They Don't Know I'm 39 Weeks...

Angelfish82 · March 2012

I'm due to give birth to my first child on March 17th. I had always planned to go back to work full-time with a different agency, and about a week or two ago I located an opportunity I just couldn't pass up. I applied, hoping the interview process would be long. Unfortunately, it's going faster than I would like, and I"m not sure what to do about it.

I had a phone interview early this week. I did not mention my pregnancy during the interview because I didn't want to be ruled out right away. Last night the organization emailed me to ask about my availability next week so I could come into the office in person.

I work in the nonprofit sector, and while people in this industry tend to be more sensitive to these issues, they also tend to be less concerned about legal implications; many nonprofits lack the resources required to understand the risks of being accused of discrimination against pregnant job applicants, employees, etc. Also, I'm sure they could easily not hire me because they want someone to start ASAP and my pregnancy rules that out but then just say they chose not to hire me for a completely different reason. It would be impossible for them to prove me wrong!

I feel that if I tell them beforehand they might make their decision before they even get to know me and they'll be biased against me during the interview.

However, I feel that if I don't tell them beforehand they will see me as being dishonest. Nonprofits appreciate transparency.

Also, I could end up going into labor right before my interview. What then? Am I going to have to come up with some other excuse that could be found out later?

I'm a FTM so I honestly don't know when I will feel comfortable enough to go back to work. Thankfully, I have a husband who works nights and is sort of destined to be a dad - he would have no problem whatsoever taking care of our LO during the day. I wish I could waltz in there and tell them, "Oh yes, I'll be ready to work in a few weeks," but I just can't say that with confidence.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!

waTracy · March 2012

I think that you need to tell them. It's not like you are early on in your pregnancy. Heck, at 39 weeks I was already on maternity leave b/c I was struggling at work so much. They may understand and hire a temp if they really want you. But you have to understand that they might pass right now on you and ask for you to look in the future to apply again. What a tough decision. Good luck!

Iblamethebeer · March 2012

I would tell them.

I would NOT say that you don't know when you'll be ready to return to work. In order for them to fairly assess you as a candidate, they will need to know when they can count on having you in the office.