The position of nanny as a career option for child care/child development/early childhood education graduates is examined. This study surveyed nannies randomly selected from the 1991 International Nanny Association Directory to determine why nannies leave their employing families. Surveys were mailed to 160 nannies; 62 (39%) nannies responded. Respondents worked an average work week of 48.7 hours with an average salary of $202 per week. Respondents reported receiving many benefits, but not all received paid vacation and health insurance. The primary reasons respondents gave for leaving their family of employment were: expiration of the contract (34 percent); differences with the family (21 percent); desire to continue education (15 percent); homesickness (13 percent); lack of commitment to the family (10 percent); and lack of friends (7 percent). (Contains nine references.) (MM)