I am on the same boat.

I told my nanny family I was looking for work before I started searching and they were sad but understanding. When I got a job and a start date I let them know and I will stay with them all the way up until the Friday before the new job starts.

If you respect the family you are working for you will give them as much notice as possible. This isn't like quitting from McDonalds. But if you dislike the family and want to hurt them then give them the bare minimum notice possible.

MB here. give notice so they can find someone new...finding a good nanny is like striking oil. i think they'll respect your honesty. if not, and they start treating you poorly, then it's a good thing you're leaving.

Two weeks is not sufficient notice in the nanny field. No one can find a good replacement in that time.

If you've had a good experience with this family, tell them your plans now. I think nannies overestimate the risk of being let go prematurely in this situation. When nannies look out for the interests of their charges employers tend to look out for the nanny. When nannies expect to be taken advantage of, they act in a way that invites the same treatment in return.

Anonymous wrote:MB here. I'd give the same advice to anyone, regardless of position. Find your next job and THEN give notice. If you can plan to give 3 or 4 weeks that will go a long way to easing the blow to the family, but I would not tell them before you've even had interviews, let alone offers.

Thanks, that's what I'll do. It's hard because I work 5 days a week 8-6 basically and the family I'm with has been my longest work experience since moving to this state but I think potential employers will understand my situation in needing to wait to give their contact info out. Hopefully.

MB here. I'd give the same advice to anyone, regardless of position. Find your next job and THEN give notice. If you can plan to give 3 or 4 weeks that will go a long way to easing the blow to the family, but I would not tell them before you've even had interviews, let alone offers.

Anonymous wrote:I would let them now. They will have to find a new nanny. Have empathy.

Bull! Two weeks is than enough empathy. This is all you owe them. Chances are they will let you go the minute you tell them you are looking.

MB here: Go behind their backs and interview, then give them your 2-4 weeks notice.