Careers and Pregnant

Hi everyone!

I'm 14 weeks pregnant and thrilled but I love my job too!

Does anyone feel this way? I am really excited for my future - I am in HR at a Healthcare Company's World Headquarters and I have the opportunity to do alot of international traveling this year but I feel like when I tell them I'm pg they will push me aside.

I know that is horrible to say but does anyone have any conflicts about work and family?

I'm totally thrilled about my baby and my family will always come first but I do want a career too.

Does anyone every feel conflict? Like how to be a Mom and Career person and jugle both? I know I will probably have to put my career on the back burner for a while but it's just scary.

Has anyone been through this?

I just want to know if I'm alone on this one...

Thanks for listening... I think I'm just venting today...

Re: Careers and Pregnant

I don't have kids but I totally can relate to what you are saying.

I love what I do and get a lot of satisfaction from it, and don't really want to give that up.

My husband also would like to be a SAHD but there's no way we could live on Long Island on a social worker's salary ;).

The positive in all this, is that I do feel blessed to have my background and education in what I do, because I think social work is a very flexible field in terms of jobs. I've also been working with the same population for 3 years, and all the "key players" know my work, so even if I had to change my schedule around, I think they'd be okay with it down the road.....

My MIL already has agreed to be our "sitter" as long as we have a "back up". She's dying for grandchildren to, whether it's me or her own daughter who recently got married (and is TTC)get knocked up first!

I'm NOT trying BTW ;).

Re: Careers and Pregnant

First of all congratulations!

What you feel is totally normal. I felt this way 4 years ago when I was pregnant. You will learn pretty quickly if your company will support you after you become a mother based on how they treat you during your pregnancy and leave. I say company and not career because of course you can have a career. The key is to find the working environment that is flexible for you to enjoy both being a mother and having a career. For instance, I was treated very well but while I was on maternity leave I was passed up for a promotion so i quickly saw that they were not going to support me in terms of motherhood. So I left and found a new place, same career which I love, just a different and more flexible environment where I can feel like I can negotiate deals and still be class mom.

HTH

Re: Careers and Pregnant

I also observe those around me in my workplaces who have children, to see how they are treated. That often speaks volumes ;).

Re: Careers and Pregnant

Thank you both! It feels nice to hear others stories. Actually, ironically today, I was asked to lead a global initiative and I was honest about the pregnancy and they were supportive.
I'm feeling better but life is so scary sometimes!
I wish you all the best - in careers and family!!

Re: Careers and Pregnant

I too am in HR for a big company. Since a majority of the responsibility for DS falls on me - it did effect my career. I don't really like to travel so that was always an issue for me and my job.

Also, I have a bit of a commute that is a little too far. Now, I am having our second child and I'll have to find something closer to home.

I do have to say this, if you don't make an issue and can accomidate what they ask you to do - I know that it will be fine. I pushed back on the travel and that was my personal decision. Just let them know what your are willing to do and I know it will be fine.