what to do?...

adoringangeldmb

Hello all, I'm pretty new to the bump scene and I am currently roughly 7 weeks and some days pregnant (going for first U/S on May 29 to see how everything is going). I have been job hunting before I got pregnant because I am currently unhappy with my current job for various reasons... I had been scheduled an interview for one of the positions I've applied for a couple weeks back and everything went well. First off, I would truly love to have this job for many reasons but mostly because it would be finally something with my Bachelor's Degree for Theatre Arts which is a very difficult field to get ANYTHING IN! After a few weeks of unable to get the second interview with the manager in, I'm finally going on Monday for it. 

I don't know if I should tell them up front that I found out just recently pregnant because I know they asked if you need any time off in the next six months and I didn't at first but now I will be having a reason to. I also am nervous to ask them about when their STD starts after the introductory period and how the medical leave works since I wouldn't qualify for FMLA with them. My current job would be giving me FMLA and STD which is pretty great but I'm just so darn miserable and stressed out and I know that can affect even the baby. 

I know I haven't been offered the job yet but I think getting this second interview is a good sign. I just don't know if I should just stay with my current job because of the known benefits even though it is less pay than what the new job would be offering. Maybe I should wait if they offer me the job... but then it has taken me 3 years to truly get any decent job interviews with a career in my field. Should I disclose my pregnancy to the manager at the interview? 

I'm at such conflicting emotions right now. These pregnancy hormones and symptoms don't help with this situation either, haha. My husband tells me to do whatever seems right at the time but he does that with anything and truly is a carefree whatever type of guy. 

Any advice girls would be appreciated. Thanks so much

24karat

Generally you don't mention anything about pregnancy prior to an official job offer. They're not allowed to ask and it puts the potential employer in an awkward situation.

Aside from that, the new job's STD won't cover leave for you since policies have to be in place prior to pregnancy. FMLA doesn't do anything other than grant 12 unpaid weeks off for qualifying circumstances and that you will get a comparable position upon your return. It also doesn't kick in till a year of employment.

Basically, you will not be covered for maternity leave (or have job protection) at the new employer unless they have an in house policy for maternity leave. Generally people are decent enough to hold your job without being legally obligated to, but I would not rely on that being the case 100% of the time.

lilweenie

Personally id just stay at the old job until baby arrives. I would then take the time off from maternity leave to look for a new job.

Speshul

You can ask about std and ltd while asking about benefits. Ask when it starts, your reason is bc you need to know if you need to look into COBRA to ensure there is no gap in coverage. I didn't qualify for fmla and am in a Right to work state...my hr lady said they still have to allow me the leave and could get in trouble if they fired me bc discrimination.

adoringangeldmb

Update: I decided to not tell them just yet since they are were interviewing more candidates. I did not want them trying to let the pregnancy cloud their minds of my chances of getting the job. However, I asked about health insurances and PTO. It seems my benefits would be available after 30 days so I'm not worried to take the job if it is offered plus my husband has a job at the current company, we both work for so I can just go on his insurance with a bit higher pay deduction and deductible but still only pay the same for delivery and such. It seems like either way right now is a good choice.

Thanks for all the advice though ladies! Much appreciated. I just have to wait till next week to see what the outcome is.