Deciding to leave your nanny job is never easy. Unlike a lot of more traditional jobs, nannying isn’t just a profession. In the nannying world, it’s common to form relationships built on trust, care, and a deep emotional connection. You may have watched your nanny kids take their first steps, start school, or grow into independent human beings. So when something starts to feel off, it can be hard to tell whether it’s just a rough patch or a sign that it’s time to move on.

Every nanny reaches a point where they have to pause and ask, “Is this still right for me?” or “Am I still growing, happy, and respected in this role?” The answer shouldn’t come from guilt or obligation. It should come from listening to your intuition, honoring your boundaries, and understanding your long-term goals.

Here are three thoughtful tips to help you decide whether it’s time to move forward in your career or renew your commitment where you are.

1) Check In with Yourself: Are You Still Growing and Fulfilled?

The best nanny-family relationships evolve over time. Children grow, household needs change, and so do you. If your days start feeling repetitive, unchallenging, or emotionally draining, it might be time to reflect on what’s missing.

Ask yourself:

• Do I still feel appreciated and respected by my employers?
• Am I learning new skills, or am I stuck in a routine that no longer excites me?
• Do I look forward to my workdays, or count down until the weekend?

Growth doesn’t always mean moving on immediately, nor do all your answers have to be enthusiastic to mean it’s time to go or stay. Your answers depend on your goals, too. Sometimes, it could mean having an honest conversation about adding new responsibilities, adjusting your schedule, or revisiting your compensation. But if you’ve tried to make changes and still feel stagnant or unhappy, it may be a sign that it’s time to explore new opportunities that better align with your goals.

2) Evaluate the Work Environment and Family Dynamic

One of the most telling signs that it might be time to leave your nanny job is when the working environment no longer feels healthy. While every job has its challenges, persistent issues can signal that something fundamental isn’t working.

Be mindful of these red flags:

• Blurry boundaries: You’re being consistently asked to take on more than agreed upon without a conversation surrounding duties and compensation, like cleaning tasks or regularly extended hours.
• Lack of communication: You’re left out of decisions that affect your schedule or duties.
• Disrespect or micromanagement: You’re not trusted to make professional judgments about the children’s care.
• Emotional burnout: You feel exhausted, anxious, or undervalued most days.

Healthy families understand that mutual respect and open dialogue make for stronger, happier childcare partnerships. If those things are missing, and attempts to fix them haven’t worked, it may be time to prioritize your well-being.

3) Look Ahead: Does This Job Align with Your Future?

Your career as a nanny is part of your larger story. Whether you hope to pursue a career as a career nanny, become a Newborn Care Specialist, transition into family assistant work, or open your own childcare business, every job should move you closer to that vision.

If your current role no longer supports your personal or professional goals, take that as valuable information, not failure. Staying too long in a position that doesn’t fit can lead to resentment, while leaving gracefully opens the door for new growth.

Before you make your decision, consider:

• Are my values and the family’s values still aligned?
• Am I fairly compensated for my experience and responsibilities?
• Do I have opportunities for learning or advancement here?

When the answers don’t align with your goals, it’s perfectly okay to move forward, kindly, respectfully, and confidently.

4) Bonus Tip: How to Leave Your Nanny Job Gracefully and Professionally

Once you’ve decided to leave your nanny job, give your family as much notice as possible, ideally four to six weeks. Offer to help with the transition, whether that means training a new nanny or preparing the children for the change.

Write a warm and professional resignation letter, and keep communication open and positive. The way you leave a job says as much about your professionalism as how you performed in it, and strong references from past families can help you land your next dream role.

Knowing when to leave your nanny job takes courage. It’s a decision rooted in self-awareness and respect for yourself, your career, and the family you’ve supported.

Every nanny deserves to work in an environment where they feel valued, supported, and inspired. If your heart is telling you it’s time for something new, trust that intuition. Change can be uncomfortable, but it often leads to better opportunities, healthier boundaries, and renewed passion for the work you love.

We’re here to help you find positions where you can truly thrive, because your happiness, growth, and well-being matter as much as the care you give.