Hopefully Closing Soon - It's Time!

[KatieG]

I've been in the child care business for over 11 years now, and it feels like time to close up shop. It was just supposed to be something I did for a few years to bring in some income while our boys were little, not my life-long career. I've always said that as long as I'm having more good days than bad, I'll continue. But I think I've reached the point where there are more bad days, so it's time.

My two boys are 21 & 18 now - both in college. My equipment is showing its age & beginning to wear out, so I'm faced with having to buy new soon. And, most importantly, I dread the start of each day, counting the hours 'til naptime and pick-up time. I'm just done.

For the last few weeks, I've been applying for jobs, and I have an interview this Friday afternoon! Of course this means I have to ask the DCF's to pick-up early. Thing is, they don't know I'm looking for a job. I don't want to tell them until I have a solid offer. We can't afford for me to not work, and I don't want to spook anyone. I'm just not sure what reason to give them for the early pick-up on Friday.

Any advice as I make this transition?

[Controlled Chaos]

Good luck with the interview! I would say you have an appointment and leave it at that.

[Leigh]

They don't need a reason. Just let them know that you are closing at XX:XX on Friday and leave it at that.

[GabsKids]

I don't have words of advice for you, as I am in kind of the same situation. I found out about a month ago my only 2 full timers are leaving. Grandma retired and is going to start caring for them because they are facing a financial hardship. It helped me come to the decision that I am ready to be done. I will continue for the remainder of the school year, because I feel I made the commitment to my other families whose children will be getting on/off the bus here for kindy. (Our district is still half day kdg) I did tell all but one family, that is new, this will be my last year. They took the news well..and I know they aren't looking yet. One commented she will start looking after the first of the year.
In your case, since you don't want to have any gaps with no income, I would wait until you have a job offer before you tell them. I would try to give them 3 weeks if possible. But be prepared since they will be looking for care right away to leave as soon as they find something else. In that case, maybe you would be able to start your new job sooner. Or you could sell some of your daycare items on eBay or CL to help make up some of the lost income.
I wish you the best of luck! Keep us updated! I don't often sign in when on but I check in almost everyday.
:hug:
By the way...this is my 7th year doing daycare.

[KatieG]

Wow, I just got a call from another of the many resumes that I've sent out - they want me to come in for an interview as well. So now that's 2 interviews Friday afternoon, one at 1pm and one at 3pm! I've had times over the last few years where I've gotten frustrated with child care & sent out resumes and never got any response. Now 2 interviews in a week! It makes me feel like it really is time!

My husband is taking a week off in September, and I wasn't planning to take the week off with him (he gets 4 weeks paid vacay every year, I usually just take 2 in the summer). But I'm hoping if things work out, I can close the day care on Friday before, take a week off with him, then start a new job on Monday.

And yes, I think I'll just tell them that something came up and I have an appointment on Friday afternoon. But maybe I should wait a day or two in case I get any more calls for interviews - who knows, maybe I'll need the whole day off?

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

[e.j.]

But maybe I should wait a day or two in case I get any more calls for interviews - who knows, maybe I'll need the whole day off?
Keep your fingers crossed for me!

If you can afford it and it won't upset the parents too much, I think I'd give them notice today that I need to close for the day Friday. That way, they have more time to make arrangements for child care and you don't have to worry about a parent showing up late for pick-up, causing you to be late for your interview. My dc parents are never late for pick up until I really need to be somewhere on time. That's always the day they show up late!

Good luck in your interviews!

[Play Care]

If you can afford it and it won't upset the parents too much, I think I'd give them notice today that I need to close for the day Friday. That way, they have more time to make arrangements for child care and you don't have to worry about a parent showing up late for pick-up, causing you to be late for your interview. My dc parents are never late for pick up until I really need to be somewhere on time. That's always the day they show up late!

Good luck in your interviews!

Yes, this exactly! Good luck!!happyface

[AmyKidsCo]

Good luck!!! happyface

[MyAngels]

If you can afford it and it won't upset the parents too much, I think I'd give them notice today that I need to close for the day Friday. That way, they have more time to make arrangements for child care and you don't have to worry about a parent showing up late for pick-up, causing you to be late for your interview. My dc parents are never late for pick up until I really need to be somewhere on time. That's always the day they show up late!

Good luck in your interviews!

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[2grls4us]

I agree with close for the day if a reason is needed you technically have multiple appointments you just can't reschedule. Good luck!

[butterfly]

I agree with close for the day if a reason is needed you technically have multiple appointments you just can't reschedule. Good luck!

Good luck with the interview!

[mls620]

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[KatieG]

I just realized this morning that I haven't given you an update on my interviews. Although I felt both went well, they both contacted me about a week later saying that I was not being invited back for a second interview So, the job search continues...

[hope]

Do the jobs that you are applying for pay as well as daycare? When I have a good amount of kids I make as much as my DH. I always wonder if I will go on to something else once my kids get older. I had a great career before I did daycare but the hours were long so I would never go back to that. It left no room for a life outside of work. My only hope is that DH will get promoted and I could take on a part time job.

[Play Care]

I just realized this morning that I haven't given you an update on my interviews. Although I felt both went well, they both contacted me about a week later saying that I was not being invited back for a second interview So, the job search continues...

Keep plugging away!
I feel as though many employers view this career as "babysitting" especially for those of us doing it in home (no matter how wonderful your set up is) I've been volunteering and actually considering a part time job outside the home to beef up my resume.
Another thought is that for me a job outside isn't necessarily about salary at this point - bennies and retirement are also a large factor.