Has anyone managed to change jobs while pregnant?

[Petsville]

I'm 14 weeks pregnant and am the breadwinner. My employer is about to cut 20% of the staff, so it's quite likely that I'll be made redundant within the next three months. I'm very conscious that it's easier to get a job when you already have one, but has anyone actually managed to get a job while pregnant? (I know perfectly well it's illegal to discriminate: I also know nearly everyone does, and my field is particularly bad for this - v. male-dominated and testosterone-heavy). Not telling isn't an option: it'll be perfectly obvious by the time I get to the stage of being interviewed by anyone, and in any case I wouldn't feel comfortable about springing it on them after being made an offer - it would start things off on such a bad footing.

Anyone have any advice? I'm also posting this in Chat in the hope that more people see it.

[LittleSilver]

yes, i have! interviewed at 28/40, started at 32/40. before that interviewed at 32/40 and started 39/40. Times like that was very very glad work in the public sector.

[SeaShellsOnTheSeaShore]

I'm in the same situation - possibly the same line of work if your name is linked? I'm going to do locum work for a while, then apply after I've had bump as I don't stand a chance getting one pregnant

They can't discriminate, but unfortunately are likely to. Speak to CAB re maternity leave allowance etc as its sounds like if you are made redundant you can claim to be on maternity leave before starting your new job - and employers won't mind that type of gap compared to the "I haven't managed to get a job" type gap.

HTH, good luck!

[VengefulKitty]

Within the same pregnancy I got a bank job (in house agency - as and when needed) at 2 3 months and then got a permanent job elsewhere at 6 months!

I have to say months - can't remember weeks these days.

[VengefulKitty]

That shouldn't be 2 3 months, but 3 months

[katiecubs]

Hiya i have just been made redundent and am 14 weeks so the sameish situation. I work in the advertising industry and have next to no hope of finding another job being pregnant! I have looked into freelancing but there does not seem to be much about so am probably just going to sign on for the next few months before maternity allowance kicks in. Luckily i got an ok settlement from my company so am not in a completely dire situation but its not ideal!

Good luck xxx

[Petsville]

Thanks for all the replies - v. sorry to hear you're in an even worse position, katiecubs. My field is bad but not, by all accounts, nearly as bad as advertising for discrimination.

Seashells, I think not the same line of work - name is a bit random, to be honest! But I do think I'm quite likely to have trouble. Good point about possibly being able to claim I'm on maternity leave - I will look into that.

[SeaShellsOnTheSeaShore]

On my CV I have no gap despite relocating, as I was still technically employed by my previous job but on 12mths maternity leave living a long long way away! I just didn't return to work and applied for new ones. I face difficultly finding work due to inherent misogyny in the profession so any little bit helps.

CAB can advise you re rights etc and entitlements, esp if redundancies are on the horizon its good to be prepared

Its not the easiest time - I'm just biding my time to attack career again after dc - possibly Not sure what will happen really!!