Making the decision to resign from a nanny position is significant, and it’s vital to handle it professionally to maintain positive relationships with both the client and the agency. Similar to departing a corporate job, this process requires careful thought, transparent communication, and ideally, established guidelines in the employment contract.
Advance Notice
Offer ample notice to your employer, typically two to four weeks, to facilitate a smooth transition. Giving your employer a heads-up, like two to four weeks in advance, shows you’re thinking about their situation and helps them plan ahead without you.
Written Resignation
Compose a formal resignation letter expressing gratitude for the opportunity and explaining your decision. This paper acts as a formal mark of my professionalism, capturing the essence of our shared journey and underscoring my respect for the time spent here. Provide a printed copy and discuss it in person, if feasible.
Face-to-Face Communication
Whenever possible, discuss your decision with the family face-to-face. Let’s meet in person when we can. If distance makes that hard, a video call works too. If distance is a factor, consider a video call for a meaningful alternative.
Explain Reasons Diplomatically
If comfortable, briefly explain your reasons for resigning. Keep it positive and highlight the good stuff when you talk about why you’re leaving. Avoid pointing fingers or laying blame to minimize the risk of strained relationships.
Contractual Exit Strategy
Ideally, include an exit strategy in your employment contract from the start. This could involve specifying notice periods, expectations during the transition, and any additional responsibilities you’re willing to undertake for a smooth changeover.
Severance Agreement
Consider proposing a severance agreement as part of your resignation process. This could include terms such as a final payment, continuation of benefits for a specified period, or assistance in finding and training a replacement. A clear contract safeguards both sides, ensuring everyone’s on the same page and covered if things go south.
Offer Assistance in Transition
Express your willingness to assist in the transition, whether participating in the hiring process, providing detailed documentation of the child’s routine, or offering to train your successor. By offering to help with hiring, sharing a detailed rundown of daily routines, or even training the new person yourself, you’re really showing you’ve got their back in making this changeover as smooth as possible.
Maintain Professionalism in Communication
Avoid using text messages or casual communication methods for your resignation. Stick to more formal channels, such as email or a printed letter, to convey your decision. Keeping things formal through email or letters shows you respect their decision.
Express Gratitude
In both your written resignation and verbal communication, express gratitude for the experiences and relationships gained during your time as a nanny. Leaving on a positive note preserves the goodwill established throughout your tenure.
Resigning from a nanny position demands the same level of professionalism and consideration as leaving a corporate job. Stepping down from your nanny role with professionalism means setting clear expectations from the start, and maybe even working out a severance deal to keep those important ties intact.
