Job dillema

juliehollz13 · May 2016

I know this has been talked about in the very beginning, but now that i'm farther along I feel the need to bring it up.

What do you ladies think about switching jobs/interviewing while pregnant? It wasn't a big deal when I was 6-7 weeks, it was still early, but I'm now 12w4d and just had a 1st interview with a 2nd one (hopefully) on Thursday or Friday for a job that would be paying me 12k more to do less than what I do now. I feel like if they do offer it to me, which I'm not holding my breath for because there's so many applicants, what do I do? Do I tell them i'm pregnant? Technically 1st trimester doesn't end until week 14....but still.....is it deceitful? Has anyone here interviewed during their 2nd trimester and got a job? Did you tell the potential employers up front or waited till you got the job?

Kacie209 · May 2016

After telling my boss last week about being PG, this was after he had talked about a couple job openings in our department. It was an easy transition to discuss, and he told me that I should still apply if I am interested in one or both of them (there are 2 different positions available).

So, I cleaned up my resume, updated my cover letter and sent the application off. I haven't been scheduled for an interview yet but know of another colleague who has. And actually, the only other person besides my boss (and his boss) that know is the person who also applied. No biggie as she's in a different city, and there are 2 openings under one of the positions.

My boss had said that by the time I'd be on maternity leave, I'd be in that position for months... so it shouldn't be that big of a deal and he still encouraged me to apply. If I get an interview, and possibly a second one... I probably would wait until my 2nd to mention it, or ask him what he thinks. I am really hoping I get this position, as it's a HUGE jump from what I have been doing for the last 6 years and the pay increase would gives us more comfort with this new baby, as well as be able to move in the next year. DH just got a big raise, but with daycare costs... it would even it out to what he made before pretty much. So, I figure WTH... I'll apply and see what happens.

princesslockness · May 2016

I interviewed last July at about 35 weeks pregnant. I ended up getting the job, but as a teacher its typically pretty easy to work with pregnant/pp women. I did tell them I was pregnant at my interview, but the principal's first little girl was about 4 days old, so he completely understood the I'm tired and will do my best situations.

jptrumptone · May 2016

If it were me, I would definitely not mention it. You are under no obligation to mention it during the interview process. I would disclose only after you have accepted an offer (and possibly after you start). Whether intentional or not, letting them know you are pregnant might jeopardize your chance of getting the job.

(edited to clarify my position on when I would disclose)

slartybartfast · May 2016

last pregnancy i switched positions within the same employer at about 6 weeks in - new supervisors, new department. I didn't tell them til 18 weeks.

LinziLoo09 · May 2016

Last pregnancy I was laid off at 5 months, and I started another job just a few weeks later. I didn't say anything during the interview, and once they noticed the belly after I started work, I just said that I thought the pregnancy was obvious...which it was but perhaps not as obvious in my interview blouse. They worked well with it, and we had arrangements made for when I'd be out.

This time around, I'm actually starting a new job - a fellowship - on July 1st, and I haven't told that employer yet. The application/interview process has been going on since long before I was pregnant though, so I didn't plan on saying anything until I started. And the head of the group had told me during an initial interview that it's a good position to do some family planning in (because there's truly no good time in academia), so I think he'll be okay with the development.

Long story, not short - don't feel guilty. Just do what you've got to do. It's not deceptive to withhold disclosing until you're further along.

rmml1331 · May 2016

I would hold off on telling them during the interview process, but make sure you are aware of their maternity leave policies/benefits. I interviewed for a job during my pregnancy last year (I was about 17 weeks along). Although I was up front with them about my pregnancy (it was evident at the interviews, so hard to hide), I was also very up front that I would not be interested in the job unless they were willing to offer me nearly identical maternity leave benefits. It was a deal breaker for me since I would be moving my family to a new city and it was my first child at the time. I was not willing to give up my paid time off. So, just make sure you do your homework!

cjt121413 · May 2016

jptrumptone said:

If it were me, I would definitely not mention it. You are under no obligation to mention it during the interview process. I would disclose only after you have accepted an offer (and possibly after you start). Whether intentional or not, letting them know you are pregnant might jeopardize your chance of getting the job.

(edited to clarify my position on when I would disclose)

This. It's business. They wouldn't tell you if they were about to start lay-offs; why would you tell them you're about to need some time off?

But yeah, of course be mindful of the fact that you may have limited maternity benefits and FMLA won't apply.

bailando.bebe · May 2016

I agree with PPs. You have no obligation to tell and they have no legal grounds to let it affect their decision anyways, so do not tell until you're hired further along (which is a more natural time to tell an employer anyways)

mattanda2011 · May 2016

I wouldn't tell them either, but I understand your dilemma.

With my first pregnancy I interviewed at 11 weeks and was offered a job at 12 weeks, started the job at 13 weeks and told them at 15 weeks because I knew it would take significant planning to find my sub. I was worried about it, but everyone was happy and no one said anything about not saying anything during my interviews.

During interviews they aren't even allowed to ask if you are married or have any kids anyways so I think it's ok to not tel them.

The biggest consideration would be that you will not qualify for FMLA since you will not have worked there for 1 year, not sure if that plays into your decision. My employer still worked with me, but it was not technically protected under FMLA

penelope4612 · May 2016

I probably wouldn't tell.

Also, re:FMLA, also check your state laws. In MA, parents are entitled to 8 weeks leave after working for an employer for 3 months (as far as I can tell by the laws) so your state may have protections in place that will still allow for maternity leave.

queenklau · May 2016

Agree with PPs. No need to tell them just yet. Just kill it in the interview! Good luck!

dmontgo · May 2016

Even though the lady that hired me at this new job knew I was pregnant (someone else told her), she still hired me.

HOWEVER, in any of the job interviews I had before that, I didn't mention it. As others said, it's business, and business is cutthroat. They like to say they wouldn't discriminate against pregnant ladies (or people in general), but believe me, it happens all the time. Most only care about money, and if you can't help them make money--Bye, Felicia!

So yeah, keep it to yourself until you're raking in the moolah!

juliehollz13 · May 2016

Thank you ladies! This has been very helpful and encouraging!

sammyl1221 · May 2016

I definitely would not say anything. As PPs said they wouldn't tell you if they were laying off jobs. I understand where you're coming from- you don't want to be perceived as deceitful or less than truthful when you do tell them that you're expecting.... But it's your body and you don't need to tell them squat until you're ready.

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