Should I give a two weeks notice?

Question

I'm 19 and this is my first job, I work at a day care and have been working here for almost 3 months. Honestly I cant stand being there anymore I work with older kids, 27 of them to myself I've asked my boss about adding another person to help me but she says I can have up to 26 kids all by myself, and i'm doing fine with them, doubt that though cause they dont ever listen to me. I just cant handle all of them anymore.
Everyday I come home with a headache, some of the kids think they rule the room cause they have a parent working there and it doesnt help when my boss lets them get away with things too..I dont think I can stand being there another 2 weeks. And it seems like its sucked up my life having to be there from 8-6:30.

I want to thank everyone who replied so quickly, to anwser one question, i'm working full-time and yes I did want to have a career in early childhood education, or at least I thought I did, my kids range in grades 2nd-6th, and I checked it seems I can have 26 to 1. I love working with the younger kids there which I do in the morning but in the afternoon I have the older ones to myself...I've figured it would be best to give a two weeks notice or at least one week. My coworkers are great and I know if I just quit on the spot they'd have to suffer from it cause this place seems to be understaffed I just wish they would hire more substitutes or something. Thanks so much to everyone all of your opinions really helped me to think it out more.

Answer 1

Nope. No two week notice. If you're not happy being with the kids, you're not doing anyone there any good (and I am not saying that to be mean). You need to do what is good for you and the kids. Don't go back.

Answer 2

Ask your boss for status (meeting), you say you've been with the company roughly three months. Stress points you need help, make some suggestions. If there are others that work with you - see if they have the same frustrations. See if there is any way you & your boss can come to an agreement or see what options she can assist you with.

It may not seem important now, but it will down the road. You are new to the work force at 19 and you will most likely have many more jobs in your life time.

Always, always, always provide an employer with a written 2-week notice. They can decide whether or not to keep you on for this period. It will help you in the long run. Good luck!

Answer 3

I think that you are too young for this type of responsibility. 27 kids is a lot fro a 19 yr old to handle. You are not old enough to be seen by these children as being someone with authority, and your boss is undermining your authority by allowing some of these kids to rule the roost, just because their parents work there. It's not fair to you or the children. Put in your 2 weeks notice, with the option that you could leave earlier if need be, they may just take you up on it. That way you did it the right way. It could also give you what you want to do the job right, they may see this a time to re-negotiate your work conditions. Give you additional staff to assist with the children, back you up with these kid's attitudes that they think they can do anything just because ther parents work there.

Answer 4

I've worked in the day care business for many years. The thing that concerns me about not giving a 2 week notice is that most daycare centers do not have back up employees or substitutes. If the daycare you are working at has substitutes then by all means give them a days notice and get on your way. The children do not need to be around someone that doesn't enjoy being around them. It sounds like you're not doing much good there anyway if you are unable to control the children. If they don't have someone to stand in for your positition until they find someone new and it would leave them short of their teacher/child ratio the most ethical thing would be to give them 2 weeks to fill your position. That is my 2 cents.


As for the teacher/child ratio it varies from state to state. The state I currently live in you can have 20 school aged kids to one caregiver.

Answer 5

I feel you should always give a two week notice.

However if you decide not to give a two week notice you have nothing to worry about your still young just don't put them on your resume and start fresh.

As for one person working alone with 26 kids. This is totally illegal. I don't see any state approving a daycare allowing 1 staff person per 26 kids.

This is good experience as I think everyone should have at least one crappy job. You will appreciate a good job when you find it.

Answer 6

I could be wrong-- but I thought it was against the law for one person to be alone in the room with more then ten kids at a time. I used to work at a day-care, too, when I was 18, and I dealt with the same crap, so I quit with no notice at all. I couldn't deal with it anymore. So I can definitely relate to you. Why don't you try to call Child and Family Services and find out the regulations for working in a day-care? I also thought that you had to be licensed to work with children, but I was never certified or licensed. But luckily I quit before it became a big deal. I hope I helped you at all. Good luck to you, okay? I really think this is a choice only you can make.

Answer 7

You're not supposed to have 26 kids by yourself. I believe that is against the law to have the ratio of kids to caregiver be that high. My job sucks too. I am currently trying to work from home. It depends on whether or not you need the money. I wish I could quit my job but I need the money. But a lot of times I think that the money isn't worth it. You are stressing yourself out and not getting paid half of what you should.But I only work 10-4, and I don't deal with bad kids, I work at a fast food joint, so I deal with lousy customers and co-workers.. And my boss sucks but when I do leave, I may still give him notice just to be courteous. Hope all works out for you.

Answer 8

I don't think it's legal to have only 1 person looking after that many kids. Usually, the law says 1 person for every fifteen kids who are 6 or over. I would definitely check the laws where you are living. As for giving two weeks, if you've already been there 3 months another two probably won't kill you. You don't have to though, and if you don't plan on listing this job on your resume, I would just leave. However, if you want a reference, you'll have to give notice.

Answer 9

First, get used to your life getting sucked up by work. Maybe this could motivate you to go to school. Work part-time, go to Tech/Community/Junior College locally and see how it goes??

Start looking for another job ASAP, and give your notice.

Always give notice. It is a courtesy that sets you apart from rude riff-raff. Don't compromise your manners.

If you can't handle the kids, talk to a supervisor about reducing your load.

Hang in there just a little longer. Two weeks will be up in no time.

Best Wishes, Sweetie.

Answer 10

Yes, I think it's time you get another job. I think you really need to enjoy being with kids to take care of them. Can't blame you with the responsibility your boss is laying on your shoulders. Try something else. Yes give two weeks notice, your next employer will be more likely to hire you.

Answer 11

Been there, done that... Definitely give your two weeks no matter how difficult. If they give you a hard time then only fulfil one of the weeks, but know that other jobs in the future will use prior places of employment as references, so not giving a two week notice may hurt you when it comes to jobs you may really want in the years to come. 2 weeks will fly sweetie, keep your chin up and then it'll all be over!!!