I feel really really bad :(

[Anonymous]

Over a month ago when I was job hunting I applied for several nanny positions and one job outside the nanny field. I have been trying for a while to move on from being nanny to another career. However, as many of you probably know, its hard to move into another line of work with only nannying on your resume. Well I started a new nanny position yesterday and today I get a call about the job I applied for a month ago. I had a phone interview with them that went very well and they scheduled me for a 4 hour working interview this Saturday.

I don't know what to do and feel horrible for considering leaving the family I just started with. I had no intention of applying for any other jobs while working for them, but this was from a month ago. The job is something I have always wanted to do and I can't imagine passing it up if I were to get it, but I like the family I just started with a lot and during the interview they said their last nanny quit over text the night before she was supposed to come in. I assured them that I have always given at least a months notice and would never do that. Now I of course wouldn't quit over text, but I don't even know if I could give them two weeks. Am I a horrible person for considering this other job? What should I say to the family if I get it and decide to take it? The interviewer said they would make their final decision in 2-3 weeks, so I would need to continue working for this family for probably at least another month.

[Anonymous]

Something tells me you're a troll.

[Anonymous]

What non nanny field would require a four hour working interview? Sorry if I'm being naive, I've just never heard of that before.

[Anonymous]

The job is in a veterinary clinic, I have never done a 4 hour interview before either. All I can think is that they were happy with my phone interview, cover letter, and references and are planning to give me the job if everything goes smoothly in the working interview. I have been a nanny for the past 10 years and I've always given good helpful advice here. I'm hoping for the same in return. No, I am not a troll.

[Anonymous]

First rule: look out for number 1! If job is offered and it is a good move for you, then you accept offer. People spend more on their animals than on their children.

Give the present TWO weeks notice and no more. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Sad, but I certainly see many parents treat their pets and children equally.

[Anonymous]

You should make it very clear to the vet clinic folks that your current situation will require a full two weeks between when they formally offer you the job and when you will be able to start. You need to give this family at least two weeks notice, and the vet clinic folks should understand and respect that; it seems pretty standard among those of us who are not accustomed to burning every bridge we've ever walked across.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should make it very clear to the vet clinic folks that your current situation will require a full two weeks between when they formally offer you the job and when you will be able to start. You need to give this family at least two weeks notice, and the vet clinic folks should understand and respect that; it seems pretty standard among those of us who are not accustomed to burning every bridge we've ever walked across.

I would not jeopardize the new job.
NFs have such a bad reputation for burning the nanny. So unfortunate, but there are a FEW good NFs out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should make it very clear to the vet clinic folks that your current situation will require a full two weeks between when they formally offer you the job and when you will be able to start. You need to give this family at least two weeks notice, and the vet clinic folks should understand and respect that; it seems pretty standard among those of us who are not accustomed to burning every bridge we've ever walked across.

I agree with this advice.

I'm an MB and if you came to me and told me everything you said above I would understand. I would, of course, be really distraught at losing you and having to start over, but I would understand.

Don't give notice until you're absolutely sure about the new gig, do make it clear to them that you have to give at least two weeks to your current employer (and tell them why - if they sat on your application for a month before acting they need to be prepared to have lost you or have to work with you. By the way, it might be a red flag that they waited so long - so don't put all your eggs into this basket necessarily.)

Put your own needs first, but act with as much consideration and professionalism as possible.

You're actually in a great spot - you have a good job now and an exciting prospect. That's all good for you. It just may take some finesse and care to manage it all well.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I think if you get the new job, just be honest with the NF - that you applied for that job before you had taken the job with them, and that you had no intention of leaving, but that this is your dream and you've been trying to get into this field for years. I think any reasonable person would appreciate your predicament, even if they didn't like being on the other end of it. I certainly would.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think if you get the new job, just be honest with the NF - that you applied for that job before you had taken the job with them, and that you had no intention of leaving, but that this is your dream and you've been trying to get into this field for years. I think any reasonable person would appreciate your predicament, even if they didn't like being on the other end of it. I certainly would.

This. Do not sacrifice your ability to get into your new career over guilt to your new employer. Be honest with your family and maybe help them find someone new, if only offering to talk with their candidates to explain why you only stayed a month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should make it very clear to the vet clinic folks that your current situation will require a full two weeks between when they formally offer you the job and when you will be able to start. You need to give this family at least two weeks notice, and the vet clinic folks should understand and respect that; it seems pretty standard among those of us who are not accustomed to burning every bridge we've ever walked across.

I agree with this advice.

I'm an MB and if you came to me and told me everything you said above I would understand. I would, of course, be really distraught at losing you and having to start over, but I would understand.

Don't give notice until you're absolutely sure about the new gig, do make it clear to them that you have to give at least two weeks to your current employer (and tell them why - if they sat on your application for a month before acting they need to be prepared to have lost you or have to work with you. By the way, it might be a red flag that they waited so long - so don't put all your eggs into this basket necessarily.)

Put your own needs first, but act with as much consideration and professionalism as possible.

You're actually in a great spot - you have a good job now and an exciting prospect. That's all good for you. It just may take some finesse and care to manage it all well.

Good luck!

OP here and thank you for your post. I really am hoping to give two weeks, I'm just terrified of losing this opportunity. I do enjoy working as a nanny, but I'm 26 and I would really like to move on to something else. I don't have the money right now to go back to school and it has been extremely hard to even get an interview for anything besides nannying.

[Anonymous]

Oh and the last few days have been wonderful in this new position which makes this even harder. The last family I worked for was absolutely horrible. The parents and child of this new job are like a breath of fresh air compared to the last.

[Anonymous]

Looks like you may have found a better job opportunity. Take it and do not feel guilty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should make it very clear to the vet clinic folks that your current situation will require a full two weeks between when they formally offer you the job and when you will be able to start. You need to give this family at least two weeks notice, and the vet clinic folks should understand and respect that; it seems pretty standard among those of us who are not accustomed to burning every bridge we've ever walked across.

I agree with this advice.

I'm an MB and if you came to me and told me everything you said above I would understand. I would, of course, be really distraught at losing you and having to start over, but I would understand.

Don't give notice until you're absolutely sure about the new gig, do make it clear to them that you have to give at least two weeks to your current employer (and tell them why - if they sat on your application for a month before acting they need to be prepared to have lost you or have to work with you. By the way, it might be a red flag that they waited so long - so don't put all your eggs into this basket necessarily.)

Put your own needs first, but act with as much consideration and professionalism as possible.

You're actually in a great spot - you have a good job now and an exciting prospect. That's all good for you. It just may take some finesse and care to manage it all well.

Good luck!

OP here and thank you for your post. I really am hoping to give two weeks, I'm just terrified of losing this opportunity. I do enjoy working as a nanny, but I'm 26 and I would really like to move on to something else. I don't have the money right now to go back to school and it has been extremely hard to even get an interview for anything besides nannying.

I agree with the PP. That said, do better than hope to give two weeks. Commit to giving two weeks. That is the professional way to leave a job and if you are honest with your new employer and they are honorable, they will understand that two weeks notice is standard.