Working mom advice/question

NithyaV

Hi gals.  I'm looking for some advice as to a potential job.  I've been a SAHM since I got laid off from my job this time last year.  I've had some recruiters look out for good fits for me job-wise.  Anyway, a recruiter got in touch with me this week with a potential job opportunity. He said they liked my background so he wants to know if I want to pursue to an interview.  That's all fine and good.  However, I'm 9 weeks pregnant...(I'm sort of showing if you know where to look and the outfit)

I haven't told the recruiter (we haven't gone "public" with the pregnancy which is why he's still looking for me) but he said the start date would be 4-6 weeks if they are efficient hiring-wise.  So if we use a 6 weeks time frame, I would work for less than 6 months before going out on leave.  I know I wouldn't be eligible for FMLA, but this company is a big company (nationally known) so they may still offer leave (my old one was a national well known company and they did this).  

But would it look bad to go to a job, work for 5-6 months then go out on leave (for ideally at least 3 months)?  

Thanks! 

EastCoastBride

I wouldn't say it would "look bad".  My main suggestion is that if you do get the job, work your a$$ off and really prove yourself.  Not that you wouldn't, but the better/bigger impression you make the first few months, the better. It will sustain you and make themless concerned when you go on leave.

 

kcisthebombdotcom

Honestly, I would not expect an employer to hold a job for someone to take a longer than standard leave who only worked for five months prior to leave. they may be willing to offer some leave but probably not to the tune of 3+ months. i would be willing to compromise-maybe you could take 10 weeks then work pt for a month before committing to a full time workload. I certainly think you're asking a lot to want to take over 3 months IMO. 

RoxyLynn

KC_13:

Honestly, I would not expect an employer to hold a job for someone to take a longer than standard leave who only worked for five months prior to leave. they may be willing to offer some leave but probably not to the tune of 3+ months.

Agreed.  Such a long leave after such a short term of working (assuming you're able to work all 5 months) is probably not realistic.

nicholssquared

I only worked five months before going out on leave with my first job, and they gave me six weeks paid "sick leave." They also were a large company. I find it likely that your company may do something like this - you will almost certainly not be eligible for more than six weeks (or eight - my company offered eight for cesarean deliveries). They also insisted on not a day more than six weeks or I would lose my position - I also had to come back with a document for my doctor's office releasing me to work.

My current job (which I will be taking leave after working there for eight months) will give me six weeks paid (but the first week I have to use my accumulated sick leave for, the next five are "free") and six weeks unpaid. I will be coming back to work for money, though (unless I have a stellar medical reason not to).

I say, take the interview and see if they'll hire you. If they will, talk to someone about benefits. Chances are they will give you a short disability leave, even with a short tenure. GL! 

KL777

It happens sometimes.  I took a job at 4 months pregnant and once DS was born I resigned and SAH for 3 years.  Just do a good job while you're there, as everyone always should anyways.

mazpink

Back in October, I hired a new employee right before I myself went on leave. After she accepted our job offer, she told me she was expecting and due at the end of January. I had no problem with it. I was able to offer her a full 12 weeks of leave (unpaid - and our HR actually suggested this, because they know the benefits of a mom being able to take the full leave and come back ready to work).

So, she only worked for us for about 3.5 months before going on leave. It wasn't an issue whatsoever. I hired her because she was the right fit for our company long term. She's back now, and doing a great job all around.

 All this is to say go for it. Don't feel the need to tell them you are pregnant until after you receive a job offer either.

 

ETA: I work for a large, national consumer products company.

dboatman

I had been interviewing for a really awesome position since I was about 12 weeks pregnant. I let all parties involved know up front that I was expecting, my due date, and I would want around 8 weeks off. They were ok with me taking the full 3 months, but I don't think we could swing that long financially.They were completely fine with it. The process of interviewing and hiring took quite a while so I actually started the job at 27 weeks. Leave is unpaid and I don't qualify for FMLA, but since I worked it out with my supervisors beforehand, it didn't cause any issues. My position is safe and they are completely flexible with appointments, etc. If it is the right opportunity for you and the employer, I don't think pregnancy, especially that early in pregnancy, should hold you up.