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Was just offered a new job at almost 19 weeks...advice please.

sls2015sls2015 member
in Working Moms
So I applied for this position in July, wayy before I knew I was pregnant. I was just called last week for an interview, and it went well, but I did not disclose the pregnancy. Today I was called by the secretary, not knowing the phone call would be about the job offer, and accepted. I am scheduled to go fill out paper work for the job on Thursday and need a plan! I don't want to not be given the opportunity to at least prove myself just because I'm pregnant. I'm lucky to have a lot of people who are willing to support me, this is a position I went to school for, and I can literally walk to this job (a huge plus!). I'm thinking the main issue will be maternity leave, because I'm not supposed to have any time off the first year. They also require a physical, and I WAS asked about physical limitations, but the example that was given to me was rearranging tables, which I think I can handle. This job requires helping people with developmental disabilities, so I'm not 100% sure what other the physical requirements might entail (pushing a wheel chair, setting up for activties, etc). There is a 120 day probationary period, so there's a chance for me to prove myself, while also retaining an easy out if they want to let me go. Anyone been down this road before/ in the know about how these things work? What did you do, and what was the outcome? Any advice about what the right thing to say to them would be? It's been a trip to hell and back trying to find a job after graduation, and I'd just hate to be discounted if I can help it.
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Re: Was just offered a new job at almost 19 weeks...advice please.

  • erikapherikaph member
    I'm not sure what the legal implications are, but I think if I were in your position, it would be a sign of good faith to tell them now, and not wait any longer.  I would imagine they'd be more willing and able to work with you if you're upfront with them about it.  They can't discriminate against you legally for JUST being pregnant, but it does sound like there could be some accommodations you would need .  More importantly, there may be things you're not eligible for (like FMLA and/or maternity leave) so I would be really anxious about it until I got that figured out.  

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  • BabyHope2013BabyHope2013 member
    If I were you---I would get the job offer in writing if possible. Then I would try to speak with HR or your direct supervisor and let them know that you are excited to accept the job but have questions about benefits regarding a leave of absence due to childbirth. If it were me--I would want to know what time off I could get---even if it was unpaid. Keep in mind that you would not be protected by FMLA to have your job when you returned. They can't say that they got rid of you because you were pregnant---but they could magically eliminate your position due to something like a budget cut. 

    Congrats on the job! I hope things will all work out. That is awesome news!
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  • bachchicbachchic member
    Its definitely tricky to ask about benefits like maternity leave before you accept a job but you might be able to find out more information through company review sites.  For example, this site tries to crowd-source data on maternity leave policies: https://fairygodboss.com
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