Help - career change opportunity - parents are going to hate me!

[chabbychic]

A job's come up which would mean me leaving childminding - I'd still be able give 4 weeks' notice but only just.

I hate letting people down and I'm not sure I've got the guts to do it - but I have to think of myself, right?

As long as you give your contracted notice then things should be fine!!

Is it a better job you have been offered? If it is what you want then go for it!!

Yes it's a better job and yes it's what I want to do long term, I just feel guilty!

Do it then. Good luck and let the parents know ASAP to give them as much time as possible to make other arrangements. They could do the same to you so don't feel bad.

I wouldn't feel guilty at all!! You can always offer to help them find another cm, if you know any that you are friends with etc. x

Perhaps you could give a list of childminders you would recommend when you give notice to soften the blow a little.

Thanks.

Also, at what point should I tell them? Should I let them know I'm applying? How do I go to the interview without them knowing? I feel a bit bad waiting until I've got the job (if I get it obviously!).

Oh! I thought you had got the job. Can't you book a day's holiday for the interview? And you should definitely wait until/if you get offered it. Otherwise you are just tipping them off that you are thinking of a career change and they might start looking for alternative childcare. I know I would. Then you could be left with no new job and no children to look after.

Good luck.

Thank you. No not even filled in the application form yet!

Be very sure it's what you want before you go for it! I did exactly the same 2 years ago, landed myself a mint job as deputy playgroup leader - and hated it!!!!!

Lasted 6mths and then threw the towel in - hated working for anyone else, couldnt stand the people I was working with - who were shocking with the children - and got sick of batting my head off a brick wall when it came to EYFS and doing things 'properly'.

Came back into CMing and still hate certain aspects of it - paperwork, long hours etc - but am happier for having tired 'the other side' .

Like others have said, dont mention it to parents at this stage, incase they jump ship before they are pushed!

Good luck, whatever you decide to do x