For real?!?!

KristiPT

Yep, last week sucked in our house, first we had a scary OB appointment (which is not completely resolved) and the very next day...my entire company got called in first thing in the morning for an "emergency meeting".  Yeah, the company is bankrupt, we're all out of jobs, merry f'ing Christmas. 

So, I'm not too terribly concerned for my job prospects, as I work in healthcare and already have meetings scheduled with two of my former competitors.  However, the dilemma  now is:  if I am offered a job, which I am reasonably certain at least one of these companies will make me an offer, when do I spill the beans about being pregnant? 

I'm not due until July, at this time probably late July, but I'm already feeling like I'm having a hard time hiding this second time around bump... I'm concerned that if I tell them straight up I'm pregnant, I'll be blacklisting myself.  However, if I wait four or five weeks, they're going to be pretty hacked off, I'm guessing.  Any ideas?   Maternity leave is not going to be much of an issue, as I lost all of my vacation time, and sick time, and will not have been at the new job long enough to have any substantial leave built up.  I'm really screwed here I think.

FishNchips1

im so sorry ! hopefully a job comes up for you soon!

MrsA808

If it was me I would tell them straight up, but I would be clear that I am committed to my job and what my plan would be as far as when LO comes. 

PSUBean22

All I know is DO NOT tell them until you have accepted an offer and started working.  Then you can tell them when you want and after first tri is over and everything checks out fine (which I am sure it will).  Pregnancy happens and they will deal with it.  Sorry you are going through this, but I am sure everything will work out.

homebird

You don't need to tell them you're pregnant right away. They don't have the right to discriminate against you because you're pregnant, but the fact is ... they probably will.

Just_Jenn

I know what you mean - you feel like it wouldn't be right NOT to tell them (and have them get pissed when they find out after you've started) but don't want to take a chance that they won't hire you b/c of it.

I would wait until you get an OFFER - then mention it during the resulting negotiations, i.e. as you discuss things like vacation time and benefits. E.g. "I'm actually expecting a baby in July, so I was hoping you could clarify how the disability insurance works," something like that. After they've made an offer, they can't take it back because they find out you're expecting - but at least this way you are giving them as much notice as possible.

Good luck!!!

Jenn

ladyyoung

PSUBean22:

All I know is DO NOT tell them until you have accepted an offer and started working.  Then you can tell them when you want and after first tri is over and everything checks out fine (which I am sure it will).  Pregnancy happens and they will deal with it.  Sorry you are going through this, but I am sure everything will work out.

this!  it's totally acceptable to keep a pg secret during the first trimester.  when you do tell them, they will deal with it. 

i am guessing from your screen name that you are a PT?  i am as well:)

ladyyoung

Just_Jenn:

I know what you mean - you feel like it wouldn't be right NOT to tell them (and have them get pissed when they find out after you've started) but don't want to take a chance that they won't hire you b/c of it.

I would wait until you get an OFFER - then mention it during the resulting negotiations, i.e. as you discuss things like vacation time and benefits. E.g. "I'm actually expecting a baby in July, so I was hoping you could clarify how the disability insurance works," something like that. After they've made an offer, they can't take it back because they find out you're expecting - but at least this way you are giving them as much notice as possible.

Good luck!!!

Jenn

oh wait - i like this idea better.  i think telling them (as long as you feel comfortable about how far along you are, pg is established, etc) after they've made an offer will put you in a less awkward position if you accept a job there.

barnwife

Just_Jenn:

I know what you mean - you feel like it wouldn't be right NOT to tell them (and have them get pissed when they find out after you've started) but don't want to take a chance that they won't hire you b/c of it.

I would wait until you get an OFFER - then mention it during the resulting negotiations, i.e. as you discuss things like vacation time and benefits. E.g. "I'm actually expecting a baby in July, so I was hoping you could clarify how the disability insurance works," something like that. After they've made an offer, they can't take it back because they find out you're expecting - but at least this way you are giving them as much notice as possible.

Good luck!!!

Jenn

This seems like a good idea. GL finding a new job!

matthew24

Sorry but I disagree. I think you should be upfront with them for you will be leaving for a couple of months and think if you get hired and neglect to tell them it will create bad blood. Either way good luck!

stdldb29

Do not mention in the interview. Once they hire you, tell them right then.

I got hired while I was 36 weeks pg for my last teaching job, and right after she said "hired", she asked me about the baby.

Pumpkin&Roo

I would definitely not tell them until after you've started work there.  In this economy there are too many job seekers and it's very possible they'll pick a candidate who doesn't have an upcoming leave of absence if they have a choice. 

LmbrtiniMama

I am so sorry to hear about your job.  I'm in the same situation right now and I have read/asked a lot of people about this.  I am planning on not disclosing during the interview process unless they are really specific about needing someone during the time you will be on leave.  If that happens, I will tell them my plan for mat leave/returning in the interview.  But if that doesn't seem to be a concern for them in the interview, don't tell them until you have the offer.

This is really hard because not only do you want to do the right thing, it is also in your best interest to have a good relationship with your new employer.  Don't worry too much about that, just have a plan and stick to it.  There are a lot of people to back you up!

Also, one final word that I found comforting--some companies actually prefer that you not disclose (unless it directly affects your job) because they don't want to be liable for discrimination.  It is Sooooo easy for them to have an automatic bias of you b/c you are pg, even though they may not mean to/aren't allowed to.  I realize some employers may look at this differently, but from one perspective you are doing everyone a favor by taking that option off the table.  GL!!!

jjs2010

I too am in the same situation.  I am getting laid off at the end of the year.  At which point I will be just finishing my first trimester.  I have asked around a lot about how to handle the interview process.  Most of the manager I have talked to stated that they would appreciate knowing early in the process, like on the second interview.  The problem with not telling them early is you may walk into a situation with bad blood already for not telling.  I don't think there is a hard fast right answer though, you have to do what you are comfortable with.  GL!