WWYD: job opening and starting ML (long)

[Deleted]

Sorry in advance that this is super long. Trying to walk myself through this...

So, I am 39w4d today. I am a teacher, so technically on ML already since school doesn't start until the end of next week (and I will be induced by then if I don't go on my own). I did attend opening faculty meetings today, but mostly to socialize and distract myself.

I told my employer I intend to return after Thanksgiving break, but they are of course nervous that I will not. Financially we have planned for me to SAH if we think that's the right decision, so money isn't really a determining factor at the moment. But I honestly have no clue how I will feel once the kid is born - I feel like it could either way.

I truly love the kids I teach and there are a lot of great perks with teaching at a boarding school - approx. 20 weeks vacation is a big one! I also have a lot of academic freedom in my classroom. The school is very family friendly and they have been really accomodating in writing out my contract and have offered me 4 weeks paid leave (out of my 12), assuming I return (I was told this is not standard and I believe it for a variety of reasons).

I waver a lot on how this will pan out - largely because of the state of flux the school is in and some of the administrative changes that have occured in recent months. There are lots of positives to returning...a big one being that my director is planning on retiring in the next 1-3 years and wants to groom me for her position. It would be a tough job to hire for externally and she has already expressed her desire for me as a replacement to the powers that be. My director developed our program over 25 years ago and is very much revered by the entire administration and staff. Huge shoes to fill, but this would be a great advancement opportunity for me in addition to a salary increase, but would require me to roll with the punches for a few more years....obviously with no guarantee that this is how things will go.

Regardless of how much I love my job, I am always keeping my eyes peeled for other opportunities. And naturally, I found one that seems like it would fit me perfectly. It's a combo of all of my favorite things about my current job...at a more financially stable school (which is still close to home) that I know would pay more (though not sure how much more). It would be a slightly different role for me, but one I think I would do successfully. Not sure of advancement opportunities and vacation time would definitely be less (not a problem - still would have summers off). The job listing is posted as "immediate need" so I assume they want to have someone hired to start their school year and I'm guessing they would write me off simply because I would not be available right away. These types of jobs don't come up often and because I am not certified (though I have my masters) I am limited to private schools. I kinda would just like to apply and see if I would get called for an interview, but I feel bad doing so knowing that I could give birth any day and wouldn't be available to work for a while and knowing I am undecided on returning to work - and at this point scheduling an interview would be tenuous. I don't want to waste anyone's time, but I would like to see where I stand since it's been a long time since I have applied for a job.

Lots of what-ifs and I know I am probably getting way ahead of myself...but WWYD if you were in my situation? If you did apply, would you mention being extremely PG (or the fact that you JUST gave birth) if they called to set up an interview? Would you mention delayed availability in your cover letter?

:drink: :beer: if you got this far...and drink an extra for me!

[SusanBAnthony]

If you really do think you want the job, I would apply. The only (major) issue I would consider, is that they would probably want you to take a short 6 week leave, and get you started right away. For me that would be a deal breaker.

[thedash]

In these situations I normally say go ahead and apply BUT the fact that they request someone "immediately" and you cannot start for at least 6 weeks or so makes me think this is just not the time for you.

[Deleted]

Aug 27, 2012 20:23:04 GMT -5 suzubell said:

I wouldn't pursue other career options right now when you aren't even sure you want to work post baby.
Honestly, starting a new position a few weeks pp would have made me insane, and I'm also a teacher. It was hard enough to get back into the swing of my classroom.

This was my initial thought too, but then I wondered if I wasn't sure about returning because of the changes happening at school that make me uneasy vs. liking the idea of being a SAHM.

[vanillacourage]

Can you email the hiring manager and ask about the timeline in which the new person would start?

[keh2oblue]

I would apply. In fact, I have interviewed for 2 p/t positions in the past couple of weeks. I obviously can't start now, but I made it clear I was very interested depending on when the position started and/or if they were hiring again in the future. What's the worst that happens? They need someone next week, and you're out. Maybe they'll keep you in mind for future positions.

[Ashley&Scott]

Aug 27, 2012 20:23:04 GMT -5 suzubell said:

I wouldn't pursue other career options right now when you aren't even sure you want to work post baby.

Honestly, starting a new position a few weeks pp would have made me insane, and I'm also a teacher. It was hard enough to get back into the swing of my classroom.

Ditto. I'm not a teacher but I found it hard to get back into the groove when I returned to work after 8 weeks. I can't imagine adding new job stresses to the mix.