Pregnant and Searching for a New Job

Frogtown Bride-to-Be · February 2014

Hi All -

I recently lost my job of 5 yrs. due to relocation and am actively looking for a new one. I am 10wks pregnant and am wondering how others are approaching finding a job while pregnant. I'm thankful that I'm not showing so I'm not too worried about going on interviews but just find this situation kind of awkward - please hire me so I can go on maternity leave in 6 months... When will you tell your new employer?

bookqueen · February 2014

I would wait as long as possible. I just got a new job and start in 2 weeks.

purplestarz · February 2014

As someone who works in HR...here's my 2 cents. Don't worry about saying anything in the interviews, but if you're hired your boss will appreciate as much of a heads up as you're comfortable with. Any adverse action on your employers part after that is pregnancy discrimination. However, giving your employer a heads up shows your concern for wanting things to go as smoothly as possible. Since you won't be employed for 12 months you won't qualify for FMLA (assuming you're in the US, if not, ignore all this!). Depending on your state, you may qualify for state leave (do some research beforehand). If you don't qualify for a state leave, the employer is not required to hold your job for the full length of your maternity leave depending on their policies. In my opinion, giving them this heads up for a smooth transition into your leave will show your employer you care and hopefully they will hold your job (again, assuming you wouldn't qualify for leave). I would talk to HR first before your boss. Hope that all makes sense

readysetorganize@gmail.com · February 2014

Hello! I'm in the same boat as the poster. Since we don't qualify for FMLA would it be better just to temp/find a just for now job until we are ready to come back After baby? It would really suck to find something I love and not be able to come back.

One more question, would it be appropriate to tell your employer right after they offer the position or should I wait a week or so into the position?

Thanks in advance for any input!

JavitaJoyce · February 2014

If you come up with any foods stuff that works key me know.I am 9 weeks and in the same boat

Frogtown Bride-to-Be · February 2014

Jen,

Thanks for the advice and info on FMLA. I am so annoyed that I am in this situation where I won't qualify for paid maternity. It's super frustrating because I have been professionally employed for the past 6 years and have been trying to get pregnant for the last 2. Finally, when I lose my job, I get pregnant (which I am so grateful for!) but my work history in the US entitles me to nothing... The one option that I read about was that I could qualify for FMLA if I was hired for a different position at my previous employer. I guess you qualify if you worked a certain number of hours the previous calendar year. Fortunately, my family is okay in our current situation on my husband's income but I really want to work a professional job. Perhaps freelancing is the way to go at the moment.

fruitloop151 · February 2014

This is what I'm concerned about... I finished dental hygiene school in November, but i'm still in the process of taking all of the exams to get my license, and then once I pass everything it can take up to another 6 weeks for my license to come in... I'm terrified of not being able to find a job, of finding one and then not having one... I am wondering if I should just do fill in work until after the baby comes. By the time I can actually job hunt, i might be showing and it will be difficult to hide during an interview haha

Kipperoo · February 2014

I'm in the same boat. So glad to hear I'm not alone! I lost my job two weeks ago and I'm currently 12w 4 d along. I can't imagine not working for the next 6 months. I have been applying and interviewing and if I do find a good fit, I intend to tell them as part of the salary/compensation negotiation.

readysetorganize@gmail.com · February 2014

Just an update, big interview for a full time position in my field! I'm so excited! Thanks for the advice and glad to know I'm not alone! Best of luck to you all!

Daisy1232 · February 2014

I am in the same boat. I live in NOVA but daycare is too damn expensive here, so we are relocating back to my hometown in Florida (where we met). I have only said that I am pregnant if the employer asks why we are moving. I have an AMAZING job up here and some people have been thrown off by me applying for lesser jobs down south. So I just answer honestly when the occasion arises. I don't openly offer it in the interviews Good Luck!

I live in NOVA as well and I'm worried about the high cost of everything! I'm encouraging my DH to look for jobs elsewhere too.

Frogtown Bride-to-Be · February 2014

I have an interview coming up in 3 weeks. I thought it would be sooner but due to scheduling it was pushed back. I hope my suit still fits then... ugh.

It's exciting to have something scheduled but I'm a little freaked out too - having to negotiate leave if I get an offer and the job would require a move (4 hrs away). It's a bit overwhelming to think about. I don't know. I'm hoping that some of the local jobs I've applied for will come through.

adoxyinherear · February 2014

I'm fretting about this right now, too. I'm looking at returning to work full-time - I'm teaching part-time - but have not been sure how to handle it. The one position I really want is teaching for a private school beginning in August. I'd pretty much be going on leave a month after school starts. I feel like I ought to tell them if I get deep into the interview process, but I realize it could affect any offer I might get. I just don't know what to do.

MrsFig85 · February 2014

I'm 13 weeks and just moved from maryland to Hawaii. I found the perfect job but I'm nervous that I won't be considered for the job if I show up to the interview with a little tummy. I'm wondering if I should even apply but I don't want to let it get away.

MrsFig85 · February 2014

Jen,
Thanks for the advice and info on FMLA. I am so annoyed that I am in this situation where I won't qualify for paid maternity. It's super frustrating because I have been professionally employed for the past 6 years and have been trying to get pregnant for the last 2. Finally, when I lose my job, I get pregnant (which I am so grateful for!) but my work history in the US entitles me to nothing... The one option that I read about was that I could qualify for FMLA if I was hired for a different position at my previous employer. I guess you qualify if you worked a certain number of hours the previous calendar year. Fortunately, my family is okay in our current situation on my husband's income but I really want to work a professional job. Perhaps freelancing is the way to go at the moment.

Same here, I see a lot of jobs that I can get, but I don't really want to work them. I feel like it'll be taking a step or two backwards and I'd definitely quit at around 8 or nine months.

Frogtown Bride-to-Be · March 2014

MrsFig85,

I'd say go for it. If it's the perfect job, it's worth trying for. You don't want to kick yourself later for not trying. Who knows, maybe it'll work out and you'll get the job. And btw, even though it's hard to prove, they can't discriminate against you for being pregnant. Good luck!

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