Helping nanny find a new job

[Anonymous]

We have a nanny who I think is truly wonderful. When we hired her, our kids were ages 6 and 3 and we knew from the start that this was a position that would last about 2 years, and then our youngest would start K and we would not need a FT nanny anymore.

So, we're now 6-7 months out from the end. We need to have a conversation about exactly when and how this will happen; and also, about whether we might keep her on for a few weeks after school starts, help her find a new position, etc, etc.

For those who have BTDT from either side--nanny or employer--I would really appreciate thoughts about how to do this right. I suspect she would have no trouble finding something new on her own (she is legal to work, bilingual, drives, CPR certified, and has about a decade of rock-solid experience and references) but I would want to make sure she has a good position lined up before she leaves.

Our nanny is one of the most pleasant and easygoing people I've ever worked with so my suspicion is that whatever we say she'll smile and go along with, whether it's exactly what she wants or not--so I also don't want her to feel like we're pushing her into a new job by, for example, "setting her up" with a friend or neighbor.

What is the best way to go about this?

[Anonymous]

You sound like a really considerate as well as compassionate employer OP! I wish everyone was as thoughtful like you are.

I would definitely speak to her about future plans. While she already knows the position is ending in 6mos. or so, it is always a good idea to touch base.

Let her know that you want to help her find another position and ask her if it would be okay with her if you did such and such to assist her with the process.

Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Let her know that you are willing to field reference calls, and provide a good reference letter. Other than that, you don't need to do anything, and she might not want her to do anything.

I would definitely have the discussion soon about when to transition, and make sure that she knows you are willing to employ her until the school year starts, with a few weeks more or less, depending on when her new family needs her to start. You may need to find a substitute for 1-2 weeks, but maybe not.

[Anonymous]

I'm struggling with this too. I would keep our amazing nanny forever if we could afford it, but sadly, I think I need to let her go in the next few months. It is heartbreaking for me, and I am really having a tough time with it. I know I need to talk with her soon.

[Anonymous]

I'm a nanny and would want to know whether you're planning to keep me through the summer or put the kids in day camps during the summer as it would affect my job search. I would do my very best to find a job that coordinated perfectly with your end date, but would need you to know that will be really hard and you might need to be flexible within a week or two of your anticipated end time.

[Anonymous]

I'd like to talk to your nanny, I am interested. Our previous nanny was kind of a pain as she didn't take criticism very well. She didn't seem to understand the "I pay your salary, you work for me" relationship. Your nanny sounds wonderful. If you want to leave some kind of contact information I will get in touch.

[Anonymous]

Are you in Arlington by chance? We'll be looking for someone to start right around back to school (assuming all goes well with the last months of pregnancy) and would love nanny recommendations!

[Anonymous]

in terms of helping her find a new position... I'd talk to her. I have found my former nanny is wonderful, but she is NOT computer literate. IN the old days former employwers would post ads in the paper and give her contact information. Now.. i find i am having to help her in finding a new position - she doesn't have a home computer, just her phone. The way nanny searches go now, she is pretty dependent on her forming employers helping her out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:in terms of helping her find a new position... I'd talk to her. I have found my former nanny is wonderful, but she is NOT computer literate. IN the old days former employwers would post ads in the paper and give her contact information. Now.. i find i am having to help her in finding a new position - she doesn't have a home computer, just her phone. The way nanny searches go now, she is pretty dependent on her forming employers helping her out.

Wow, that's not your job! If she needs to learn to use a computer, there are tons of free classes, and there's free access at libraries. I've been there (no computer at home, limited understanding of how to use it to promote myself), but there's no way that I would want my employer doing my advertising for me.