I lost my job in December and took a part-time job as a nanny with a family down the road from me whilst I was rethinking my career aspirations. During the interview, I tried to explain that I would probably be looking to go back to full-time work as soon as I'd worked out what I wanted to do. The mum didn't seem pleased about this and said I'd need to work for them for at least 2 years. However, when the contract came through there was no stipulation of how long I'd need to work for them so I accepted the position.
The job has not at all been what I expected. They have two children aged 9 and 17 so I often feel like I don't need to even be there. I spend most of my time cleaning (buffing sofas, cleaning the fridge, ironing) and not with the child! Furthermore, although the pay is consistently the same, the hours vary wildly meaning that I am at their beck and call constantly.
I have been accepted a full-time job in the position which aligns with my career goals and need to let the family know. I am planning to give them 4 weeks notice (instead of the 1 week in the contract) as I know they are incredibly busy people and am going to hand in a resignation letter. Obviously, I'm anxious that the mum will be incredibly angry.
How do I break the news without completely upsetting the mum (who thinks I'm there for years when I've only been there for 4/5 months)? How do I make those 4 weeks bearable in case the relationship goes south? Can they withhold pay? Do I break the news to the child and, if so, how?