How long before I let my boss know?

kazach84

Not sure if anyone else has been through this situation, but my husband and I just moved to a new state, so I've been doing some job searching. I just found out last week that I was pregnant. I'm obviously not telling potential employers that I'm pregnant yet since I'm only 5 weeks along, but I was wondering how long I should wait before letting them know? I feel extremely guilty taking a position and then having to quit or take maternity leave so shortly afterward.

angeltennis3

You have to do what is right for your family, so don't feel guilty. If you are that concerned with it, maybe go to an HR company and sign up as a temp employee. Then you can find your permanent job after the baby comes. Only down side, is you may not be eligible for maternity benefits. However, some companies require you to be employed with them for a year before allowing you to take maternity benefits, anyway.

24karat

Tell them when you're comfortable doing so and only after you've been hired. It's not something they can legally ask about during your interviews. I found out I was pregnant only a few weeks after being hired at my current job. I told my boss immediately after my family (around 10wks) and well before we made a public announcement.

You might also want to consider you may not qualify for certain maternity leave benefits (depending on what's offered) since you're already pregnant. For instance, FMLA only applies to certain employers and you have to be employed for 12 months prior to the leave. Short term disability (which is usually how you get paid leave) has to be in place prior to pregnancy. Just some stuff to research as you look for employment.

4legsRbest

Honestly,  would not look for a permanent job right now. You won't be eligible for FMLA so they aren't legally required, to keep your job for you. You may find a really good gig just to have it go away after your baby is born. I agree with the PP about a temp position and look for a permanent one after.

I am probably in the minority with my opinion, but it would irritate me as an employer if you took an important job with me just to leave less than 9 months later for 3+ months. I also don't agree with taking FMLA benefits *knowing* you have no plans of returning to work and think the company should back charge people for benefits if this occurs.

I am a working mother and my career is very important to me, but I would never mis-lead my employer. I think this creates a lack of trust and lowers opinions of people. But you have to do what you have to do to support your family.

ILoveBoys

If you're already know you're going to quit, you should go to Target or something like that where they are used to seeing quick turnover. If you're going to go back after the baby is born, go ahead and look for something.

You can mention it after you've been given an offer/hired but something like "as a professional courtesy I wanted to let you know I'm X weeks pregnant, but I will not let that interfere with my work and I do plan on returning shortly after the birth."

    I took a job with my 2nd at a hospital, in February. He was born in June. I took my 8 weeks and I went back. Nobody batted an eye, at least not to me.

Hoshikitsune

I took a job at a daycare 3 weeks ago.  I was 19 weeks pregnant at the time and did not tell them until I had an offer letter in my hand.  I have assured them that I will be working up until the day I go into labor and back as soon as the doctor clears me to do so.  However, I am still taking a chance as they do not have to give me maternity leave or save my job for me.  I would hope they are decent and seem to be, but the fact remains, it is up to you when you feel comfortable...the only thing FMLA requires on your part is to tell them 30 days before you plan to take leave.