How to Give Notice to Your Nanny Boss
Dear MB,
I love working for your family. I am so upset, but I must tell you that I am giving my notice. I am struggling with my health and feel that this job does not help it. It’s just too tiring to care for two kids. I need to make a change and take care of myself. I am so sorry to do this. I will stay as long as you need me to, and I will help you find your next nanny. I love your family like my own and I am so heartbroken.
Love, Nanny
Dear MB,
When I accepted your position, I agreed to making $16 per hour. At the time I did not know that this is not reflective of the going rate and that I am supposed to have taxes taken out of my pay. Now I know better, I must do better for me and my career. I love your children but can no longer work for you given what I now know. My last day will be Friday. I deeply care for everyone and am sincerely sorry.
Nanny
Near MB,
I need to tell you that I got offered a better job and had to take it. I am starting tomorrow. I love the girls but must do what is best for me.
Nanny
Dear MB,
Please accept this letter as resignation due to you not paying me on time and me not being able to pay my bills. Our relationship is forever broken and cannot be repaired.
Nanny
Dear MB,
Please accept this letter as notification of my resignation effective on March 1. Thank you for the opportunity to work for your family.
Nanny
Leaving a nanny family comes with a host of emotions, regardless of the reasons for leaving or how long you’ve been employed by the family. Given the intimate nature of a nanny’s workplace, and the relationships that are formed with parents and children, providing a rationale in attempts to minimize the sting of your departure can feel like the right thing to do. But it’s not. Providing notice in a professional manner will position you to leave on the best of terms, and help you to secure a positive reference after your departure.
As you prepare your notification of resignation:
1. Do not give notice over text or over the phone. Provide a formal, written letter of your resignation so that your notice is officially documented. Ideally, provide this on your last day of work for the week, so that the family has time to process notification of your resignation before you return to work.
2. Stay out of the weeds. Your written letter is official documentation of your resignation. It is not the time to rehash the details of what went wrong during your employment with the family. Keep your notice professional, short, and simple, and document your projected last day of work.
3. Be sure to follow the terms of your written agreement. If you agreed to provide two weeks’ notice, be prepared to work out your notice. Also, be prepared for the parents to let you go immediately and pay out your notice in lieu of having you work.
4. Do not overshare. It can be tempting to outline your rationale for giving notice, but don’t. In addition to being unprofessional, you are providing information that the family may disclose to others, including a potential employer during a reference call.
5. Remember, references count. If you’re going to want to work as a nanny again, chances are, you’ll need that reference. Remain professional and take the high road to ensure the likelihood of retaining a positive review.
While being short and sweet may feel distant and dry, when it comes to giving notice, it’s the right way to be. If you’ve haven’t resolved your workplace issues by the time you are giving notice, you certainly aren’t going to while doing so.