May 2016 Moms

Switching jobs later in pregnancy

Never in a million years did I think that I would potentially be looking into a new job while 5 months pregnant, but it's happening.
I was recently informed of an amazing job opportunity and after much discussion, I've decided to go for it.
Has anyone had experience with interviewing/ switching jobs while in the later parts of pregnancy? I'm 22 weeks, and definitely starting to show. I'm super anxious about all that would be involved in switching this late in the pregnancy game. However, I know that if I wasn't pregnant that this would be an opportunity I'd be jumping on without a shadow of doubt. I would hate to let this chance slip by just because I'm preggers.

Re: Switching jobs later in pregnancy

  • TXmamatobeTXmamatobe member
    edited January 2016
    Did you discuss your maternity leave options with the new company? You wouldn't be eligible for FMLA until you have been working there for 12 months so it's important to know what their policy would allow for. I think taking a new job is really great if it's something that strikes you as an excellent opportunity but the leave options would be high on my priority list.

    Eta: sorry - are you just now interviewing or have you been offered the position?
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic

    Image and video hosting by TinyPic
  • Loading the player...
  • There's been a few posts before of people in similar situations, and pregnancy did not seem to prevent them from getting the job, or at least being a serious contender. However you will want to look into the leave policy and the health insurance, since usually there is a wait time for that. So you wouldn't want to be without benefits for any amount of time. Otherwise, I think at this point it's worth a shot! Good luck!
  • The nice thing is that you can't really hide the pregnancy at this point, so everyone will be operating honestly and you can make the case for yourself as a great employee without being disingenuous.  You can even use it as a conversation starter: "Obviously I will have to take a few weeks off when baby comes, but I don't foresee that affecting my work performance/I can take that time to familiarize myself with the position/ I have daycare lined up (or lots of family ready to step in) so I can come to work after I heal and focus entirely on the job, etc..."

    Which is all to say that you can talk openly about your pregnancy and explicitly make the case that it will still be a net positive for them to hire you.

    They might not buy it, but the other choice is not trying at all, in which case you still don't get the job.

  • Thanks ladies. I haven't officially been offered the position yet. Still in the interview process. I'm aware of the FMLA and plan on having them include a clause regarding job protection for my leave in the offer letter. I'd also be able to switch to my husband's insurance.

    I've seen some of the previous posts, but most seemed to be earlier in the pregnancy when it was easier to hide/ there would be more time working for the new company before baby's arrival.

    Thank you ladies!
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"