Fired for being pregnant after giving my notice

fftm9318 · April 2018

So after working for this family as a private nanny for three years, they just fired me.
So here's the background. I told them when I found out and I also told them I'd be moving in May. I gave ample notice so they can find a new nanny and a final day that I could work. (Four weeks from now) last night after I got off the father asked for my key and card used to pick up the oldest. Then told me they would be making the transition effective immediately. Mind you they had told me they would be doing a slow transition over the next few weeks to wean me off and the new girl on.
Has anyone gone through this? I was so hurt, especially considering how long I've worked for them and that I was courteous enough to give notice even though I had wanted to just quit. They gave me none at all. And have put me in a financial bind. I had messaged them last week just asking for 12 more days and they said they would do that and it clould work great. Now this, with no notice. It's so messed up and rude and probably illegal.

fftm9318 · April 2018

Oh yeah and the reason was they felt it was the best thing they could do for their family at this time. Only thing that's changed are my doctor appointments and that I'm pregnant.

dexnie · April 2018

I’m sorry you’re going through this. Do you have a contract that specifies policies for notice for either party? If not, you may be out of luck here (but definitely something to consider for your next job).

It’s not uncommon to be immediately released from duties after giving notice, regardless of the reason for leaving. Our contract specifies that we provide either two weeks notice or we pay out the two weeks in the event of an immediate termination.

spottedginger · April 2018

I’m so sorry you are going through this. Unless you have a contract that specifies notice, cause, and termination that is in breach, you do not have any legal protection in this scenario. Unfortunately, most legal protections are in place for companies greater than x number of employees (maybe 50?) and have no weight for private employment agreement between you and the parents. This is incredibly stressful and the abrupt notice is so hurtful after you’ve taken such good care of their children. Again, I’m sorry.

fftm9318 · April 2018

There was a contract, I just don't know where it is.

Redpuma119 · April 2018

@fftm9318 can you ask the family for the contract? It doesn’t sound like they’d want to give a copy to you, but it’s worth a shot. How were they paying you? Was it cash/under the table? If so, it might be hard to prove that they were your “employer.” This sucks though. I’m sorry you’ve been put in this position.

SkilledSailor · April 2018

@fftm9318 Unfortunately yes, I have experienced that as a nanny. I wasn't pregnant but had given a notice that I would be leaving full-time work in two weeks but could maintain part-time work for another 2-4 weeks after that while they found someone else. They didn't speak to me while I was in the house the next two days then abruptly told me it was my final day at the end of the day. It super sucks. I'm sorry they did the same to you. I think it's important to remember that they're not (usually) trained in management and don't know how to handle situations like these. They panic for the family's sake and the nanny's sometimes get screwed. Doesn't make it right at all, but after the initial sting this thinking did help me forgive and move past it.

It's spring break season. Are you able to pick up some random days here and there to make up for the hours loss? Or even track out?

yosemite2018 · April 2018

I’m sorry. I have given notice before and been told my last day would be weeks before my end date (and this was for a major company). Definitely check to see what the contract says but you may be out of luck. If you don’t have the next door app, download it and see if people need someone temporary until you leave.

BostonBaby1 · April 2018

I’m very sorry that this happened to you. It is upsetting and was not handled well at all on their part. Unfortunately, even if you had a contract and were paid over the table, there is not much that you can do. Many states are at-will meaning either party can leave the agreement for whatever or no reason at all. You are a month out from your move (potentially a bit more.) Even if you hired an attorney and long shot won a court case, you would probably owe the attorney more than you’ll recoup by potentially a large amount.
For their prospective, they needed childcare and perhaps couldn’t or wouldn’t pay double for two nannies if the new person wanted to start full time immediately. It still totally sucks that you have been a part of their family for years and just let go like that with very little explanation and surprised at that. Hopefully there are others in your area that can use temporary help. Again, I’m really sorry that happened:(

fftm9318 · April 2018

Thanks everyone. With all the stress and now this i ended up in OB triage for about 23 hours. Was finally discharged last night. I was in severe pain which apparently was a flare up and ulsers caused by all the stress and then bring fired abruptly sent me over the edge. Baby is fine, it was just me that was/is in pain. It all makes me even more frustrated about this whole thing.

starla · April 2018

@fftm9318 Oh no! I hope you're OK and can get some rest this weekend. It may help to talk with a professional, even just once or twice, to work through the anger and frustration.

mrsman2018 · April 2018

That's horrible. I hope you are able to rest and not stress. Easier said than done. Hugs.

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