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6 weeks pregnant, interesting new job offer

6 replies

MuffinBuilder · 16/08/2013 13:16

I have recently found out that I am pregnat with my second child. An employment agency has just contacted me with a job that is more interesting, better paid and closer to home than my current pants role. 3 weeks ago I would have jumped at the chance to apply, but now it is all changed. We could probably deal with the logistical / financial issues of not getting as much maternity money, but I am concerned over the ethics of going for a new job knowing I am pregnant. Should I tell them now? I don't want ot jepordise my prospects, but I also don't want to upset them just as I start (should I be successful) by coming clean

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Nigglenaggle · 16/08/2013 19:50

If its a job you want to stick with then I vote with honesty. You aren't going to make a great impression when they find out if you haven't come clean.

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TheDoctrineOfJetlag · 16/08/2013 21:17

Personally, I wouldn't tell

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slev · 19/08/2013 09:42

I wouldn't tell them either. They can't officially use it as a reason not to give you the job, but I think from the perspective of the recruiter, it would count against you.

I've started a job pregnant - it's not ideal but employers cope. And yes, you'll feel bad when you tell them but you'll all get over it.

On the slightly negative side, I've also pulled out of accepting a new job because I was pregnant and couldn't afford unpaid maternity leave (I have stunning timing with these things). The pregnancy subsequently turned out to be ectopic and by the time I'd been through surgery etc. they'd (understandably) offered the job to someone else. I've been kicking myself ever since because it was an ideal job for me and I won't get that chance again. I know that's a horrible way to think of it, but you just never know what may happen.

Sorry, bit a of a depressing way to end - am sure you'll be fine. Best of luck with your pregnancy whatever you decide.

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Laquila · 19/08/2013 09:51

I wouldn't tell them either. Sometimes you have to look out for number 1, and you're not doing anything illegal or, to my mind, unethical, in not telling them. In fact that's why there's no law in place saying you have to tell them! Who knows, you could end up working for them for the next twenty years, and by that time they'd have had plenty of work out of you :) swings and roundabouts.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

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Laquila · 19/08/2013 09:53

Forgot toasty - what do you expect them to do if you tell them you're pregnant? Realistically, they would probably try and give the job to someone else, and that wouldn't be legal or ethical either, if you're the best candidate.

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pinkdelight · 19/08/2013 10:47

I definitely wouldn't tell. You're early enough not to even know about it yet so I'd go for the job in the mode you'd have been in 3 weeks ago, then leave it up to fate. I always think you should approach these things as if you were a bloke. Would your DH turn down the chance of a better job because your baby was on the way? If not, why should you? There's your career and there's your family and thankfully they're legally separate issues!

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