Will anyone hire me at 5 mos. pregnant?

alloyd1004 · May 2011

At 20 weeks pregnant, I was laid off from my job. Luckily, I will get unemployment, but it will be a struggle to keep up financially. Should I even bother looking for a job until after my baby is born in September? I'd love to take at least 8 weeks with her, too, and I'm not sure if it will be paid if I start with a new employer. I'm worried that I'll get "passed over" when it comes to selecting a candidate, granted I get an interview. Have any of you been in the same boat?

SailorGray · May 2011

No, but I have a feeling I am going to be...sorry I am no help. Sometimes it's nice to know others potentially in your boat.

Good luck!

laurynfaerie · May 2011

They probably won't, unfortunately. It's dicrimination, but since they don't need to give you a reason for passing you over they'll get away with it.

Sorry. I'm in the same boat.

SamJustice · May 2011

laurynfaerie:
They probably won't, unfortunately. It's dicrimination, but since they don't need to give you a reason for passing you over they'll get away with it.

Sorry. I'm in the same boat.

This. I've been looking for waitressing work. Money sucks, but the employers in the food industry realize that pregnancy gets better tips, at least around here it does.

Mereou12 · May 2011

I was hired for a new job when I was 27 weeks pregnant with DS. I was up front about my pregnancy in my interview (though it was pretty obvious), and we discussed my maternity leave options immediately.

I wouldn't count on getting much more than 6 or 8 weeks, and it most definitely won't be paid.

It might not be easy, but it's certainly possible.

acaver · May 2011

I would at least look, I know its a lot of work to look for a job, but you might find something, and if not, at least you won't feel like your just sitting around waiting. If it doesn't work out, your not any worse off then when you started. Who knows, maybe you'll find something.

Temp616379875002458 · May 2011

There are a couple of girls on some other boards who left or were laid off while pregnant... Both of them found new jobs after 20 weeks!

Stay positive!!

julygal · May 2011

I was a little earlier in my pregnancy and this was a few years ago, but I was hired while 15-16 weeks pregnant. They knew when they interviewed me, and we discussed maternity leave before I accepted the position. I was given 6 weeks leave. I could use any accrued sick days and vacation to help cover the pay but the majority of my leave was unpaid.

Also, how will they know you are pregnant from an application or resume prior to the interview? You might be passed over after the interview process (though legally that shouldn't happen), but I would imagine if you are qualified on paper you will at least get interviews. The truth is this is a tough job market and that is the biggest issue.

Accounting Chick · May 2011

I think it will depend on the type of work you are applying for - if it's highly physical, then it is unlikely that they would hire someone who was obviously pregnant (and they would end up not being able to completely fulfil the job description).

However, if it's for a position that has a job description that won't be compromised by the pregnancy, it's definitely more likely. I would be upfront and honest about when you are due (so they can evaluate if it's at a horrible time for you to be gone), how much time you are hoping to take off, and obviously if you expect to be paid for that time. If they can see your leave as not being an undue hardship to them, and you are the best candidate for the job, I don't see any reason why they won't hire you.

Sorry about your layoff. I can only imagine how stressful that would be!

krahgozar · May 2011

I work as a manager at a credit union and I hired someone who was 6 months pregnant and I know other people at my credit union were hired when they were obviously pregnant. I think it depends on who the interviewer is and what type of job you are looking for.

julier1111 · May 2011

i dont think you will find a job to be honest... i am in the process of relocating to another state and i am pretty sure that no one will want to hire me being 4 months pg. dont worry everyone is in a struggle these days and you can just keep your head up and be strong for your family. that's what i do. sorry i cant give you more than the truth..

2-Step · May 2011

What do you do? Can you look into short term contract work or get signed up wtih a temp agency? We hire office temps all the time for 4-12-week assignments. I don't see why someone wouldn't want you for that amount of time knowing you would be leaving anyway. It might help supplement your income a little. Don't give up hope you might find something, but you definitely won't if you don't at least try.

hoeylust · May 2011

I totally feel you!I'm on the same boat as you...im trying to look for a jobs and no luck for now, i'm trying to search online work from home.

crossing hands will find a job asap!

SugarQueen101 · May 2011

My sister was really pregnant when she had an interview for medical school. And she got in! So, I say that it's possible to find an opportunity while pregnant, just a little harder.

Sorry that you're going through this. Hopefully, you'll find something soon!

alloyd1004 · May 2011

Thanks for your honesty, all! Luckily, I am a graphic designer so what I do I can do virtually anywhere. I have some freelance work, but I have to do it under the table so it won't affect my unemployment.

ArcadianDreams · May 2011

At my last job we hired someone who was 5 or 6 months pregnant. She was actually brought in as a temp to cover for *another* pregnant woman getting ready to go on leave. She was given unpaid leave when it was her turn to have the baby, then they were able to justify making her a permanent employee. Some places are more family-friendly than others, you just have to find the right one.

Kelicita · May 2011

I applied for a job JUST before I found out I was pregnant. I had a phone interview last week. I'm supposed to go in for a panel interview. I'm debating on hiding my small belly, or just being candid with them.

I honestly DO think it will change how they perceive me. I hope we are wrong and are able to find work. But, can you blame an employer for shying away? I mean, the have to look out for their company, the team you'd be a part of, and the overall dynamic. If a woman is hired with the know she'll be taking at least 6-8 weeks off in a few months time, it could be kind of a rocky start.

Hopefully, I am wrong though. For all of us looking. I know *I* really want this job!

lmknight7 · May 2011

Technically, the interviewer can't ask you questions about your lifestyle (especially on the application), i.e., married, children, pregnant, etc....if you do decide to be upfront about your pregnancy, play it up the best you can. If you come off sounding like you're grounded, will be a stable employee, dependable b/c you can't afford to lose your job d/t the coming baby, responsible, no plans on moving, etc. that could be an advantage! Also, if you're a graphic designer - maybe there will be options to work from home if needed?

Good luck!

Kmarsh23 · May 2011

I just got hired for a job about 3 weeks ago, I didn't come right out and say it at the beginning of the interview but I had indented to tell them after they had offered me the job or decided if they liked me separate from my pregnancy. At the end of the interview she asked if I was going to need any time off and it gave me the perfect opportunity to tell her. I was so shocked that she was happy for me and then offered me the job. So I would at least try, there are people out there that will hire you!

StephK86 · May 2011

I would think places that would hire you would be like a huge retail store, or a restaurant. Think somewhere that has many employees that could fill in for you when you are on leave. Good luck!

ReadyToBeCalledMommy918 · May 2011

yes i was in the same boat didnt have a job for a while then went up to an old place i used to work wore a cute but loose shirt and got the job, signed tha papers and they couldnt fire me after that lol now they are discussing my gettin paid for the time im going to take off since ive worked thier before GOOD LUCK

vigurl · May 2011

Hi There-

I got laid off at 5 months. Interviewed for a new job at 6 months and got the job. I am now at 9 months and had an interview yesterday. I work in corporate and at none of my interviews did this seem to be a big issue I am still employed at the place that hired me at 6 months but still looking around for better.

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