Job hunting while pregnant?

Hey all!

I have been looking for a new job for a few months now and I just found out that I'm expecting DC #2. I am still VERY early (Approx. 5w).

My question is--- should I just stop looking for a new job? I know legally I don't have to tell any future employer on an interview that I'm pregnant. (Not at this point at least) But, I feel like I can't in good conscience start working somewhere just to tell them a month later that I am expecting and will need a maternity leave. (Not that I'm expecting a paid leave- but still.)

From an HR standpoint, would I even be considered if I reveal during a job interview that I'm expecting?

I'm not due until October and I am an attorney- if that makes any bit of difference.

Any advice or experience with this?

Re: Job hunting while pregnant?

My friend is an attorney and is due on May 29, she just got a job offer from a small law firm in Manhattan, she starts Monday and they will give her the standard maternity leave (3 months i think?). She has been out of work for 2 years so she is elated.

So yes its possible. You just have to luck out w the right employer.

Re: Job hunting while pregnant?

I think for certain positions, especially where niche experience is required and if you already have stellar references and a great reputation, employers are more willing to take a chance.

I have seen this backfire moreso with lower-level employees who are more disposable.

In my field, I have known several people recently to get hired pregnant but like I said, they are not in entry-level kinds of roles.

FWIW, at my last employer, I was only there a couple of months and found out I was pregnant. They didn't bat an eye but I was in a supervisory role at the time that would've been too much for me personally with a newborn. I asked to step down when I returned from maternity, and come back in a different position. My boss who was great actually worked with me to create a position that I enjoyed until I couldn't take some of the co-workers and politics anymore. (That's a different thread though!).

P.S. During maternity they even had me work on some things from home so I could still get paid.

Message edited 2/5/2014 6:28:40 AM.

Re: Job hunting while pregnant?

Thank you for your replies!

I actually have an update--- so I have an interview on Thursday! I will be 6w5d on Thursday. What are the rules about what I say and don't say during an interview?

Do I tell them I'm pregnant or wait and see if I'm offered the job and then tell them?

TIA.

Job hunting while pregnant?

I would wait. You have no oblegation to tell anyone this early, certainly not on an interview. Ya know, technically you could not even know yet

Job hunting while pregnant?

Good luck with your interview. I regret not getting a job while pregnant and then having to figure out child care with 1 less income and not knowing has been VERY hard!

That's a hard one about telling them if you are pregnant. When I on an interview and have a vacation planned I usually tell them. I think you should feel the person out that is interviewing you. If it's a cold hearted person then I would wait. But if you walk in and see childrens pictures and a friendly person I would say something. My PT job I just got ended up being SUPER kid friendly, they even give off for children/teacher conferences and you get children sick days on top of your own.

Re: Job hunting while pregnant?

Re: Job hunting while pregnant?

Re: Job hunting while pregnant?