How should I give notice?

[Anonymous]

7 months ago I started working part-time as a nanny for a lovely family. When I was hired, they knew I was in the process of applying for another part-time job, which is more related to my "career path" as a recent grad. I got that job too, and for the last 6 months have been balancing both part-time positions.

Last week I interviewed for a FT position with the "career" job, and just found out over the long weekend that I got it! I'm very excited to jump in and start really building my career. However, I now need to let the nanny family know, and I'm stressed out because I won't be able to give them as much notice as I was hoping to (2.5 weeks basically, although I can offer to continue coming 1 day/week for a few weeks after that as well). We book dates a month at a time and haven't booked for May yet, so I won't be cancelling any shifts that have already been booked thankfully.

I know they are out of town/contact until tonight, and I am not scheduled to be at their house until later this week. I'm thinking maybe I should ask if they are available for a phone call tonight so I can let them know now instead of waiting until I come in on Thursday. I recognize it's proper to give notice in person however, so I'm not sure what to do.

Basically, I feel guilty that I can't give them much notice, and like a jerk for bailing on their adorable children. However, I know my career comes first, and they also knew this would be happening eventually. What can I do to make this easier and less stressful for them, and how would you want to be informed based on the options I have presented? (Phone call tonight, or in person 3 days from now)

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Phone call tonight. Say that you would have preferred to do Thisbe in person, but you wanted to give them as much notice as possible. This sort of thing happens.

[Anonymous]

Be prepared to be let go immediately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be prepared to be let go immediately.

Well I am prepared obviously, I already have another full-time position lined up and ready to go. However, they're nice people and I know they won't begrudge me this exciting opportunity, so I think the risk is pretty slim. Thanks for your jaded advice, however

[Anonymous]

Congrats on the new job OP.

I'm an MB. What I would want in this situation is as much notice as possible - so a phone call tonight, followed by an email or note, would be fine. And I think you should say much of what you say in your post here because it's warm, thoughtful, and completely reasonable.

I've been through this (nanny leaving for a career track job in a different field) and while it stinks to lose a great nanny I completely understand that these things happen. The fact that you've been so upfront with them all along speaks really well of you. I hope they are equally gracious in return.

[Anonymous]

I'm also a lot more likely to be able to respond appropriately if I get the notice via text/email. I won't burst into tears (happened once -- in my defense, I was 4 weeks post-partum), or let my panic about finding someone new look like annoyance or anger.

[Anonymous]

Call them now - give them as much time as possible to find your replacement.

[Anonymous]

I gave my MB six months notice ,still she snap at me. Do all MB think they own their nannies ? Seriously I am done with being a nice nanny now.

[Anonymous]

I think a phone call tonight would be the best move.
Letting them know sooner rather than later definitely matters in this case.

I am sure they will understand to some degree however they may be left high + dry for a bit w/out any childcare.
Do you have a Nanny friend who you can offer them to use?