Dream Job just opened up...and I'm 4 months pregnant

Codypup · August 2013

Hi guys - I've never posted to this board before, but have been lurking here (and on the bump in general) for awhile now. I plan on working for as long as I can, and then again after maternity leave. Hope it's okay if I ask for some opinions.

I just found out that my "dream job" has become available at a place which rarely hires. I've periodically kept an eye on their listings, with no luck - until a few days ago. The timing of this is hilarious/terrible - I'm 16 weeks pregnant, and I really don't know if I should apply to the job or not.

Part of me thinks that it's not really fair to the company for me to apply. If I did get the job, I'd basically work for only 4 more months and then have to leave for 6-8 weeks minimum. I run a business right now, and so I know I'd be wary of hiring someone 4.5 months pregnant (as wrong and illegal as that may be, it would definitely cross my mind.) I know that I'm qualified for the job and would rock it, but the whole being pregnant thing is throwing a slight wrench into the works.

I'm currently pretty happy where I am, but have to admit that this isn't a position I want long term. I'm not exactly on a career path -- I've reached the top, and while I'm comfortable and competent, it's gotten a bit boring. I'm also on my feet all day (which will become more and more difficult as the pregnancy progresses.) My boss is absolutely willing to work with me, and has offered me paid maternity leave (which they didn't have to do - legally they would have to keep my job available to me for 6 weeks, but they do not have to pay me.) I don't get benefits here, but do get a paid a nice salary with excellent vacation.

The other issue is that if I apply to this dream job, there's a large chance my current boss will find out. I guess that wouldn't be the worse thing in the world, but could pose some awkwardness, particularly if I don't get the new job.

Am I going to kick myself if I don't at least try for this job? Would you? Has anyone here applied for a new job while pregnant, and had it work out?

As you can probably tell, I'm torn. There's a large part of me that's scared to rock the boat. I have job security here, a very understanding boss, and a handle on how to run this business with little effort. I worry that I'd be setting myself up for disaster by starting something new at such a weird time in my life (assuming I even GET the position). But on the other hand, this is a job I've dreamed about for years now. It would also provide more consistent hours, benefits, and a long term career path.

Any opinions are welcome! Thank you in advance.

Codypup · August 2013

WOW that was longer than I thought it would be. Sorry!

NicoleWI · August 2013

You just have to apply and see what happens. If you don't, sounds like you may regret it/wonder about it long-term.

Pips09 · August 2013

You should definitely apply! If you are the right person for the job, having you there for the long term will be worth a maternity leave, even if it's only a few months in. I don't know how your current boss would find out, but it's the natural life cycle of employment that people find new jobs. Are you never going to every apply anywhere cause you don't want to upset your boss? Do what's right for you.

jennyelf · August 2013

I say apply! I did when I was 20 weeks, got the job at 26 weeks, started at 32 weeks. They knew and their opinion was that they were hiring for the long term, so the 2 month maternity leave was no big deal.

My only caveat is to make sure that you have something to protect you while you're on leave as you won't qualify for FMLA.

*sparky* · August 2013

I say got for it too !

shannm · August 2013

I didn't read the entire post but apply, apply, apply. Do not mention the pregnancy unless you get an offer and go from there. And I doubt a professional business would tip off your boss, it is against their best interest, but if they do, don't sweat it. It is all part of the game. You are just considering your options. He can't hold that against you.

Codypup · August 2013

@jennyelf, that's what I'm hoping they will do. I forgot to mention that I worked there before as an intern, albeit briefly and about 3 years ago. I am friendly with the director and am thinking of giving her a call.

I think that my unhealthy tendency to people-please is coming out now, as well...I feel horribly guilty about possibly leaving this job, even though I know it would be best for me and the peanut!!

And what's hilarious/crazy is that I am projecting like HELL...I haven't even applied to the damn job yet, and I'm already months ahead of myself (and assuming I'd even get the position!)

Crazy mama, right here.

Thanks for your opinions.

ccam · August 2013

I would go for it and see what happens. What do you have to lose?!

bethann3181 · August 2013

If this is a true "dream job" for you, you will always wonder and regret if you don't apply. Go for it, and good luck!

TheBorg7of9 · August 2013

Codypup said:
@jennyelf, that's what I'm hoping they will do. I forgot to mention that I worked there before as an intern, albeit briefly and about 3 years ago. I am friendly with the director and am thinking of giving her a call.

I think that my unhealthy tendency to people-please is coming out now, as well...I feel horribly guilty about possibly leaving this job, even though I know it would be best for me and the peanut!!

And what's hilarious/crazy is that I am projecting like HELL...I haven't even applied to the damn job yet, and I'm already months ahead of myself (and assuming I'd even get the position!)

Crazy mama, right here.

Thanks for your opinions.

Don't feel guilty about leaving your current job or applying for a new one. And don't feel guilty about taking maternity leave at the current job or the new job. Maternity leaves are part of life and we shouldn't even have to beg for them like we do in the U.S. if you are right for the job your employer should do what it takes to have you on board. Honestly, a maternity leave is no big deal in the scheme of things. Women will never be on a level playing field without maternity leave and acting like it's a super special benefit just discourages a better maternity leave policy. Sorry for the tangent.

SaraTF · August 2013

Apply, apply, apply. Seriously. Always apply.

I'm like you--I'd over think the situation and start looking months down the line. However, the reality is that they might already have someone in mind to hire and will never call you. Why bother worrying about something that could possibly happen? The time to worry about it is when they send you an offer. And you're in a great place to negotiate since you already have a job with paid maternity leave. Good luck!

KL777 · August 2013

NicoleWI said:

You just have to apply and see what happens. If you don't, sounds like you may regret it/wonder about it long-term.

This.

MommaP12 · August 2013

APPLY.

I started a new job when I was 6 months pregnant last year. I interviewed between 4-5 months pregnant, I wore all black and a scarf to my interviews, didn't say a word, then when I got the offer I accepted and then said casually "also, I'm expecting in September should I speak with HR or you about my options for maternity leave?" And there you have it. Get it girl.

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