Job security concerns - part-time job, no FMLA, and pregnancy.

afoxinautumn

Hi everyone, I have a part-time job that I really enjoy and I hope to keep it long-term because it is very meaningful to me.  I am not pregnant yet but my husband and I are going to start trying soon.  One thing that is causing me a lot of stress is that, while I love my job and coworkers, our executive director is awful and not understanding.  Further, my company does not qualify for FMLA because we are under 50 employees.

I am really worried that, if I get pregnant, my executive director will decide to either bump me out of my job or just not hold my job for me while I have my baby and adjust to new motherhood.  Has anyone else been through this?  How did you decide what to do, and what happened with your position?

Thank you!

rue:D

I have not had to deal with this and won't because our company qualifies for FMLA. Unfortunately for you, unless you have any other state laws providing for job security, your employer does not have to hold your job for you while you are out. (If they fire you or force you out because you get pregnant, you may have a discrimination case to pursue, though.)

I would have an honest discussion with your direct supervisor (hopefully not the executive director, but if that's your supervisor...) That you love your job and want to continue there even after pregnancy and childbirth. That you know it backwards and forwards, it's meaningful to you, and you think they would be hard-pressed to backfill it should they decide not to hold it open for you until your return. It may not do any good, but at least you will have made your case. If they truly value you as an employee, they should at least consider it.

patriciahomol

If it were me I would talk to the director and see what she says. When I was pregnant with my DS I had a part time job I worked at and as soon as I found out I discussed with the owner since I wasn't there long enough to qualify for FMLA and made sure my job would be safe It turned out after the baby was born they brought me back full time and made me the manager lol.

SO I would talk to your boss and let her know that it means a lot to you and that you want to return. I think being honest with her would be the best option. 

Stephanieshort2

I am in a similar situation at work. I don't qualify for FMLA due to the size of our local office, but I'm also in charge of all human resources and payroll duties, so it complicates things. My boss in Switzerland hasn't handled the situation very well and I don't feel like my job will be here when I return, so I'm debating my options now. 

Best of luck to you!