Being let go

[Anonymous]

My MB and DB sat me down after work today and let me know that my MB would be quitting her job to stay home with their child full time. They said it was absolutely nothing that I'd done and that I've provided their child with excellent care, he loves me, and has flourished in the time I've been with them. She just feels like she's missing too much of his life, which is completely understandable, and when they hired me last summer she had no idea she'd ever want to quit her job.

I'm obviously bummed, it sucks to lose your job, but my tentative end date is mid June, so hopefully I can find something before then. My question is, what kind of discussion should I have (if any) regarding severance pay, paying out vacation time, etc.? I've never, ever been let go from a job before, so this is all new territory to me.

[Anonymous]

Sorry OP. It sounds like they're being decent though, which is nice.

Since they're giving you 6 weeks notice (which is great, and very thoughtful) I don't think you should expect severance.

What you can/should negotiate is:
- ability to use vacation time if you need/want to during the remainder of your employment
- ability to have time off if needed for interviews
- willingness to give you a great reference - both written, and hopefully by phone as well

If you're lucky enough to find something great quickly, they may find themselves losing you sooner than they expect or want to - so you could discuss that scenario with them. (Not that you owe them anything necessarily, but maybe they would offer an incentive if you committed to staying through the middle of June, even if you lined up something else.)

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Severance is not owed. Ask them to pay out any vacation time you've accrued as of your end date. Ask them to write you a reference letter, and offer to draft it yourself to help them get started if they'd like.

[Anonymous]

Sucks for you, but good that child will get his mommy. Get a reference letter asap.

[Anonymous]

Unless you have a contract that states that you get severance in all cases that you are let go other than cause, sorry, no, no severance. For the vacation time, you have two options. You can ask if they will let you take vacation days as needed to do interviews or you can ask if they will pay for the vacation time as severance if you stay through the end date. Either way, been there, I was just offered a job today after three positions in a row terminating prematurely.

[Anonymous]

If it has been discussed before and/or is written in your contract, I would just bring along a copy of it + tell your bosses you have a few questions concerning severance pay as well as vacation pay.

It is always awkward on BOTH sides to discuss money, but if your contract states that you are entitled to it then you would be foolish not to at least inquire about it.

Also, ask them if they can write you a glowing letter of recommendation for future potential employers as well as maybe spread the word around their parenting network that you are actively looking for a new family to work for.

I am so sorry this happened to you OP, however you have six weeks to find a new job and w/due diligence and a positive attitude, I am confident you can get a positive outcome!!~

Lots and lots of luck in your future endeavors.

[Anonymous]

I'd also ask if they have any recommendations for other families who might be in need of a nanny and/or if they would consider writing a recommendation for you to a local listserv. I belong to a neighborhood listserv where people are constantly writing to talk about how great their nanny is and that they had to let her go (because the kids are going to school FT or something) and they recommend her highly. I'm sure families jump on this opportunity quickly when they are looking for a nanny.