Work-related moral dilemma

AppleRidge

So, I'm not even 4 weeks pregnant yet.  I'm not planning on telling anyone but MH until 12 weeks.  But there's a wrinkle.

There are 6 people that work in my office, all doing the same job.  When one is out, the others become crazy busy.  One of my coworkers is being deployed for 9 months.  He's due back right around my EDD.  My boss is really struggling with whether to hire someone to fill this guy's place, and keeps saying that he would hire someone "if it was just going to be for a little bit longer."  Well, assuming I'm out on mat leave, that would make us short-staffed for a whole year, so I'd think my boss would want to hire someone.

My boss knew about my last pregnancy before 12 weeks because I had to tell him about the loss to get the time off I needed.  We're pretty close, so I wouldn't feel terribly awkward telling him, but I'd still rather not, if possible.

Thoughts??  Thanks!

lil_rhody

I am close to my bosses, so I told them right away all 3 times. They knew there were risks, but I wanted to give them a chance to plan. They always kept their mouth shut, and when I did m/c, it was good to be able to tell them why I needed to be out a few days.

BigSar1

I think I would tell them. It will make life easier for everyone at work to have the extra person, then they can be happy for you and not stressed.

PurpleK26

If I were in that situation, I'd ask for a 7 week u/s. Once I saw the hb and all looking good, I'd tell him. That would only be about 2 weeks from now, and it won't make that big of a difference.

nicobean1

PurpleK26:

If I were in that situation, I'd ask for a 7 week u/s. Once I saw the hb and all looking good, I'd tell him. That would only be about 2 weeks from now, and it won't make that big of a difference.

Good idea!

historychick79

I am telling my boss at this point. I'm also in a small office, and she was aware of both of my m/c's. I'll need time off early for the u/s's and if anything should happen. If successful, I'll also have the baby at pretty much the worst time possible for our office to be short-handed (one staff member is hoping to move by the end of summer, and I'm due at the start of the school year). So between support for all of my early visits and preparations for a crazy fall semester, she'll need as much time as possible. This information may help your boss to make a decision about hiring someone so they are trained for both your co-worker and your maternity leave, and make him aware for any extra  time off you may need.

AppleRidge

Thanks, Ladies.  I think you've convinced me to tell.  I wish I could wait a couple weeks, but he has to make his decision soon.  But I will tell my husband first (yeah, still haven't gotten a chance to do that yet).

katie9136

I told my bosses right away this time around because I wanted them to understand if I needed time off in case something were to happen again.