Should I accept a job when I know I am pregnant? If so, when should I tell them?

[jigglebum]

Just this morning I was unexpectactly offered a part time job for September ( I am a teacher). It is just the sort of thing I have been looking for after moving to a new area over a year ago.

The hours are good (just 12 hours a week), it is teaching my subject, it is well paid, it is a very nice private school and has long holidays. They have offered to be very accommodating of my childcare needs ( I already have one DS who is nearly 3).

However, I am currently 8/9 weeks pregnant. I am not sure if it is right to accept the job in these circumstances as I could only work until Christmas and then be on ML (though not sure if I would be entitled to anything as only starting in Sep) and if I do accept when do I tell them I am pregnant? It would be very difficult and I feel bad even discussing timetabling etc without them knowing. However, I don't think they can take the offer away now it is made can they? Also I am very aware that jobs like this in this area are few and far between, I am not a natural SAHM, and I would want to go back in the following Sep (when DC2 would be 9 months) Also in the back of my mind I have the thought that I had a mc at 11 weeks before Christmas so you never know what might happen.

Any advice or thoughts welcome. Thanks

[Grevling]

Take it. You may want to accept the job then discuss taking a 3 month sabattical when you start. Going on ML and "Saving" the job for the following september. The school may also like this as they get to hire for a whole year not a term.

You won't get SMP but may get MA depending on your circumstances.

[cumbria81]

I don't know...I'd personally feel quite bad about taking it but it's your call.

[jigglebum]

I do feel quite bad about even considering taking it cumbria but jobs like that are very few and far between, particularly in this area, where there are not many schools. In the long run it could be beneficial for both me and the school. DH and I definitely only want 2 DCs and they would gain a good teacher with long term loyalty but I agree, it will be annoying for them for two terms. Interesting idea about the 3 months sabbatical.

I just had my booking appointment with my MW and asked her opinion! She thought it sounded too good to miss and could understand my reluctance not to discuss pregnancy with them until after the 12 week scan, given the recent mc.

It is a difficult one .

[Flippingebay]

Take the job. Legally you are quite within your rights to do so and they cannot refuse you employement because you are pregnant.

However, morally and to ensure you 'sleep at night' I'd be tempted to have a chat with them and put them in the picture. If they are a decent employer it won't matter a dot.

and congratulations!

[jigglebum]

just bumping this for the evening crowd!

[KatieMiddleton]

Take it.

[HappyMummyOfOne]

I personally wouldnt but legally they cant retract their offer.

Seems a shame when they have been accomodating with your childcare for you to get what you want and then leave them in the lurch after just a couple of months. It will make them think twice in future.

[floweryroyalweddingbouquet]

Take it. If you were confident about getting a similar job for next September that would be one thing, but for goodness sake don't turn down your dream job after having been looking for a year.Loads of people wouldn't know this early that they are pregnant anyway, and most people don't tell their employer until they are 12 weeks for the reasons you mention. Imagine if you turned it down now and the worst happened.

I quite like Grevling's idea of a 3 month sabbatical if you would like to do that - I'm sure the school would rather recruit now for a year's contract. I'd accept the job, then tell them as soon as you have had your 12 week scan. They should then have plenty of time to recruit for a year contract starting September if you go for the sabbatical idea, and may even have a second choice candidate they could contact.

[jigglebum]

Thank you for your responses. I think I will wait and see their formal offer and timetable and try and discuss it with them as soon as I have had my 12 week scan. I really don't feel comfortable with telling them before that due to my recent mc experience.

If I felt I could get another part time job easily I would probably wait until next Sep but considering I am looking for a subject specific, part time, secondary teaching job in an area where there are about 5 schools in a 30 mile radius it is tricky.

[LoveLeonardCohen]

I think you should take the job. Probably this job is like gold dust. It may annoy them but I think that you may have to do what is best for you and your family.
Not sure if you would get maternity, you might get maternity allowance.