Would you put off TTC for a new job opportunity?

LADY324 · September 2012

A friend of mine just told me that her company is going to be calling me for an interview. I interviewed with them last summer but they never ended up filling the spot. Someone just quit today and they are going to start interviews again. The job would be more money (I don't know how much more) better benefits and the ability to work from home 1 or 2 days a week. That is all of the good stuff.

However we were planning on starting TTC in december. I have been at my current job for almost 4 years and have seniority here. I get paid pretty well and have ok benefits. I get to leave at 4 and I am home by 4:45. I am going to be 31 in March and I really don't want to put off TTC. I would have to be at the new job for 1 year to be eligible for maternity leave. Plus I don't think it would look good for me to be there for 3 months and get pregnant right away. I know it can take a while to get pregnant but I would have to be prepared if it happened sooner than later. Because of my age I don't want to delay the baby making process any longer.

Again this is all hypothetical but if they do call I don't know if it would be worth it to go in for an interview. What are your thoughts?

RayRay007 · September 2012

It's a tough call. I just applied for a job without knowing what the maternity benefits are like and how long I have to be there to get them, but I think I'm going to go ahead and try this next cycle anyway and deal with it when it comes. It pays so much better that even if it doesn't give me top up, I'll make it up in the months that I'm there before I go on leave.

anvloveskme · September 2012

I think for me it would really depend, but that is because of my age. I will be 33 next month, so I don't think I would want to put off TTC personally. Also, my DH will be 40 this year, and I know that doesn't impact his fertility, but he also stresses out about being an "old" dad.

tinydove · September 2012

Honestly, I wouldn't put it off. That's my personal views though. It depends on your specific situation. I don't know if they'd allow you some other type of leave before the one year mark if it were to happen, I think it depends on the employer. If you want to stay at the other job for the safety and security of knowing you'll get maternity leave, it may be worth it and the other company may have openings again down the road. I'd sit down and write out the pros & cons to each decision; taking the new job or staying where you're at, and kind of go from there.

Lurel · September 2012

I'm assuming that you plan on working after you have the baby. Since potentially you'll be there for several years, and if you would much prefer that position, I'd wait. Do you just have to be employed for a year before giving birth, or there for a year before you find out you're pregnant? I think if you have to wait a year to even start I wouldn't do it, but if you only have to wait 4 months, I'd go.

Orrr if you didn't plan on staying working for long, I'd just not switch jobs.

LADY324 · September 2012

tinydove:
Honestly, I wouldn't put it off. That's my personal views though. It depends on your specific situation. I don't know if they'd allow you some other type of leave before the one year mark if it were to happen, I think it depends on the employer. If you want to stay at the other job for the safety and security of knowing you'll get maternity leave, it may be worth it and the other company may have openings again down the road. I'd sit down and right out the pros & cons to each decision; taking the new job or staying where you're at, and kind of go from there.

I agree with you. It's nice knowing that I am established in my job everyone here knows my work ethic and like I said I have seniority and a lot of PTO time. I am thinking I might just decline the interview and hope that maybe once we have our first baby something else will open up.

ColinTheRobot · September 2012

If you get the job now, start trying in December, get KU right away & give birth 9 months later, won't you be looking at having been there a year & qualify for leave?

Anywho, that's a super personal question & all I can do is tell you what I would do in that situation...which is go for the job & the baby. I mean, jobs are important, but family takes precedence over every situation in my life. So if they're upset when you mention that you're starting a family, you just know where your priorities lie & assure them that you will be back at work as soon as your leave is over & ready to go.

But like I said - it's SUCH a personal question.

angelsnight · September 2012

Honestly I don't think I would go. I am also early 30's so the time crunch concerns me as well. I guess it would be different if you're talking mid 20's and if your current job didn't pay enough or have poor/no benefits. But it sounds like you would be trading a very decent job for a better one, but you're doing just fine in your current one. IMO the price of delaying TTC wouldn't be worth it.

However that is something only you can decide...but another thing to consider is even if it worked out that you'd be there long enough to get materntiy leave before getting KU, would you get as long as you will at your current job? That is a huge reason I won't even think of leaving my job until after I have a kid, right now I get 12 weeks paid ML, but at a new company they might offer way less time, especially with only a year in.

LADY324 · September 2012

Lurel:

I'm assuming that you plan on working after you have the baby. Since potentially you'll be there for several years, and if you would much prefer that position, I'd wait. Do you just have to be employed for a year before giving birth, or there for a year before you find out you're pregnant? I think if you have to wait a year to even start I wouldn't do it, but if you only have to wait 4 months, I'd go.

Orrr if you didn't plan on staying working for long, I'd just not switch jobs.

Yes I will be working after we have a baby. I just think a job would frown upon a new hire getting pregnant within a couple of months of starting a new position.

artistlife · September 2012

I don't know what is best for your situation, but here is mine.
I am TTA for job issues right now. I am up for a promotion within the same company. It's a lot more money and will make things a whole lot easier with 2 kids. I cannot be out during the summer for the new job. So, I am taking the next 2 or 3 months off. For me, the benefits out weigh the time. The way I had to think about is, which would I regret more. Not doing everything I can to get the job or having children that are closer to 5 years apart. Ask yourself how will this impact my family either way I choose. Only you can make the best choice for your circumstances. Good luck!

Suzi-G- · September 2012

For me it would depend on how much I liked my current job vs. how badly I wanted the new job. It's a tough call. I'm in a similar situation, my current job is grant funded and at the most will only exist for another year or two. There's a high likelihood we won't be funded for next cycle--i.e. I'll be unemployed-- our fiscal year starts in July. So, if I don't get pregnant this cycle (a June due date is my last chance to have a baby before the current funding cycle is up) I will probably stop TTC until I can find a new job (not easy in my field) and get settled into it long enough to be able to take mat. leave. It's kind of sucky either way. IF a fabulous job had come up over the past 6 months I would have put TTC on hold to make the transition. But my field is very small and jobs are few and far between so I guess it also depends what industry you're in and what the other prospects are like.

SarahDavis83 · September 2012

Sounds like you're ok at your current job. If that's the truth, I would stick with it. What's more important to you, making better money, or having a baby sooner? At least with the job you are at, you have stability and you know you like it there. Why risk it? GL!

darjeeling · September 2012

Sometimes a pay increase doesn't automatically lead to a quality of life increase.

If they really want you at this new job, maybe you could negotiate your terms? Don't back down on YOUR priorities.

Personally, I wouldn't put it off. GL!

LADY324 · September 2012

angelsnight:

Honestly I don't think I would go. I am also early 30's so the time crunch concerns me as well. I guess it would be different if you're talking mid 20's and if your current job didn't pay enough or have poor/no benefits. But it sounds like you would be trading a very decent job for a better one, but you're doing just fine in your current one. IMO the price of delaying TTC wouldn't be worth it.

However that is something only you can decide...but another thing to consider is even if it worked out that you'd be there long enough to get materntiy leave before getting KU, would you get as long as you will at your current job? That is a huge reason I won't even think of leaving my job until after I have a kid, right now I get 12 weeks paid ML, but at a new company they might offer way less time, especially with only a year in.

I agree with everything you said. I have been looking forward to starting a family for so long I don't want to put it off anymore. Right now I am rolling over PTO days from this year to next year so I will definitely have more time off with my current job as well. I am also considering taking unpaid FMLA time. I would be afraid to take off too much time if I was in a new role.

I think you ladies helped me make a decision. I think the benefits of staying at my current job out weigh those of starting a new job.

annersayspoot · September 2012

LADY324:
Lurel:

Yes I will be working after we have a baby. I just think a job would frown upon a new hire getting pregnant within a couple of months of starting a new position.

They might, but they might not. I would probably go through the interview process just to see if I was actually interested.

During the process I'd ask questions about current and future projects (to see if it would likely be a huge issue to take maternity leave) and also about when they want you to start. And I'd ask the friend about whether you have to wait 1yr to get healthcare coverage for the pregnancy or for taking leave. If it is 1yr for taking leave, and I wanted the job, I'd probably accept it.

Nothing is guaranteed. You could have a baby early, you could get sick and need to take time off, you could be required to go on bedrest. Heck, the company could go under. There is too much here that you can't control. All you can do is make the best decision possible with the info you have now.

Good luck!

PrimRoseMama · September 2012

Unless it is your dream job, or pays significantly better than your current salary, I would stay put. Seniority and reputation mean a lot. Also, with the economy the way it is and your desire to TTC ASAP...

To me it would not be worth the gamble.

LADY324 · September 2012

PrimRoseMama:
Unless it is your dream job, or pays significantly better than your current salary, I would stay put. Seniority and reputation mean a lot. Also, with the economy the way it is and your desire to TTC ASAP... To me it would not be worth the gamble.

These are my thoughts exactly. It is not my dream job by any means so it would basically just be for the salary increase which I wouldn't know unless I went through the interview process. I am comfortable where I am right now. I have already proven myself at this job and everyone knows how great of a worker I am since I have been here for almost 4 years.

CiderWench · September 2012

I wouldn't put off ttc for anything other than my husband losing his job.

fluffpup · September 2012

That's a tough situation. If you are content where you are, I would stay and not delay TTC unless it was your dream job. GL with whatever you decide!

kristykay123 · September 2012

CiderWench:
I wouldn't put off ttc for anything other than my husband losing his job.

I second this.

deelopi9 · September 2012

If it were me I'd go for the interview. You have nothing to lose by looking at the possibilities. Employers take a risk everyday that they hire a woman. What if you happened up have gotten pregnant by mistake. The fmla only guarantees that they hold the job for you, which you do have to be with the company for 1 year so if I had to wait 3 months to get pregnant then I'd wait. Just my opinion

TammyDoubleB · September 2012

I have just accepted a new job, and I have been struggling with this decision myself. I have decided that I'm not going to put it off. I'm 39, and my husband and I are on our 12th cycle TTC. If I get pregnant in the next couple of months, I'll gladly deal with figuring out how to take time off and how to tell my employer then.

Best of luck to you on making the decision that is best for you!

Emma61210 · September 2012

deelopi9:
If it were me I'd go for the interview. You have nothing to lose by looking at the possibilities. Employers take a risk everyday that they hire a woman. What if you happened up have gotten pregnant by mistake. The fmla only guarantees that they hold the job for you, which you do have to be with the company for 1 year so if I had to wait 3 months to get pregnant then I'd wait. Just my opinion

ditto. This is exactly what I was going to say.

karda2011 · September 2012

I would not put it off.

kelly422 · September 2012

IMO baby > job

Bunnyfer · September 2012

Just some insight on me...I actually just started a new job last week. I left a company I was with for 2 yrs to take this job. I also am not getting any younger, hitting that horrid 35 in 2 weeks. I thought about TTA, but decided I have worked to hard to pass this up. My only real big issue is I cannot take ANY sick time for the first 6mo of employment except some certain exceptions. This is a government job as well. I plan on returning to work after I have the baby. The benefits are great as well. I am gonna keep trying, and it will work itself out.

lynsef · September 2012

I personally wouldn't just because there is never a "perfect" time to start a family. There is always something; job opportunities, school, finances aren't perfect, house isn't big enough, etc. If DH and I had waited until everything we lined up just right we wouldn't be ready to start a family for another 2 years (we finally just moved out of our condo to a house, but he's still in school) and yet we are TTC #3. You just have to do what is best for you. GL!

HD12 · September 2012

It wouldn't hurt to at least go for the interview and get all the details about the potential job. But when it comes down to it, if it were me, I would probably stay at the current job and start ttc when planned. As long as you're happy at your current job and making a decent living, I don't think it would be worth it to put of ttc. Again, just my opinion. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do!

rissa06 · September 2012

cmbest52488:
If you get the job now, start trying in December, get KU right away & give birth 9 months later, won't you be looking at having been there a year & qualify for leave?

I was thinking this when I read you post.

There are a lot of factors me if I decide put off or continue TTC for a new job opportunity. I don't think this is something you can just make a decision on by hearing about it. I would still go to the interview, see more about the job, company culture, and everything and then make your decision if you are offered the job.

I have a friend who was laid-off from her position, found a new job, but part of her layoff package was that she could keep her benefits to the end of the yr in december, which included IVF. She decided to use that benefit and it worked and she is now due in a couple of weeks, just missing the yr mark. She will be able to return after baby and she hasn't been looked bad upon.

I with DS. . i found out I was pg the day that my new boss called to welcome me to the company, 3 days before I was supposed to start. I was really worried about how I would be perceived. For DS, I worked really hard so they new what type of person I was and kinda a worker. I came back right away, at 6 weeks and I left on a business trip a week after returning. I was promoted a year later after DS was born.

I am saying this, because it is not the be all end all and I think there are ways to prove yourself that won't reflect badly. With that said, it depends on the company, corporate culture and employees.

Good luck with your decision.

Erinm278 · September 2012

This is a personal question, it really depends on you. Personally, I would not put TTC on hold for it.

1026pumpkin · September 2012

I wouldn't delay trying- some people get KU right away, and some people have a very long road- if you know you'd like to be pregnant soon, start TTC now. The way I view it is, your family is really the most important thing, so prioritize that first.

I would still interview- there's no guarantee you'll get the position, and you don't have to accept it if you do, but I think it's always good to keep options open and that it's good from a professional perspective to keep your interview skills up.

If you take the new position and you're not KU, I might wait 3 months to resume TTC just so you'd be guaranteed FMLA. As far as if it's better to stay or go- it is nice to come back to a place that knows your work ethic and where you have some seniority, so you're not so under the gun to blow everyone away with your performance while struggling with being a new mom. On the other hand, the ability to work from home has made it much easier for me to have a work-life balance with my current DS. Sure, you might get a little side-eye at first if you get KU right away, but people get over it pretty quickly once they see you're a hard worker. I've known several people that announced they were KU right after accepting a new position, and once they showed they were good workers, nobody had an issue.

mbledsoe06 · September 2012

I have been job searching an have had similar concerns. One thing that does make me feel better however is that if I were to move jobs, I have purchased a short term disability coverage through Aflac that I can use even if I am unable to be paid while on leave if it isn't a Full year yet. I would hope that the new company would try all they can to help you out by holding your position even if you can't receive monetary benefits. Not sure I'd wanna work there if they wouldn't try their best to help you achieve goals in your personal an family life as well.

OnBabymaking226 · September 2012

Lurel:

I'm assuming that you plan on working after you have the baby. Since potentially you'll be there for several years, and if you would much prefer that position, I'd wait. Do you just have to be employed for a year before giving birth, or there for a year before you find out you're pregnant? I think if you have to wait a year to even start I wouldn't do it, but if you only have to wait 4 months, I'd go.

Orrr if you didn't plan on staying working for long, I'd just not switch jobs.

This!

Leah112 · September 2012

mystererae:

It's senseless to decline a better job because you "might" get pregnant. How will you feel if it takes you a year instead of a few months?

If the new position is more money, it might even be enough to offset the lost maternity leave time.

The ability to work from home will also be enormously helpful to you as a mom.

I don't think you owe them a certain amount of not-pregnant time.

I guess I don't see why taking the new job would definitely mean having to TTA - unless the salary increase isn't enough for you to be able to afford unpaid maternity leave. (Perhaps your state has some short term disability insurance? Or you could purchase some?)

This. If you are already waiting unitl December then I say look into the new job becasue you dont want to put your life on hold with TTC if it takes longer than expected. I'd sign up for short term disability now and maybe AFLAC to help offset any costs related to having a child. Not to mention if you can work from home a few days a week you may be able to be "off" but still be working. If it were me I'd keep living life and do what is best for you in the long run.

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