Please or to access all these features

Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Starting new nanny job pregnant!

205 replies

Seb101 · 18/02/2015 09:25

Hi all,
After some advice.... I have struggled with infertility for years. I recently did another round of ivf. My current nanny job is finishing next month, and I've been job hunting for a while. I went to an interview and have been offered a job. When I went for the interview I was in the middle of my ivf cycle. I was asked at the interview if I intended to have any more children (I already have a 5 year old) I had to lie and say 'no.' I have now accepted job and am due to start in two months time. Two weeks after accepting job I found out my ivf has been successful!!!! I absolutely over the moon happy.
BUT now I am due to start a job pregnant! By start date I'll be 12 weeks!
I can't afford not to work! I went for job believing ivf would fail, as it always has before!
Part of me thinks I should be honest, tell them, and let the
find someone else. But I NEED this job. I feel terrible because the family have cancelled there previous childcare and will be stuck if I let them down. But if I start I will only be able to work about 5 months max, then I'll have to leave. The family made it clear they wanted a long term nanny, and I reassured them I wanted this too.
Any advice? I'm torn between doing what's right for me; start job and leave whenever I need to, and putting family first by telling them and them most probably withdrawing job offer. No contract has bee signed yet.
Help! .......

OP posts:
Seb101 · 18/02/2015 17:51

Thank you guys, that's made me feel a little better about doing what i know I have to do.
And yes they asked me directly; 'I know we shouldn't ask but are you planning more children?' It kind of threw me, and I had to lie obviously, otherwise I wouldn't have got job!

OP posts:
wewishyou · 18/02/2015 17:46

They asked you if you planned to have any other children?? Is that legal??

It does make me lose any empathy for them having to find a new nanny. Karma is a beep Grin

Honestly, I think you should wait as long as you are legally allowed to tell them.

They can be annoyed having a new nanny, but it's not your problem, and they have to act in a proffesional way with you. Things happen, this one is the best that could have happen to you, don't let them stress you. (I would probably offer to work unpaid hours at the end to make the transistion with the new nanny, but I am always trying to please people, so that might be a bad advice)

Congrats!!

WinterBabyof89 · 18/02/2015 14:57

They shouldn't be asking whether you intend on having further children - pretty sure that there is legislation stating as such.

You're completely right - look out for yourself because they will only be keeping their best interests at heart. Long-term is never guaranteed anyway, so revel in the fact that IVF had worked (fantastic news btw, congrats!) and enjoy nannying until your new arrival x

Seb101 · 18/02/2015 14:43

Not sure if I'll have had 12 week scan by then or not. Thing is if I tell them In first 4 weeks (probation period) of job, they will be able to get rid of me without reason. I'd have to wait till 16 weeks!! Then leave 3-4 months later. I feel so guilty because it will cause their children upheaval. But I guess I have to look after myself.

OP posts:
YouMeddlingKids · 18/02/2015 09:28

Since they've cancelled their existing childcare they'll need time to readvertise, etc, anyway.... I would start and let them know then (will you have had your 12 week scan by then?)
AFAIK nannying is like any other job and they're not allowed to ask if you are planning children/ fire you for being pregnant.
Good luck and congratulations!

Swipe left for the next trending thread