How to politely quit a new job

[Anonymous]

Started a new position 2 weeks ago and it’s just not for me. I actively searching for a new job and will give 2 weeks notice when I find something else. Why do I tell the parents I am quitting?

My real reasons:

House is dirty and messy - cleaning is not part of my job so just have to live with it. Also things are run down and broken.
The two older middle school kids don’t seem to want anything to do with me. The first grader is a sweetheart though.
The dad works from home so I feel like I’m being watched though he doesn’t bother me.
I am there basically 2 hours too early each day at with nothing to do. I am feeling bored and useless. They want me early to do laundry and grocery shopping which isn’t much and doesn’t take long. And to wait for middle schoolers bus. Like today I saw for 2 hours and did nothing until the 1st graders bus came.

In my last job I was a nanny plus family assistant so was always super busy and running around doing things. I would like to do something like that again, it makes the day go so much faster and I feel like I am getting things done.

So what would you tell the family in this situation? Honesty or a white lie?

[Anonymous]

Mother had an accident and you need to go help her. No notice needed for those pigpen parents. They don't care about you. No need to be concerned about them.

[Anonymous]

Lie. Leave as soon as possible. You will never use them as a reference and don’t want too big a hole in your resume. Find another job NOW.

[Anonymous]

People with dirty houses have no business hiring a nanny. They need to first either clean-up, or hire a housekeeper.

[Anonymous]

Just say that you are moving to another city, state, etc.

And pray that you do not run into them at Target!

[Anonymous]

Do not lie. When you find a new job, give notice. Just like you said. You wanted to be polite about it, so say it's not a good match. The most important thing is to honor your contract. They have jobs to maintain too, and it's havoc to replace a nanny who leaves without notice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not lie. When you find a new job, give notice. Just like you said. You wanted to be polite about it, so say it's not a good match. The most important thing is to honor your contract. They have jobs to maintain too, and it's havoc to replace a nanny who leaves without notice.

Do you find a pigpen at your workplace every morning?

[Anonymous]

Tell the truth. Maybe they need to know why they can't keep a nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell the truth. Maybe they need to know why they can't keep a nanny.

They don't care. Believe me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Tell the truth. Maybe they need to know why they can't keep a nanny.

They don't care. Believe me.

Tell the truth anyway. Filthy people should be reminded of their filth.

[Anonymous]

There really isn’t a need to lie. Once you find your new position, just let the family know it isn’t a good match. If they ask why, you can choose to (but don’t have to) explain you are used to be a family assistant with tasks that involved running errands and not cleaning the house.

[Anonymous]

MB here.

Just say that this wasn't a good fit and you wish them all the best. If they press for more you can say that you realize you actually want a job with significantly more engagement with the kids.

Nothing comes from telling them you couldn't stand the state of their home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MB here.

Just say that this wasn't a good fit and you wish them all the best. If they press for more you can say that you realize you actually want a job with significantly more engagement with the kids.

Nothing comes from telling them you couldn't stand the state of their home.

+100

[Anonymous]

OP here.
Thanks for everyone’s advice and I’m sorry for not replying sooner.
I’m not going to lie or quit right away. I need to keep this job until I find another which may take a while as all the jobs fill up when the new school year starts. I have a couple of interviews so fingers crossed. I just need to get out of here. I will have to give 2 weeks notice per our contract so that will suck.
Chances are I may get a job in the same small town where they live so I may run into the kids or parents. So I need to be mostly honest with them or a white lie that doesn’t hurt anyone or can get me in trouble.
I think I will have to be mostly honest and say I am bored and need a job with more responsibilities and quality time to spend with the kids.
Is it wrong to give 2 weeks notice in an email? I will want to tell them as soon as I accept an offer so the 2 weeks can start immediately. Also I never see the mom and she’s the one who hired me and negotiated the contract with me.
Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

It makes me angry when parents don't make time to talk with the nanny, especially when it's the mother who's too busy to discuss her own children. Call me a traditionalist.