Posted this in AIBU but realized that probably should have posted here...
Friend has au pair, things haven't worked out OK and friend gave au pair 6 weeks notice to leave or find another family. This because friend is thoughtful that au pair had booked flight to go home for Christmas and didn't want her to incur extra expense.
3 weeks after au pair hasn't done much to look for anything, still out partying every week end and spend every free time in her room. Quality of her work OKeish but she has stopped trying and to build relationship with kids. This Under-stably.
When friend asked her a couple of days ago what her plans were, she said very matter of fact:
I am sure you don't mind keeping my stuff until January. When I come back I will look for a room and a job....no point looking now before Christmas!
She doesn't want to be an pair anymore so no looking for a family...
Friend explained that room will require a deposit to rent and that job might take months to find especially as she doesn't speak English.
She looked surprised, said uh oh.... My friend explained to her that she has got to go...cannot hang around until January.
But not much has changed as she is still going out week ends at night and staying in during the day...no showing any urgency in looking for anything.
My friend feels bad about it as atmosphere is not great and the au pair looks depressed when in and it's a very sad figure to see moving around the house.
I think that 6 weeks notice is more than enough and by end of it she should get key back and wave au pair goodbye without feeling responsible for it.