Job search while pregnant

ccam · September 2014

I know that similar situations have been discussed here before, but I can't find them!!

I work for the government and plan to stay within the system because of benefits, insurance, etc. I am almost 30 weeks pregnant and did not plan on applying for any positions until I am back from my leave. Although super boring, my work environment is great - love my co-workers and I have an amazing boss. But the environment will be quickly changing over the next few years since a lot of the uppers will be retiring. Most jobs in my field are located in a city which gives me at least a 45 minute commute each way. But a job posting just came out which would be a good fit, same pay and it would literally put me 5 minutes down the road from home/daycare. Job opportunities this close to home will be few and far between!

Do I even apply, being this close to my due date? Since I will stay within the system, this shouldn't affect my leave. Do I mention my pregnancy if I get called for an interview? My pregnancy is pretty obvious at this point!

Just looking for some opinions - I'm pretty torn right now!

Amelia4 · September 2014

I would definitely apply. In my experience, government positions often take 4-6 months for decisions to be made and paperwork to be processed, so they really might not have to wait much longer for you to come back from leave. And with places that have such low turnover, I think they are more inclined to wait longer for someone with the right fit. If that's you, that's you. What have you got to lose? I'd ignore the pregnancy in the interviews and only bring it up once an offer is on the table (for example, "I'd love to accept under those conditions. I'll be out on leave from X to Y" and then talk about how that impacts things, if at all)

NYMOM101511 · September 2014

Definitely apply. You have nothing to lose, and yes i would bring up the pregnancy. Some people/places are very understanding, so you never know.

TheBorg7of9 · September 2014

Go for it!

MommaP12 · September 2014

go for it. I once started a new job 6 months pregnant, it can be done if they find the right fit. Good luck! Let us know what happens!

minirella · September 2014

I was just picked up for a part-time position at a new healthcare facility. I'm 25 weeks with twins. They are so low staffed right now, the director of nursing didn't care that I was pregnant. I thought it was the elephant in the room so I mentioned it fairly quickly in the interview but he didn't even seem to take notice until after I said something. I work for a research institution on a university campus and I'm able to just reduce my time & effort here and monetarily, doing a part-time/part-time split works in our favor.

ccam · September 2014

Thanks ladies! Everyone is telling me to go for it, maybe it's just me being nervous and starting the whole interview process gives me anxiety!

@Amelia4 - that is so true about it being a very dragged out process. So I could very well be towards the end of my maternity leave by the time it all happens.

Samiantha101 · September 2014

What can it hurt in applying?

With that in mind, how much time are you hoping to take off after your delivery? Obviously, you won't qualify for FMLA. Are you ok with taking a shorter leave than you originally anticipated?

ccam · September 2014

Samiantha101 said:

What can it hurt in applying? With that in mind, how much time are you hoping to take off after your delivery? Obviously, you won't qualify for FMLA. Are you ok with taking a shorter leave than you originally anticipated?

My job is protected for 6 months (under the State) so I was planning on putting in for 6 months and taking about 4 months. This job would be more of a transfer since I'll be working under the same employer, just in a different department. So it wouldn't effect my leave, from what I understand. I'd obviously have to check with their HR and my union if an offer ever came out of it.

MrsMac613 · September 2014

You should definitely apply. I just went through this same situation. I applied for a position in the same agency but a different department. I ended up interviewing for it at 34 weeks and found out this week that I was selected for the position. I had the same questions that you had but one of the interviewers actually brought up the pregnancy. It kind of relaxed me when she asked how far along I was and started talking about her own kids. My plan was to ask them about when the start date would be and what kind of training was involved to kind of bring up the pregnancy if they hadn't done it first. Pregnant women are protected by equal employment opportunity laws so they technically can't discriminate against you for being pregnant. Good luck to you!

Samiantha101 · September 2014

ccam said:

Samiantha101 said:

What can it hurt in applying?

With that in mind, how much time are you hoping to take off after your delivery? Obviously, you won't qualify for FMLA. Are you ok with taking a shorter leave than you originally anticipated?

My job is protected for 6 months (under the State) so I was planning on putting in for 6 months and taking about 4 months. This job would be more of a transfer since I'll be working under the same employer, just in a different department. So it wouldn't effect my leave, from what I understand. I'd obviously have to check with their HR and my union if an offer ever came out of it.

Even more reason to apply.

Katelobster · September 2014

If your government job is anything like my government job, the hiring process moves slower than glaciers and you could be halfway through your leave by the time they are ready for someone to start. Go for it! Good luck!

ccam · September 2014

Thanks ladies!! My application is in so I guess we'll see!

Beevol · September 2014

I'm glad you applied! *fingers crossed*

If you get called in for an interview, address your pregnancy but try to in a natural way as part of a discussion of start date availability or the like; I've always felt uncomfortable when interviewing applicants who bring up information that I am legally not allowed to ask about.

sdlaura · September 2014

Hi, ccam! I agree with the other PPs and think it's good that you applied! Good luck!

ColoradoBoat · September 2014

Glad u applied! Fx:)

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