Quitting your caregiver job is an important step in your career that you should handle with professionalism and grace. Whether you wish to resign due to emotional and physical strain or because you’ve found another opportunity, leaving your caregiver job isn’t difficult if you follow the right steps.
Steps to Quitting Your Caregiver Job
Do it in person
Once you’ve decided to quit your CDPAP caregiver job, you need to inform your current employer. The employer should be the first person to know that you wish to resign. It’s preferable to set up a meeting or a video call. Resigning via text or email doesn’t convey professionalism and integrity in the same way that a face-to-face meeting does.
Make sure to check whether your contract requires the resignation to be submitted in writing. In this case, informing your employer in person may not be sufficient. However, even if you resign in writing, you should still have a personal conversation with your employer first.
Give adequate notice
Most employers require at least a two-week notice. Even if they don’t, it is sensible to give them some time to find a suitable replacement or make other arrangements. This is especially important if you’re working with a child, a disabled individual, or an elderly person who needs continuous care. Leaving without adequate notice can leave your employer without care for their loved one.
Be gracious
When leaving your caregiver job, it is essential to treat your employer with kindness and respect. Tell your employer how much you enjoyed working with them and that you hope to keep in touch in the future.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Remain calm and respectful even if you were not happy with the job.
- Let your employer know that you’re willing to do what you can to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
- Express your gratitude no matter how you feel about the job. Thank your employer for the opportunity to work for them and point out the highlights of your time with them.
Leaving things off on a positive note is essential to building up your reference. If you’re leaving on good terms, you will be able to ask your employer for recommendations for any future jobs.
Don’t play the blame game
When resigning, it is essential to focus on the positive. Avoid hurting anyone’s feelings. You don’t have to give specific details on why you wish to quit the job. It may be enough to explain that you are leaving for a position that has more room for growth and is more in line with your career goals. Don’t dwell on negative personal feelings about the job, if you have any.
Follow your employer’s lead
When discussing your resignation, ask your employer how to deal with the situation. The employer will suggest the best approach when it comes to informing the person for whom you provided care.
Ask about final payment
Just because you are leaving your job, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get paid. You are entitled to receive your normal pay during the notice period. This is the case even if your employer doesn’t provide the opportunity for you to work, but you are available. Under New York labor law, your employer must issue a final paycheck before the next regularly scheduled pay date.
Deal with taxes
Make sure the employer has your correct mailing address, so that they can send you a W-2 at the end of the year if they paid you more than $2,400. Inform your employer if you intend to move before the end of the year.
Example of a Letter of Resignation
Even if your employer doesn’t require a formal letter of resignation, it is advisable to write one to avoid any misunderstanding. The letter should contain:
- A statement that you are resigning
- The date when your resignation will become effective
- Reason(s) for leaving
- Expression of gratitude for the time spent with the employer
- Your signature.
Below, you’ll find a customizable resignation letter template to help you get started.
December 1, 2021
Mrs. Kate Windsor
48 Main Street
Dear Ma’am,
I, (your name), with Passport No. _______, is formally notifying you that I am resigning from my job as your caregiver effective as of this day, December 1, 2021. My last day of employment will be on December 30, 2021.
I appreciate the (3 1/2 years) I spent working for you. I feel it is time for me to look for new opportunities and challenges.
All the best,
Elizabeth Ortiz
Received by: ________________
Employer Agency
Things To Consider Before Quitting Your Job
If you are considering quitting your job as a caregiver
- Think about what you want to do after you quit your job. Do you have another employment option or a better offer?
- Check the job market to see whether it would be easy to find another position.
- Think about the challenges you face and whether you can simplify your caregiver role before you give it up.
- Join a support group. Having someone to talk to about your caregiving challenges will give you peace and comfort and provide you with a fresh perspective. You may learn how to make simple changes without having to walk away from your caregiver role altogether.
If you are considering quitting your job to become a family caregiver
- Quitting your job should be a last resort. Consider all the financial implications, including lost wages, benefits, and retirement income.
- Let your employer know about your caregiving responsibilities that may be causing conflicts with work.
- Know your employer’s attendance policy and inform them of all scheduled absences from work.
If you have no other choice but to quit your job, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. New York is one of the states that enables employees to collect unemployment benefits if they have to leave their job to care for a sick family member.