could you please post anonymously! I was just hired at my dream job after a successful round of IVF in November. I am 9weeks pregnant and have not told my new employer yet. I just recieved my contract and the probation period is 6months. Im absolutley terrified that they will fire me once they find out im pregnant. The thought of loosing my dream job that I studied for years to get along side being unemployed with a baby on the way is stressing me to no end. I have been advised by friends that they can sack me once they find out and its not discrimination because you are not covered by all those laws while on probation. I guess im just looking for some advice and opinions on when and how to tell my new boss? and if anyone else has ever been in a similar situation. Thanks
10 Replies
Work your arse off, be indispensable.
Good, dedicated and competent workers are hard to find these days.
Let your work do the talking.
Don’t tell them for a bit.
I got a job then when I told them I'm pregnant they unhappily said well we can't do anything about it. Went cold, rostered me on a crazy amount on time I had off and said if you cant do it then leave, called me when I was away and said you're not here are you quitting. I could have followed them up, but I was pregnant and busy and found another job (at 5 months pregnant) who said from go that there's plenty of mothers working there. And it was the best move ever. I advise the same to you, if theyre not supportive, you dont want to be there long term any way.
You're probably just going to have to suck it up and tell them. Unfortunately the IVF part means it's very hard to play dumb and say you only just found out. The other option is timing - if you hadn't found out the results before you went for your interviews you could bring it up like that?
I've had a couple of friends who have been pregnant and hired while pregnant without saying anything - neither were let go. It isn't legal to let you go while pregnant in any circumstances.
This was me!! I was 8 weeks with twins so I had to stop even earlier I was devastated that I’d lose my job. They were fine with it, I gave them enough notice. If they fire you that’s illegal and you can seek compensation, there are laws around this.
they can't fire you for being pregnant, however you can choose to terminate in the probationary period if the employer feels they are not good for the role. this covers anything and if they don't want her it's easy to create
a list to keep you out of court. any smart manager can work around this if they are that way inclined
Work your ass off. Prove yourself and go and have a meeting with the managers and explain your situation and how you don’t want to lose your dream job. Be up front, open and honest with them. Maybe wait a little longer so you can prove yourself.
I left a job I had been at for over 10yrs, was looking for other work just need to get out of stressful workplace, one week later -surprise pregnancy. I got a job 8wks later, didn’t tell them until I was 20wks (didn’t know if I would miscarriage, pcos) my boss was so happy for me and kept my job for 5months (government ppl). But I know what you’re saying as I was so scared they would sack me, obviously not saying because of being pregnant. Good luck, I hope you have the same outcome. Well wishes for a safe delivery 👶🏼
I fell pregnant whilst I was under a casual contract which was renewed every three months so long as my work was still required. I waited until I was around 6 months pregnant, got my contract renewed then disclosed to them. After the three month contract I terminated my contract and took 18 months maternity leave after which I applied for part time work. My previous employer contacted me to offer my old position back, but couldn’t offer part time so I had to decline. Anyway I applied for a new position and was 24 weeks pregnant when they interviewed me. I disclosed at the interview and they still hired me, despite me only being able to fulfil 2 months of a 6 month contract. They then contacted me during my maternity leave to offer me a new 3 year contract, honouring my years maternity leave. I find being honest the best way. That way you will know if the job is a good fit for you too. If they don’t honour your family commitments then maybe the job isn’t right for you? I’m still with my employer and have no intention of leaving any time soon! They offer lots of flexibility for family commitments (allow me to work from home when kids are sick, leave early for school pick up, flexible hours during summer holidays etc). In return I work hard and cover additional hours to support my managers whenever I can.
Congratulations! IVF is shit so be excited that you have a little human on board. I would wait until you where 12/14weeks or so (provide if you are not showing) and be honest. by then you will have been there for 3 months and shown you are the right person for the job. As someone who hires people i would be spewing if a new hire was pregnant when i hired them, as it's such an effort to recruit and train a new person, but wouldn't be a road block for the right person. Prove that the business needs you.
At the end of the day it's just a job, all experience is good for your CV and if you are safe to do so keep working until you can. Sometimes we have to work hard and hope fete has a good plan.
I did not know I was pregnant till after I was hired.
I had a lot of experience, knew I was great at my job. But I started forgetting things, obviously was not well, dropped things.
It was split shift 40hrs, I was exhausted.
I had to tell them as my actions didn't reflect my resume.
They were fantastic.
We are now employers, and good staff are hard to come by. Give them a time frame to replace you.