Just found out I’m pregnant, got a job interview Tuesday

[LilyKitten]

Hi,

First time poster although I’ve been lurking for ages on MN.

Ive been thinking about changing jobs for a while, and had an interview on Thursday that went well. They invited me for a second interview on Tuesday. However, on Friday night I realised my period was late so took a pregnancy test Saturday morning and it was positive. I’m really happy because we’ve been ttc for a while but don’t know what to do know about the job.

The job would be great, really suit me, and would be so much better from a childcare point of view in the future than my current job. But is it a good idea to change jobs now that I know I’m pregnant?

Do the interview and see what happens. If you don't get offered the job, no dilemma. If you do, you can make your decision then. It will mean no maternity pay, just allowance, but it might be worth that for other reasons.

You're very unlikely to quality for maternity pay, so could you afford or would you want to have maternity leave without it?

It's a very tricky choice. Does this job come up very often?

Absolutely go to the interview but you will just need to figure out the financial implications of changing jobs before accepting if you're offered it

And congratulations!

I'm in a similar position but currently on probation. They can't technically "dismiss" you. The only thing I am not sure about is since you have started the job i am not sure it that changes things but you have no obligation to disclose this yet until your 3 months or even 6.

So it you think it benefits you overall and family then I would take the shot but not disclose it yet.... I have come to terms with whatever happens happens ... if they dismiss you take it up legally 🤷🏻‍♀️

Congratulations on the positive test!

Go to the interview. You don’t want to regret not trying.

Sorry my post was a mess!!!

I'm in a similar position but currently on probation. They can't technically "dismiss" you. you have no obligation to disclose pregnancy yet until your 3 months or even 6. So if you think it benefits you overall and family then I would take the shot do the interview but not disclose it yet.... I have come to terms with whatever happens happens ... if they dismiss during your employment you can always take legal action.

Also you need to assess your standpoint regarding maternity pay....

Many congrats It depends, how long have you been in your current roles? Would you benefit from enhanced maternity pay? You could attend the interview and see how you feel about the role, and make a decision should you be offered the post. Have a think about what your plans would be after you had the baby, would you return to work? Want to drop to PT? How flexible would your current employer be? Good luck going forward.

Congratulations op! If you want the job then go for it. Don’t tell them you’re pregnant until after you’ve signed the contract though.

You wouldn't qualify for statutory maternity pay but could get maternity allowance instead (MA is the same amount per week as SMP but doesn't have the 6 weeks at 90% wages that SMP does)

You dont need to disclose the pregnancy until around 25 weeks unless it's the type of job that may be detrimental to the pregnancy in which case you would want to let them know earlier than that.

I'd go for the interview and see what happens

Id keep ypur current job for the maternity leave

She would qualify for maternity leave in the new job and would get Maternity Allowance rather than SMP.

Unless she gets enhanced pay in her current job there's not much between SMP and MA

I’ve been in my current role for 4 years. I’m going to check tomorrow if they offer enhanced mat pay. I’m really excited about the pregnancy but gutted with the timing, if that makes sense!

I think it really depends on your financial situation as you should qualify for some enhanced pay through your current employer, which you won’t be entitled to from your new one.

Equally, it is very early in your pregnancy and even though statistically it is going to progress perfectly and healthily- I think you’d be silly to not attend the interview or consider the job based on being weeks pregnant

Lots of employers don't offer enhanced pay
I'd still go for the interview

Sorry- posted very early.

It is tricky. But definitely go to your interview and see what happens.

if you are offered the new role, and aren’t the breadwinner- I would grab it with both hands.

How confident are you that you’ll pick up
the role quickly and be able to demonstrate your abilities before you went on matleave? As well as the financial considerations, you need to consider which role would work best when you return to work. Is there a possibility you may want to move to part time work? Although employer has to consider it they don’t have to allow it. Depending on the role, there’s often some impact to the employer with part time workers and it requires an element of commitment on both sides to make it work, they’ll have less reservations if they’ve got a good view of your capabilities. Also, is this your first? If so, it may be easier to tackle the transition to working parent in a role where you ‘know the ropes’, although the caveat to this is that it’s a trap many working mums (mainly) fall into, of staying in a role too long as it fits with family requirements and it does impact your career

Congratulations on your pregnancy btw. And def go to second interview before you make any decisions

The same thing happened to me. I was offered the job and decided to take it. By the time I'd worked my notice and started the new job I was about 4 months gone. I lost a little financially as my old job had a good maternity package, but the payrise I got in the new job helped a lot! My new employer treated me very well. I returned from ML, applied for and got flexible working, and was promoted within a year. If the employer is decent it does not have to be detrimental to your career!

100% go to the interview!
I had just accepted a job when I found out I was pregnant, I was tempted to withdraw my notice but figured the job would be there for me when I returned to work and I really wanted the role. Sadly I had a mmc but the company were extremely supportive (more so than my old employer would have been!). I'm now pregnant again and they're over the moon for me. Best choice I ever made was to change jobs!

Not a problem at all. We had someone start once (keeping details vague) who announced after being appointed that she was pregnant. She just went at the appropriate time and came back after mat leave. They can’t discriminate and there’s no need to say anything at interview.

Thanks everyone. There’s nothing in the company handbook for my current role about enhanced pay, but I don’t know if that means anything! The interview is for a completely different role, I’d be brand new to it.

The only other thing I’ve just thought of is my current company are talking about relocating somewhere that would be hard for me to get to, which is partly why I was looking for something new! Whereas the new role is hybrid wfh and office but the office is really close to home. Of course this could all be a non-issue, as I’ve not even been offered the job yet 😂

Thank you!

You will need to ask HR for a copy of their maternity policy. You don't have to tell them you are pregnant, maybe just say "planning for the future and want to read up on the policy"

100% attend the interview.

If you can work around finances, think what's best for you longterm in all regards.

Either way, try not to worry - your pregnant and if you get a job offer, it's a positive thing to consider given your life will be changing very soon anyway!