On a fixed-term contract, and pregnant. How to break the news?

[secondtime]

I'm on a fixed term contract - meant to last until the end of the year, but allows for a month's notice from either party. I really enjoy my (fairly new) job, tho have had little feedback re. how I'm doing, so am not sure whether I'm on track to be made permanent. I really want to be, but think I may have ruined my chances...

...just to complicate matters, I'm pregnant. I've had a look at the working families website and it seems clear that they can't dismiss me just for being pregnant - and if they keep me on until the end of the year I may even get some kind of mat pay.

While I am pleased to be pregnant, I can't shake the felling that this will be viewed as pretty unimpressive. Is there a way to handle and spin the situation so that it all works out well? Ironically enough, I would want to go back. All just feels very complicated and worrisome...thoughts welcome!

[MrsBadger]

I was in a similar position (but with no chance of being made permanent and on a slightly longer contract).

Initial thoughts:

When are you due?

If you'd want to start matleave before the end of the year might the project you're contracted for conceievably be finished or winding down by then?
And/or could you save up annual leave in order to legitimately go on matleave a couple of wks before the contract finishes?

Whatever you do tell them you're pregnant as soon as you're comfortable (12wks I guess) and emphasise how much you like the job, how you'd def want to come back, how important the project is to you etc etc.

If you can bear to predict how much time you'd want off, mention this to them - they don't have to hold you to it but it might make them feel better (and more open about welcoming you back) if they know now you'll be back in the job market after 6/9/12m.

[secondtime]

Thanks MrsB. Did you feel a bit like a delinquent schoolgirl too, or is that just me?

I'm due in December, so your idea about saving up as much holiday as possible so as not to head off too much before the end of the contract is a very good one. And I will be sure to make a point of saying how much I enjoy the job and would want to come back; seems obvious to me, but of course they don't necessarily know that.

The projects I'm working on will last for the next few years, so I was thinking of suggesting that I start a bit of work after six months to keep them ticking over, then return properly after nine.

[MrsBadger]

Nope, that's just you

My whole team are on fixed-terms but two had had babies already so I could see how (and how not) to spin it to keep everyone happy and the project moving.

The 6 months off then 3 months part time thing sounds like a good idea if they'll go for it, but be aware they may make stern faces and say 'full time or nothing', which is a whole other kettle of fish - cross that bridge when you get to it, eh?

Remember if you're on actual maternity leave as opposed to 'between contracts' you may get up to 10 'keeping in touch' days that mean you can (if you like) go into work without forfeiting any mat benefits. I'll be using mine to (eg) make my presence felt at high-level meetings to check my project's not sidelined while I'm not there.

[secondtime]

Very good to hear that a similar situation is working out for you!

I'm part time atm, so perhaps offering to be even more part time for three months might have the effect of making them wonder how seriously I'm taking all of this (even tho I am v serious, would love to hang on to this job). I do like the keeping in touch days idea - could work very well if they decide to make me permanent.

This will be a lot for my boss to take in all at once. Tactically, do you think it would be smart to present him with the facts, tell him how much I like the job, and suggest we reconvene later after he's had a chance to take all this on board? Or would taht be seen as overstepping the mark?

Thanks for the help - makes me feel a bit better prepared for a potentially difficult meeting...

[MrsBadger]

Sounds like a good idea to tell the boss and say how you'd love to come back, then suggest a future meeting to look at the fiddly details.

You never know, he may want to keep you and use the 'thinking time' to come up with a plan re the best way to lure you back, or even get you on a permanent contract before you go.

NB if you're in academia try a shout for Tamum, who is v experienced in these things.

[secondtime]

Right, will schedule a meeting for Monday. Thanks again!