Nanny sensationally quit

[fancytiles]

Wondering how you would handle this, our nanny we have had for 7 months has just quit out of the blue giving 2 weeks notice (in the contract we have with her, which she drafted, it says she needs to give 8 weeks notice). In total shock and feeling really let down. She said it's a family matter.

I thought it was a nanny of someone rich and famous. Quite disappointed tbh.

So she's quit. Get your contract out that she signed at the beginning and stick to that. Get a new nanny!

A nanny did that to us, at the start of Covid. Went back to her family at zero notice. It’s fucking annoying but you just have to move on

Out of order to her to stipulate there should be an eight week notice period and then only give you two weeks. I’d see if there’s anything you can do about that, and remember to mention it if she ever asks for a reference.

How I would handle this:

1. First thing ring/email local nanny agencies to look for a replacement. You could easily get someone to start in next 2 weeks. Most Nannies will usually ask for old employers to have references on file.

1. Work out final pay (is she owed any holiday).

1. Try and part on good terms. She is an employee she’s allowed to move on. Yes she’s not abided contractual terms, but she put 8 weeks in to protect herself not you (she’d get 2 months notice if you let her go).

Prone to drama op?

I wouldn't be comfortable forcing the issue on the 8 week notice - as if she is unhappy with you, it will feed through to your children.

There are emergency nannies you can call. How old are your dc? Maybe the housekeeper can help? Some prefer looking after children to cleaning - depending on the age and needs of your children. If they are older it will be fine in the short term.

I am assuming you have her there because you are both working, in that case maybe some annual leave will tide you over.
Yes it is is sad, but better to get over it swiftly and start making calls.

Most disappointing thread ever. I was at least expecting a fling with your DH or a stolen family heirloom.

To be fair, when you spend most of your day sitting in the house, the level required to meet "sensational" is substantially lower than normal.

I clicked here expecting drama. At the very least, a billowing cape or something.

She's given notice due to a family problem. Shit happens. Hopefully you'll be able to find someone quickly.

Also those saying about putting things in references, be very careful about ever putting anything negative in a reference. Many employees have found themselves in an ET as a result. No need. If you are unhappy just give a boilerplate reference confirming dates of employment.

Perhaps the drama in your house was just too much for her

Hardly sensational. Weird.

The ‘family matter’ is just an excuse for a quick getaway. Do you have toilet brushes in your bathrooms? Worth considering...

Sensationally quit?

Was the housekeeper nice to her?

"A housekeeper" OP? Has MN suddenly turned back the time to the 1930 today.

What’s sensational about it? She’s handed her notice in. Maybe unexpectedly, but it’s hardly sensationally.

OP why are you ‘shocked’ that she has a family matter !? I hope you are being supportive to her .

8 weeks notice period is a long time? Is that usual for a Nanny?!

@smoothchange

Perhaps the drama in your house was just too much for her

That thought had crossed my mind...

FFS. What a thread title. Promise the earth and then deliver hee haw.

When they say "family matter" it's usually just an excuse to get out fast.
I've used that one myself before.

Is she wanting to go home somewhere abroad, or something?

I can see why you're fed up and I wouldn't be too pleased myself.
Just pay her what she's owed and leave her work out her notice.
I would not offer to give her a reference though and if she asks for one, I would refuse.

I wanted sensational.

@RedskyBynight

To be fair, when you spend most of your day sitting in the house, the level required to meet "sensational" is substantially lower than normal.

Good point, well made.

For your next nanny, I suggest you ask your payroll company to provide you with a contract and then you ask the nanny to sign that.