I'm totally putting the cart before the horse here, but I'm pretty fed up with my job in a lot of ways. I'm going to start seriously looking for other options and applying. If I get an interview, when do I tell them I am pregnant? Should I wait all the way up until I receive an offer and am ready to accept? I do intend to continue working after the baby, but will be taking 8 weeks off for maternity leave. Is there anything special I need to confirm in the event of an offer, given that I wouldn't be protected by FMLA at that point?
Post by revolution on Oct 19, 2014 14:55:38 GMT -5
Another thing to think about is insurance and std. The coverage May vary if you are already pregnant and/or not there for a certain amount of time before you need the coverage.
Post by chickadee77 on Oct 20, 2014 7:48:45 GMT -5
I was hired when I was about 8 weeks pregnant. I didn't disclose until I was about 20 weeks, and I also volunteered the info that I planned to return once baby was born. Thankfully, my boss and coworkers were absolutely awesome about it.
Tough one. It is hard to negotiate a maternity leave without acknowledging that you're pregnant... I'd probably just stick it out unless I was crying daily or something.
And should be done after an offer is extended and accepted.
As I said, totally jumping the gun on this, but they aren't obligated to keep the position open for me during my leave since I wouldn't be covered under FMLA. That seems concerning.
Post by vanillacourage on Oct 20, 2014 9:36:34 GMT -5
This is what I did (I was interviewing before I was showing): I did not disclose while interviewing, got an offer, negotiated and had the final offer in writing. Then I called my would-be boss and told him that I was pregnant and that my acceptance would be conditional upon a 10-week maternity leave (I qualified for FMLA at my old job and would not have left while pregnant if I had to significantly compromise on maternity leave). Boss appreciated my honesty, and when I emailed my acceptance I made sure to say "I'm pleased to accept at the rate of $X/year with the mutual understanding that I will be taking a maternity leave lasting 10 weeks and beginning approximately __ month", so that there was zero chance of misunderstandings.
I wouldn't talk about it pre-offer unless you were very, very obviously pregnant (like, in your last month or so). Try to wear clothes that minimize the bump and save your honesty for after you have the job offer in writing. But personally I think it's crappy to not tell them about the need for leave before taking a job, and leaves you open to the possibility that the leave they'll ultimately give you (if any) is less than you can live with.
And should be done after an offer is extended and accepted.
As I said, totally jumping the gun on this, but they aren't obligated to keep the position open for me during my leave since I wouldn't be covered under FMLA. That seems concerning.
I wouldn't accept a new job unless I knew I would be covered under fmla - or they had alternate benefits that were similar.
Post by stacyb1983 on Oct 20, 2014 14:54:30 GMT -5
I got laid off when I was three months pregnant with DS. I found a job when I was 5 months pregnant. I didn't say anything in the interview. I didn't look visibly pregnant if you didn't already know me. When they called me after the interview, before offering me the job, I explained that I was pregnant. I knew I was under no obligation legally to tell them. They still offered me the job. I only took a month of maternity leave. I wish I could have had more, but I was pretty panicked about money after having been laid off and out of work.
This is what I did (I was interviewing before I was showing): I did not disclose while interviewing, got an offer, negotiated and had the final offer in writing. Then I called my would-be boss and told him that I was pregnant and that my acceptance would be conditional upon a 10-week maternity leave (I qualified for FMLA at my old job and would not have left while pregnant if I had to significantly compromise on maternity leave). Boss appreciated my honesty, and when I emailed my acceptance I made sure to say "I'm pleased to accept at the rate of $X/year with the mutual understanding that I will be taking a maternity leave lasting 10 weeks and beginning approximately __ month", so that there was zero chance of misunderstandings.
I wouldn't talk about it pre-offer unless you were very, very obviously pregnant (like, in your last month or so). Try to wear clothes that minimize the bump and save your honesty for after you have the job offer in writing. But personally I think it's crappy to not tell them about the need for leave before taking a job, and leaves you open to the possibility that the leave they'll ultimately give you (if any) is less than you can live with.
Yes, this is what I meant by offer extended and accepted (meaning negotiate leave during acceptance), but much more concise!
Post by turtlewaves on Oct 20, 2014 16:07:52 GMT -5
Hi, I'm mostly a lurker, but thought I would chime in.
I had my first interview with my current job when I was about 38 weeks pregnant. I went back and forth on even accepting the interview because I was so pregnant. But it was a great opportunity and I needed a new job so I went. It was totally awkward, but I didn't mention it- even though it was so obvious!! I tried to focus on my past experience, why I would be a good fit, and all that jazz. I knew legally they weren't allowed to bring it up, so it was the giant elephant in the room.
Somehow things worked out and I was invited back for a second interview. I actually had my second interview on my due date (thank God I went late). During that interview they asked when I could start. I said something like, "well, obviously I'm pregnant...". They took it pretty well. I had planned on not telling them until I had an offer, but I could tell the interview was going well. I got the job and was able to negotiate a start date so I had about 8 weeks of maternity leave. It worked out great for me.
So, moral of the story- I wouldn't tell them until you have an offer and then try to negotiate maternity leave. If they are a good employer and they want you, it shouldn't be a big deal.