Getting a new job while pregnant

becky17joe

I am 12 weeks pregnant and just applied for a new job and am applying for another job next week. I would love either one.

I am unhappy where I am at and receive crud for benefits, barely any vacation time and no sick leave.

I was just wondering if anyone on here got a new job while they were pregnant?? Did you have any issues with interviewing or them wanting to hire you if you are pregnant? Should I ask ahead of time about maternity leave, etc...since i will not be there a year before I have the baby. (Due Feb 16th)

I also have a short term disability policy through my work... that I can keep it going even if i leave my job. So that is great news!! I just worry about FMLA if I start a new job...and how that works.

Any advice would be MUCH appreciated.

h2babe

I have never switched companies while pregnant, but I did get a new job within the same company this pregnancy. The only thing that I want you tbe aware of is that in my company, we have to have worked at least 12 months before qualifying for FMLA. And I think it's similar in a lot of other places as well.

mysticporter

Both times I've been pregnant I've interviewed for/gotten new jobs, by coincidence.  I was 30 weeks the first time around, no hiding it, and I was offered the position.

Generally speaking, unless it is unavoidably obvious, you don't need to mention being pregnant at the interview.  I'd recommend you bring it up when you are offered a job, though, because to qualify for FMLA you have to be in a position for a year.  Anything the new position allows you, paid or unpaid, is entirely at their discretion, so rather than risk telling them later and them letting you go because you have to take some leave after the birth (it has happened), you can negotiate at time of offer for whatever you need.  Bringing leave up at that time also demonstrates that you are thinking ahead of both your and their needs at that time, and fully planning to return to work afterward.

The other concern is health insurance.  You mentioned your disability would continue (awesome), but if you will be switching health insurance, you want to make sure existing pregnancies are covered.  Generally in group insurance pre-existing conditions are OK, but I've heard of exceptions for maternity coverage.

wendyj

I interviewed for my current job about a week after finding out I was pregnant. I didn't think I'd get it, so didn't worry about it at first, then surprise! Because of the way school districts work, I had to give 30 days notice, so I didn't start until I was about 14 weeks. I told my administrator the day after I started, and he was very supportive. I could have had FMLA leave at the beginning of the next school year, but didn't take it, just the summer.

Don't worry about asking about mat leave until after you get the job and are considering your next steps. At least you will have your ST disability - that's something that I didn't have. Good luck!

shaw

I was layed off (as a teacher) and then found out I was pregnant.  So I have been through several interviews.  My biggest concern was staying calm and not letting my nerves get the best of me.  I would recommend not mentioning the pregnancy until you are offered a job.  I think every company is different in terms of maternity leave.  Since my new job is in the same state...as a teacher your sick days (which are you maternity leave) transfer with you.  So I will still get 6 weeks off!!!  However, you might luck into something better than expected.  Good Luck!  I hope you end up with a great job (and maternity leave)  :O)