TTC & Career Changes

This is my third month TTC (for #1). I've been at my current job a really long time and because of that, when my time comes, I would get three month's maternity leave at full pay. Also, I think they would probably be flexible with my schedule after maternity since I've been here forever. However, for about the past year, I've felt as though I've outgrown my company. At this point, I've exhausted most of the challenges my firm has to offer and it looks like the best thing for my career would be to look for a new job at a larger firm.

My biggest concern is that I could start a new job and then potentially getting pregnant immediately. I don't like the idea of being brand new and then demanding three months off and then asking for a flexible schedule. On the other hand, it could take a long time to get pregnant and if I stay then I'm stuck in a dead end for another 2 years.

Has anyone changed jobs while TTC? Does anyone have any advice? I'm really struggling with what to do. I am in my thirties and am really looking forward to motherhood, so I really don't want to hold off on TTC.

Re: TTC & Career Changes

I definitely wouldn't hold off on TTC on account of a job. So much can change so IMO - it's not worth it. I work for a very large company with fairly decent maternity policy (3 months paid/3 months unpaid) - but they only let you have that if you have been with the company at least a year. In your case, I would probably stay put. Especially because of the flexibility on your return. Work from home days are a wonderful thing to have. However, I don't think there is any harm in looking. If you found an ideal job and got an offer, then weigh out the pros and cons.

Good luck!

Re: TTC & Career Changes

Agree with the above, if you switch companies you many not be entitled to any leave/FMLA unless you are working there for at least a year so if you are OK with that then switch. I feel like I could be making a lot more money myself but my bosses are pretty flexible if I have to leave early or come in late because of my DS so I feel like the flexibility is important. If i could work from home that would be an extra plus!!!

Re: TTC & Career Changes

Re: TTC & Career Changes

I'd do both. If you get a job first, then I'd put TTC on hold for 3 months so that if you do get a BFP then you'll have been at the company for a year.

Or, if you get a BFP first, then just put the job search on hold until you're out on maternity leave.

TTC & Career Changes

Thanks ladies. I guess I was just hoping to hear someone say they did change jobs and it all worked out for them. But I figured that would be unlikely.....
I'm setting up a meeting with HR to see what my options are within the company. I just don't know how long I can stay at a job and be so bored. It would've been ok if I'd gotten my BFP right away, but I'm just worried it will take another 6 months and then I'll be miserable for 1.5 years. TTC is so stressful!
I think I'm gonna do some light looking, but hope I get my BFP before I actually get anything solid.

Re: TTC & Career Changes

It can't hurt to explore your options. Not sure what industry you're in, but I could have written your post about not wanting to switch bc i'd get 3mos and flexible schedule at my old job... NEVER thought I'd find something better... well I switched jobs and wound up with 18 weeks paid and didnt explore a flex schedule until I had a second child, but I now WFH one day a week (I was at 80% for a while.) And I'm in a much better career position as a result. You know never know... good luck!

TTC & Career Changes

I wish I would have started working RIGHT after I left my last position. I got pregnant right away and thought it was "irresponsible" to seek a job while pregnant. I ended up staying home a year after LO was born and was MISERABLE! I couldn't wait to go back to work. While I loved being home with LO, I missed the money. I wish I had some words of wisdom.

The only thing I can say is that you can't base your life around TTC. If you get pregnant right away, GREAT! And if you get pregnant in 2 years, you might be at your next company for that long and they'll be accommodating. Good luck!

Re: TTC & Career Changes

I'm crashing. But I just want to tell you my experience. I put a lot off because we were TTC and we held off on making major life changes/decisions.

First of all my husband works in CT and commutes and we put off selling our home and moving up there until after we had a baby. Secondly I put off really searching for a new job, for the same fears you laid out.

Meanwhile it took us 4 years! I probably would have said screw it and made big changes after 2, but it was a weird situation. I had to have a major surgery to remove a fibroid. Obviously couldn't make changes before then. Then after we thought it would work. Then when it didn't I got involved with an RE and didn't want to get a new job when I had to be able to go to him as needed and didn't want to leave NY. Now I am pregnant. So big life changes are put on hold again.

Don't put life on hold for TTC. If I could do it all over again I would do it differently.

TTC & Career Changes

I just started a new job about a month ago and we are not putting any of our trying on hold. I have pcos and have been seeing an RE since the end of August. Since I don't know how long things are going to take and how far we are going to need to go with interventions I don't want to wait. I know it's risky, if I get pregnant tomorrow by the time I give birth I'll still have like 2 months before my probation period is over and I won't qualify for fmla, but I don't think it's worth it to put my life on hold. Starting a family is more important to me then a job, so whatever happens happens and we'll figure it out from there.