I always feel like the kids deserve a respectful transition. Also, it is a lot harder to find a new job without a reference then to find a new nanny, I might need a severance payment to hold me over while I look for work. I am worried that the burden of not having a clear notice requirement will be heavier on me then on them.

Any insights on whether I should ask for a notice requirement with more clarity?

[Anonymous]

This agreement is not binding in any legal sense so if you start making waves now and being a thorn in their side they will either back out of the whole process of hiring you or they will go forward with a few assure-aggressive attitude of "she has such a hard on for the agreement we better make sure she follows it word for word."

[Anonymous]

OP will be sorry if she accepts this job. Trust me.

[Anonymous]

For some people this is an issue and for others...Not so much.

For you it seems like you had this agreement before with your other families and it worked well so I can see why you would ask for it with your new family.

However, if they are not willing to do four weeks, would three be a good compromise?

If you both cannot agree to the terms in the nanny agreement, then perhaps that is a clear sign you are not a good match for each other.

However, good luck to you anyway. Let us know how it goes.

[Anonymous]

I would not take this job.

[Anonymous]

Never saw severance, due to firing or lay off situations, included in a nanny contract.

Employers always have the right to fire with no notice, they may stipulate for health, safety or other serious reasons.

For you quitting or them winding down the job, four weeks is normal notice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This agreement is not binding in any legal sense so if you start making waves now and being a thorn in their side they will either back out of the whole process of hiring you or they will go forward with a few assure-aggressive attitude of "she has such a hard on for the agreement we better make sure she follows it word for word."

True, these are all non binding and act more to explain scope and clarity of the job

[Anonymous]

OP, are they experienced employers or fort time parents?

If they are experienced I would not negotiate this point further -- it's up to you to decide if it is acceptable. If they are first time, I'd try one more time, basically saying that in your experience leaving things ambiguous is not helping. 4 weeks notice you requested is too much. 3 is also on high end. 2 weeks notice on either side with no cause and ability for them to fire nanny for cause with no warning is standard.

When I hired my first nanny and with pretty good contract I had a few things lose (eg nanny and family will do their best to coordinate vacation schedule). Not anymore -- I spell out everything, had confusion/uncomfortable situations before. Too bad that I don't think my nanny really read the contract...