Looking for a job/switching jobs?

kajordan09 · February 2013

First let me start out by saying I'm not in dire need of a job, but I have been considering going back to work part-time when #2 arrives (I'm currently at SAHM) just to keep active in the work force.

A job opportunity came up that I'm really interested in, and they are looking to hire someone in April. The hours are perfect, the commute is great, not quite sure what the pay is yet but everything else points to this being the perfect opportunity for me. I applied and I am going in for an interview next week.

My dilemma- I'm not sure when I should tell them I'm expecting. In the interview? when (if) they give me an official offer? At all? I am starting to show a little bit, but come April it will be obvious. I know it's against the law to discriminate against hiring someone who is pregnant, but I also want to be fair and give them a heads up that I will be taking some time off come August.

Anyone been in this situation before or have any advice?

amarissa85 · February 2013

I really hate to say it but even though it is against the law there are so many reasons they could come up with to say they didn't hire you and you really couldn't argue it. I don't know what to tell you about this. If you tell them I think they will be reluctant to hire you in all honesty. Do what you feel is best.

iriscarmendiaz · February 2013

I'm in a similar situation. Been unemployed since September, been looking for work, and I have a great part-time opportunity that I'm trying to get (great commute, great hours, unsure about the pay). I should know soon if I get it or not, but I'm also wondering if I should be honest and let them know I'm expecting a baby in late July. It's a small company of 4 employees (all women) and half of them with families, so I feel like they might understand. But even if I had a job offer in hand, I'm not sure if its a good idea to bring it up. They saw me in person for a job interview almost two weeks ago and I wasn't showing then, but I'm starting to show now (depending on the outfit). Any advice given to OP I'd like to hear too, since I don't know what to do either.

zora51 · February 2013

I agree with an above poster that honestly, I think they might not hire you if they know you're expecting in August. And there are plenty of other reasons they could give for choosing someone over you, so there's no chance of knowing it's discrimination. If I really wanted the job (or A job!) I don't think I'd be mentioning I'm pregnant. But maybe that's just me... Good luck!!

cinderin · February 2013

I would wait as long as physically possible. I would not say anything until after you have accepted an offer (ideally - after you have worked there a while, if you can pull it off).

I was kind of in this position in regard to deciding when to TTC. I really really wanted another job at the time, so we actually put off TTC for about a year (or so) because I was job searching. After I got a job I really liked, we waited until I would have been here a year the baby would be born to TTC. I didn't know we would get PG so fast. I will be at my job one year in June.

I am in HR. Where I work and the state I live in offer a lot of protections for PG leave.

One thing to think about (not sure if it matters to you) is if you get the job and you haven't been there a year, how much (if any) leave will you get? It might depend on your state, the size of the co, and co policies. Sure, they can't legally discriminate against you for being PG, but they may not grant you the amount of leave you may want/need.

shootthemoon · February 2013

This post offers good advice on the situation: https://www.askamanager.org/2008/11/job-hunting-while-pregnant.html

Incidentally, for all you job-hunters and working moms, this is a great site. I followed their advice religiously while I was looking for a job and although it took me about 9 months to find one, I finally have a great job I love that will be perfect for my family situation when the LO comes along.

iriscarmendiaz · February 2013

Darbie914:
amarissa85:
I really hate to say it but even though it is against the law there are so many reasons they could come up with to say they didn't hire you and you really couldn't argue it. I don't know what to tell you about this. If you tell them I think they will be reluctant to hire you in all honesty. Do what you feel is best.
This. I was in a similar situation and I didn't tell them until I got the actual offer and signed the paperwork. Prior to that job offer, I had received another one and told them about it before any paperwork was signed. When I told them the news, they actually took the offer back and told me it was due to my pregnancy. Sometimes I wish I could sue the pants off them but whatever. I would keep it secret for as long as possible. And don't feel guilty not giving them a heads up...they have a paycheck, you don't. That's what I thought of at the time and it got rid of the guilt.

Thank you for this. I was really seriously considering letting them know (if I were offered the job) after I had it in hand in writing, cause I figured if they took it back I could sue. But after hearing your story, if I get the job, I'm just going to keep my trap shut.

CitrusSwallowtail · February 2013

I have to say that I disagree that keeping it a secret is best. I am going through a similar situation right now and the potential employer was very supportive. I personally felt like keeping it a secret was dishonest. If it is really the type if company you want to work for then they will choose the best candidate for the job regardless.

Also, better to know up front if they have an issue rather than after you leave your current job and then realize they have an issue once your hired. Of course, if you are job seeking and not switching jobs then maybe not being up front is best.

I don't know. I usually go by "honesty is the best policy". Good luck in the interview and whatever route you go!

Kstowe07 · February 2013

I went through this my last pregnancy. I didn't mention it in the interview because I really needed to work at the time. I would wait. I think I told them my first day of work which I probably still should have waited until later. Good Luck!

Sascha3 · February 2013

I agree with the above advice, but just know that you will not be eligible for any FMLA time only being there for 4 months, so you may not be able to get the time off in August that you would like to have.

Rking81411 · February 2013

I am in a similar situation. I have been working as a presschool teacher in a city school since the beginning of November. I had an interview at a much better school last week, more rural and closer to my home. Pays more than current job but slightly less hours, but id have the summmers off with baby. They offered me the job and I accepted. I start on Feb 25th, and I will be almost 16 weeks. I have a little bump but by then I will def be showing more. I did not tell them I am pregnant, because honestly it doesnt matter. I can still do my job just as well. I will tell them after I start that I am pregnant, and that I did not mention anything during the interview because I was still in the first trimester and not sure of exactly how far along I was at the time. Im sure they will be fine with it because Im a teacher, and I know teachers are on maternity leave all the time.

So, my opinion is dont say anything until after you accept the job. That is still an adequate amount of time to find coverage for you in August.

Good luck!

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