Why do I find that it will be extremely awkward for me to talk to my boss about this pregnancy?
I will be 13w3d tomorrow and plan to tell him. Baggy shirts aren't cutting it anymore with my belly growing.
My boss is that engineer type, and I don't have a lot in common with him. I really like him. But I just can't come up with the right words on how to tell him I am expecting without it turning awkward.
Last time it turned into a story where my boss rambled on about how long they waited to have kids...
Does this need to be an in-person conversation? Maybe it was as awkward for him as it was for you last time, and an email would suffice? If he's more analytical and procedural he might appreciate some suggestions from you about your workload and how/who could take parts of it in your absence. Sorry you have to face such an awkward encounter for such an exciting time!
Can you have topics ready to change the conversation if he starts rambling? Like holiday related or a work related question?
I love that you quoted yourself. Different boss - but exact same "type". The look at the floor when they talk to you type. Ha.
@runnindownthedream I am sure it is as awkward for him as it is for me, but I can't imagine delivering such important news that implies I will be taking three months off via email.
Hmm, it's a hard one....I would agree with email. Men hate awkward conversations too. This will give him time to compose himself as he won't be caught off guard.
@NicknShan it was super awkward with my bosses boss (I work with them both very closely, my boss was great, higher up was one of those types). I made it as short and sweet as possible. Vey matter of fact. I'm expecting a baby. Due in June. Answered his questions (all about maternity leave) and gtfo'd as quickly as possible. I knew it would be awkward so I tried to make it clean and clear while still showing excitement and commitment to my job. Best I can offer. Someone else may have conquered this beast better than I.
I think these type of people are just matter of fact/informational people. I would bring it up as such.
"Boss guy, I will be gone these dates starting in June for maternity leave. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make my absence easier for you/us/company"
I think these type of people are just matter of fact/informational people. I would bring it up as such.
"Boss guy, I will be gone these dates starting in June for maternity leave. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make my absence easier for you/us/company"
I have no advice, but PLEASE actually call him boss guy!!
@NicknShan it was super awkward with my bosses boss (I work with them both very closely, my boss was great, higher up was one of those types). I made it as short and sweet as possible. Vey matter of fact. I'm expecting a baby. Due in June. Answered his questions (all about maternity leave) and gtfo'd as quickly as possible. I knew it would be awkward so I tried to make it clean and clear while still showing excitement and commitment to my job. Best I can offer. Someone else may have conquered this beast better than I.
I'd recommend this approach. Short announcement ("I'm expecting a baby due June #"), focus on professional aspects (gone x date to y date), discuss transition of responsibilies during your absence if needed at that time, then gtfo.
I agree with @HBamama2B on that approach. My boss is the same type of guy. Short, sweet and to the point is the way to go! FX for you @NicknShan, I'm sure it will be just fine.
I agree with @HBamama2B on that approach. My boss is the same type of guy. Short, sweet and to the point is the way to go! FX for you @NicknShan, I'm sure it will be just fine.
+1 to this. I kept it very to the point and professional and leave out extraneous details last pregnancy. My current boss is also a pretty good friend, so I handled this one a little differently.
I'm in the same boat! Been putting it off for a while because my boss is SUPER nosey and has no respect for personal boundaries at all. Like when I came back to work after my d&c from a miscarriage he cornered me and asked me so many inappropriate questions. It was terrible. I just don't feel like discussing details with him now. It's a personal matter. Let us know how it goes! Maybe it will give me some courage!!
I ended up telling my boss when I was only 7 weeks. I live an hour away from the office with the express train- and if I have a dr appointment I would be taking a local train which would me a 2 hour commute. I also have a thyroid condition- so I have extra dr visits during my pregnancy. I wanted to be straightforward with him and let him know that I may need to work from home more frequently due to the time commuting after dr appointments. I was worried about telling him - especially since I just got married in August- but he was so happy for me. I find that most employers appreciate the honesty. It's not a fun conversation- but it is necessary- and if he doesn't know for sure he could be thinking you are hiding something far worse.
DH is a software engineer so I know the type! I agree with those who say if you can do it through email, it might be the way to go. Otherwise, just be direct and upfront because these types tend to be super awkward at conversation and would probably rather avoid it. Also, I'd stick with just the facts, and keep it concise and to the point.
I personally just told me boss today. I work in a small office with a total of 5 people! I have been putting it off for a couple of weeks now, but I feel so much better that they know. I couldn't bear to tell him in an email when I see him everyday. I just went in to turn in my time sheet and ask if he had heard my exciting news and then told him. He and his wife go to church with me and my family so I cannot believe they didn't know yet.
I'm in the same boat. I have a coworker, supervisor, and manager I need to tell. First I need to get the balls to talk to HR about my options. Unfortunately, it's a one-two punch because DH will be getting relocated (Navy) in August, so I probably won't come back post mat leave, but would love to work elsewhere in the company if it works out.
DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::
I told a coworker when I found out to back me up if I had to run to the bathroom to puke and she outted me to my boss one day when he was ranting to her after finding out his daughter is moving next year that I was going to have to step it up this summer to make up for her leaving and she was like, "uhh. Well she's having a baby in June so don't count on her being here the majority of the summer." Then she realized what she did and told him to pretend he didn't know (but told ME that he knew) and wait for me to tell him which made things even more awkward so I just went into his office one day a week or so later and said, "I know you heard my news and I have a doctor's appointment today at 2 so I'll be taking a late lunch."
This may be the wimp version, but you could send him an email announcing your pregnancy and ask to meet with him to discuss maternity leave, work load, and any transitions. Therefore, he isn't blindsided by your announcement and you'll have topics to discuss.
I hate these types of conversations. If I could go nine months with no one knowing I was pregnant, I'd take it!
I am so lucky. I work with 85% women, the majority of whom have children. My boss and I were actually pregnant at the same time (her with her second, me with my first). I told her at 9 weeks this time because people were starting to notice/gossip about my blump. She offered me some of her maternity clothes as she's finished having kids. Best reaction ever! I should also add that I'm in Canada, so I'll be off for about a year.
Re: Someone help me get some balls.
Triplets due 6/29/16 also from an IUI!
Can you have topics ready to change the conversation if he starts rambling? Like holiday related or a work related question?
Triplets due 6/29/16 also from an IUI!
Can you have topics ready to change the conversation if he starts rambling? Like holiday related or a work related question?
I love that you quoted yourself. Different boss - but exact same "type". The look at the floor when they talk to you type. Ha.
@runnindownthedream I am sure it is as awkward for him as it is for me, but I can't imagine delivering such important news that implies I will be taking three months off via email.
DST T4L
"Boss guy, I will be gone these dates starting in June for maternity leave. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make my absence easier for you/us/company"
Mrs. H
Crohn's Dx: August 2008
Endometriosis Dx: May 2010
Married: 05/19/2012
TTC #1: June 2013
BFP: December 2013
DS: Born 08/29/2014
TTC #2: July 2015
BFP #2: September 25, 2015
Good luck!
DST T4L
BFP#4- 9/26 edd 6/5/18
Triplets due 6/29/16 also from an IUI!
DST T4L
Good luck!