Working Moms

Unemployed and 6 months pregnant

Hello! So I have been a teacher for about 3 years in a local school district by me. I was married in April and a week after my honeymoon I was told by the new Superintendent I was being let go at the end of the school year. I fought the decision (which is possible through a hearing) and the decision came down at the end of June that the board of education would just not vote (to save face). I did have a summer job as a Director of a summer camp, but that ended in August. I found out July 8th I was pregnant, but that did not sway my decision to apply for jobs. Every week I sent out a lot of resumes to various businesses and school districts (I was not even being picky at all!). I did go on several interviews, but the ultimate answer was that I was either overqualified or under qualified. I did apply for unemployment since I was let go from my previous job and have been on it ever since.

Now I am 6 months pregnant and my unemployment will be running out. I have had no luck at all in regards to finding a job. I have experience in sales, customer services, administrative duties, banking, and even picture framing (1st job at 18 years old lol). Any thoughts/suggestions on what I should do?  1.) I am absolutely stir crazy being at home and have never been unemployed like this. 2.) My unemployment will be running out soon and I have bills to pay. My husband helps where he can, but he has bills and covers a lot of our larger ones.

Now that I am 6 months pregnant there is no hiding my pregnancy if I did go on an interview within the next few weeks. Ideas, suggestions, anything would help!

Re: Unemployed and 6 months pregnant

  • I second the substitute teaching. My SIL moved to her town too late to get a teaching job last year so she subbed. She landed a phenomenal job this year due to her reputation as a sub!
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  • I know it is a little late in the season, but maybe some places are still hiring temporary holiday help (retail). Just some extra cash to get you through the holidays when many places aren't posting jobs or hiring. 
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  • In addition to the sub route, maybe you could advertise/network to provide tutoring services? or maybe try to land a job with Kaplan/Sylvan type private tutoring or college prep class businesses? Not sure exactly how they work since education is not my field.
  • I was hired at a job when I was very visibly 7 months pregnant, so there is hope.

    From my own job hunts, I know that you just can't give up. Twice now, I have gotten a job that I didn't apply for because I applied for so many other things there and though I wasn't qualified/was over qualified for what I actually applied for, there was for this other thing that just came up and they had my resume on hand. Apply for everything, even long shots, you never know what you'll find and worst case scenario you're a little miserable but not worrying about cash flow while you look for a job you actually want to have. 

    Holiday retail in your third trimester sounds like a special level of hell, but it's not a bad idea (Michael's stores or other places with framing departments might be a good start considering your experience?). Making sure you're on the sub lists with all the local school districts is another excellent idea, and who knows it could lead to a year's contract come spring. 

    GL!!!
  • I've worked retail when I wasn't pregnant and that bad enough! lol Thinking about it during Christmas time makes me shudder.

    The problem w/substituting (which I have no problem doing) is that it could affect my unemployment. Right now I am making more on unemployment that I would substituting. I know I will not be finding a job around my previous salary and I am okay w/that, but I would like something that pays about the same as my unemployment (or of course more is even better). I figure school districts will start to have up jobs for the following year around February until June and then again in August, but I was hoping to get something now. I don't need the benefits since I am now under my husbands (He is a teacher as well), so that isn't a priority for me.

    I have applied to tutoring services as well as have my profile up on Care.com and sittercity.

    Thanks for the ideas ladies!
  • FYI- I would be really careful about subbing while on unemployment. It's my understanding that in order to remain on unemployment you can't turn down a job offer. Technically, if you have listed a day as available and they call you have to take the assignment or your unemployment can be terminated.
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  • b0710 said:

    I suggested substitute teaching because the OP mentioned that her unemployment was running out. If you aren't getting unemployment money, subbing is a good option compared to no income.

    Agreed! I just wanted to pass on the info my Union gave me when I got laid off and was pregnant.
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