When to give notice for a nanny job
How to quit as a nanny - the right way
Is it time to leave your nanny job?
There are many reasons why you may be ready to leave your nanny job. Perhaps you are moving out of town. Perhaps you are about to start grad school and will no longer be available M-F, 8-6. Or maybe you’ve found a dream job, and it is time to move on.
Whatever the reason, delivering the news that you are going to quit is never easy, and there are several reasons to want to get it right:
To give the family time find your replacement
To let the kids have time to digest the news and have a positive separation
So the family wants to provide a positive reference for you
So you don’t run the risk of being let go early
In this post, we will go through things to consider when giving notice at your job to make it a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved.
Pick the right time to give notice to your family
Leaving any job needs to be handled professionally, and a nanny job is no different. Take the process seriously. Compared to an office job, you will also need to be extra mindful of when and where you give notice, as it can be hard to casually drop this information at hand-off when the kids are hungry for dinner or eager for their parents’ attention.
Ask the parents to set aside some time to talk or maybe even schedule a call after bedtime, if that is more convenient. Making sure there is time, space, and peace for the conversation will make it smoother and less stressful for both you and the parents.
Is 2 weeks notice enough when quitting a nanny job?
Two weeks is a generally accepted amount of notice for many jobs, but as in so many other ways, the nanny working relationship is unique. This is a professional but also personal relationship with emotional relationships and kiddos who don’t think of time the same way we adults do. Therefore this part of the process requires more tact.
The ground rule is: the more notice you can give, the better.
If you know you got accepted to grad school in April and will start September 1, it may be best for you to tell the family as soon as you have your practical arrangements in order and it’s a sure thing. Or you can give them a heads up even when you start applying for grad school that this is part of your long-term plans.
It’s the equivalent of the parents knowing they will no longer need a full-time nanny once the last kid starts school in the fall; would you want them to tell you as soon as they’ve secured an after-school spot or the week before school starts?
Different guidelines for different nanny positions
Naturally, there is some nuance here, and you’ll know best what type of position you are in and the expectations of your commitment. For instance:
An occasional babysitting gig may not require any notice at all, and it’s perfectly fine to say “Hey, starting next month I will have another full time job, so I will only be available on weekends from then on”.
For a part-time gig with expected ongoing commitment, a month may be enough notice, because the family is aware that your weekly 4-hour income from them will always mean you are looking for something more substantial or expect a change in your lifestyle moving forward.
If you were hired for a full-time, long-term nanny position where the family expressed a hope that you would be a part of their children’s life from the crib to middle school, you will probably be expected to give substantial notice (and will probably want to do so yourself).
When there isn’t time to give notice
Sometimes unexpected events occur. Perhaps you got a dream role in a show you auditioned for or have been called home to care for an ailing relative. Life happens.
If this is the case and you are unable to give as much notice as you would like, communication is key. Let the family know as soon as you can. Be very clear on what has happened, that you are aware it is short notice, and that you will do whatever you can to make it a smooth transition.
This way, you are fulfilling your obligation to the best of your ability and honoring the special relationship you have with the family in a way that still hopefully ensures you have a positive reference from your time with them.
Looking for more guidance on your nanny career?
Navigating a nanny career can be tricky - you’re often on your own and the rules and customs can look different in different regions. By working with an established agency like ours, you have someone in your corner who can advocate for you and help you find positions that truly match your skillset and career goals.
Are you a dedicated, experienced, and engaging nanny or babysitter? We want to meet you!
Click below to apply today and see how Smart Sitting can help you on the way to your dream job. (And for more inside tips and tricks from the industry, sign up for our newsletter!)