Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to apply for new jobs even though we are planning to start a family soon

27 replies

Beansprout30 · 09/02/2014 21:05

Arghh I dont know what to do! The job I have loved for the last few years has recently started to get me down and I feel like it's time for a change. There are lot's of pros to my current job but im getting fed up of my role being changed and feeling unappreciated. Ive been browsing jobs and feel tempted to apply but am also thinking perhaps it will be a case of the grass isnt always greener and regret leaving. On top of it all DH and I plan to start a family this year which makes any decision even harder!

OP posts:
lunar1 · 09/02/2014 21:08

Apply now, you never know what the future holds. It took me seven years to have my first child.

harticus · 09/02/2014 21:09

Just because you intend to start a family soon doesn't necessarily mean it will happen overnight.
It took us 16 years to conceive.
You can't put your life on hold. If you fancy a change then do it.

TheScience · 09/02/2014 21:10

You have no idea how long it might take to get pregnant - how long would you hang on in your current job for just in case?

Original poster
Beansprout30 · 09/02/2014 21:13

Another question, has anyone applied for a job where a degree was a requirement but you don't have a degree?!

OP posts:
winterhat · 09/02/2014 21:15

YANBU. You're perfectly within your rights to apply for jobs now.

Original poster
Beansprout30 · 09/02/2014 21:15

*didn't

OP posts:
MsAspreyDiamonds · 09/02/2014 21:17

I am in a similar position with regards to being dissatisfied at work but I have had my dc so I don't have the same dilemma. I applied for jobs and ttc'd at the same time and surprisingly became pregnant really quickly so I turned down 2 interviews. My current work place has a generous maternity entitlement so I stuck with my job. However, I am not satisfied at work anymore like I used to be so it is time for a change.

I would ttc sooner rather than later because you dont know how long it will take you to get pregnant, it could take a month, a year or longer. You could job hunt while on the latter part of your maternity leave and then hand in your three month notice once you get something.

Pobblewhohasnotoes · 09/02/2014 21:19

It could take you ages to get pregnant, don't put your life on hold because of potentially TTC.

I wouldn't apply for a job if I didn't have the qualifications for it, no. Depends if its a desirable or an essential qualification.

SugarMiceInTheRain · 09/02/2014 21:23

Don't postpone making career moves in the hope that you get pregnant. I took a crappy admin job upon leaving teaching because we were ttc so I figured it wouldn't be long term Hmm It was a mistake and my earning power now my children are older would be much better now if I hadn't been killing time in a dead-end job that I wasn't interested in for all that time. Carpe diem Smile

emsyj · 09/02/2014 21:30

I started my current job when 19 weeks pregnant. I'm now back at work and my baby has just turned 1. It's a great job, I really like it and I plan to stay in the long term.

Re: the degree - why is it a requirement? I think you need to understand why they're asking for this qualification in order to assess whether you can meet those requirements despite not having the right bit of paper.

Original poster
Beansprout30 · 09/02/2014 21:37

Emsyj im not sure why the degree is a requirement for this role, I can tick off every other requirement and nowhere in the job description does it seem a degree is necessary. Perhaps I will apply just to see if I even get an interview

OP posts:
selsigfach · 09/02/2014 21:42

Maybe try writing into the Guardian for advice Smile

Littleen · 09/02/2014 21:49

Apply anyway! Might take you a while to get pregnant (or no time at all) so you shouldn't let that influence your decision :)

redexpat · 09/02/2014 22:02

Just apply. Play university of life if you get invited to interview.

emsyj · 10/02/2014 15:28

I would call them beforehand and ask them why they require a degree. There may be a reason that is not immediately apparent from the advert (e.g. they may require you to undertake specific vocational training that is only open to graduates). If they give you a load of flannel and don't seem to have a real reason, ask if they would consider an application from a candidate who can meet all those requirements but who is not a graduate. I wouldn't just send a CV/application in - it gives the impression that you didn't bother reading the job spec. Call and discuss with them first - just in case there is a reason why it is a requirement.

JeanSeberg · 10/02/2014 15:34

Definitely apply for jobs, you've no decision to make until you get offered one! I would also start TTC as well.

ACatCalledBrian · 10/02/2014 18:34

The last three jobs DH has got have all wanted a degree in the job spec. He doesn't have one and it's never been a problem. Think he was only asked about it once at interview, and he was totally honest about not having one but explained instead how his previous jobs had given him the same skills. He works in IT.

Original poster
Beansprout30 · 10/02/2014 18:38

Thanks all for the replies

OP posts:
Original poster
Beansprout30 · 10/02/2014 23:08

Thanks all for the replies

OP posts:
babrow13 · 11/02/2014 00:12

Yes apply! I was in a similar situation. I was working 1.5hrs commute away public transport, 40 hrs a week and trying to conceive for 1 year. I then got a job 30hrs a week term time, 5 mins drive away. Well I did conceive 2 weeks into starting the job and just scraped stat maternity pay! It was a bit awkward with new employer at first but I did work my socks off for those 9 months to prove myself. Anyway through the pregnancy I was much more relaxed than I believe I would of been in my old job.

Go for it, try looking for something that will suit you in the long term regarding family, just think of all the hard work you have put in through you career and what you will do in the future, you need to think about yourself sometimes, companies do, don't feel guilty. I also agree as previously stated you never know how long it will be before your family arrives. Don't say that it your interview though! Good luck.

Original poster
Beansprout30 · 11/02/2014 13:19

Thanks all for the replies

OP posts:
Original poster
Beansprout30 · 11/02/2014 13:21

Oops posted twice! Anyone moved from a large organisation to something rather small?! Is it a bad idea?

OP posts:
JeanSeberg · 11/02/2014 13:30

I've always got on much better in smaller organisations. I'm about to leave my current job so I'll definitely be looking for that in my next role.

In my experience, small organisations offer more flexibility, variety and opportunities for job progression. As opposed to the large companies where you only see one part of the process, get caught up in all sorts of procedures, policies and head office BS and are just one of a thousand employees. (Obviously goes without saying to check the smaller company is financially secure!)

Do you have a particularly company in mind? What sector is it in?

Original poster
Beansprout30 · 11/02/2014 17:28

Jean that's the way my company is going now and although I feel I have job security, I feel the attitude to staff has changed. I have seen a job which looks great but I worry so much I might regret leaving my current job. I know I may not even get an interview but cant help thinking of what ifs! It's private sector, would be a nice pay increase but little further to travel.

OP posts:
JeanSeberg · 11/02/2014 17:45

Apply and see what happens. Then weigh up the pros and cons.

I have job security, good pay, flexibility but it's just not for me, I prefer to just get things done rather than suffer all the corporate nonsense.