Feeling really emotional leaving my nanny kids & struggling finding the right next family

I honestly just need advice and maybe some encouragement from other nannies because this has been way harder than I expected.

My current nanny position is ending due to an au pair rematch situation, and we are ending on good terms (I’ll still be able to babysit and see the girls), but I’m still taking it really hard. I get really attached to kids I work with because I genuinely love what I do. I always try to learn their personalities, what helps them when they’re upset, what they love, little things that make them feel safe, etc. I bond deeply with kids and care for them like they’re my own little family.

What makes this even harder is this is honestly the first family I’ve worked for that cared for me as much as I cared for their kids. They appreciated me, checked in on me, trusted me, and made me feel valued. It never felt transactional, and I think that’s what makes this so emotional.

Now I’m trying to find a new nanny family and it’s honestly discouraging. I’m scared I won’t find that same connection again, both with the kids and the parents. I know every family is different, but I just feel kind of lost right now.

For nannies who get really attached or have left families they loved, how did you get through it? Did you ever find another family that felt like a really good fit again? And how do you not compare everyone to the family you loved working for?

Just needing some advice and maybe a little hope 😭