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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To apply for a job in these circumstances?

105 replies

elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 17:41

I have been wondering about getting back to work, and I have seen a couple of positions I could apply for.

I'm pregnant. Pretty massively so!

The jobs are teaching positions so I would be starting in January if I was to be successful.

WIBU to attend an interview resembling a whale ... And should I indicate on the application form I am pregnant? I know it shouldn't really be an issue but I can imagine it might get eyebrows raised if I turn up notably large if they haven't been prepped in advance so to speak.

Thank you. Smile

OP posts:
lalalonglegs · 26/06/2015 17:50

Yes, you should apply. No, you shouldn't mention it on the application form (unless there is a specific question asking if there is any reason you can't start in January and you think you will still be on maternity leave then).

pinkdelight · 26/06/2015 17:51

When you say "getting back to work", how long have you been off? It's unusual to be thinking about getting back to work when hugely pregnant, most people are thinking the opposite, but I guess it depends how long you've been off and why, and why you are wanting to go back at that stage.

pinkdelight · 26/06/2015 17:52

But in essence yanbu to apply and needn't mention the pregnancy. Equal rights and all that.

MakeItRain · 26/06/2015 17:52

I think it's ok to apply for a job if you're planning on working from January. You might want to visit the schools you'd apply for before putting an application in, and just chat on your visit and mention that you're planning to work from Jan. There's something about putting it on the form or in writing that suggests it's a issue, when actually it's not.

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 18:02

I know what you mean, and in an earlier stage of pregnancy I'd be inclined not to mention it, but I think it might come as a bit of a shock if I turn up for the interview massive! Grin

Pink, I have been a SAHM for four years now and I'm definitely ready to go back! DC will be 5 months in January and so not a tiny baby.

OP posts:
jaded99 · 26/06/2015 18:11

I am in same boat, due in August. Coming to the end of a fixed term contract and applied to a school but honestly stupidly mentioned on application that I'm expecting in Aug. Not even shortlisted. I've never not even been shortlisted!!

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 18:12

How bizarre.

Hope it doesn't stop me being shortlisted. That's rubbish, if it does Sad

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 26/06/2015 18:15

If they're January starts apply. Don't mention the pregnancy in the application.

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 18:16

Will they not be a bit Shock when I lumber up? Blush If I get shortlisted, that is ...

OP posts:
murasaki · 26/06/2015 18:18

We once interviewed someoe who was the size of a house with twins due - she told me by email post shortlisting, I basically said 'we'd like you to come for interview if you want' - she came all the way from Canada. I swear I was worried she'd pop in my office she was so massive.

We hired her as she was the best candidate, and waited for her to do maternity leave and emigrate. It was worth it for the best candidate.

So go for it.

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 18:21

Well, I wouldn't expect them to wait but the jobs start in January anyway by which time DD will be 5 months. I can understand looking like I'm about to pop on top of no recent experience is probably not going to endear me but nothing ventured and I may be the only candidate

OP posts:
CharlesRyder · 26/06/2015 18:34

elderflower you have mentioned on your staffroom thread that you last experience in school was a bad one. The job is definitely getting worse not better- are you sure you will be resilient enough for a January start (always harder IMO) after a long break with a 5mo in tow?

I think in your shoes I would definitely try a different school but I would wait for next September when DC will be a bit bigger and (hopefully) sleeping and weaned and you will be starting at 'the start' with the associated INSET etc.

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 18:42

I can only try Charles. It was 4 years ago Smile Next September is another year and I really don't want to compete with nqts.

OP posts:
AdventureBe · 26/06/2015 18:56

I think you should apply and not mention it in the application, but you need to tell them in your response to the invitation to interview. Otherwise it will be all they're thinking about (but can't mention) while they're interviewing you.

Then at interview you'll need to answer all the questions they're not allowed to ask, like why you're looking to work more, rather than less with a 5mo. What kind of support network you have...

It shouldn't be necessary but we all know it wouldn't be hard to find a reason why one of the other candidates is stronger, if they have concerns that you won't be fully committed with a newish baby.

My experience of trying to fill 6 vacancies across KS1 & 2 for September is that if you give a half-way decent lesson, you'll be by far the best candidate!

Good luck!

backwardpossom · 26/06/2015 18:59

Go for it. I was appointed to a teaching position following an interview when I was 7 months pregnant. Good luck :)

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 19:05

Thanks Smile I don't have an answer for why I want to go back other than I've been at home for four years now and I've well and truly had enough and I want to get back into it.

OP posts:
AdventureBe · 26/06/2015 19:16

I think that's a good reason elderflower. Whereas other women about to have a baby might think they want to get straight back to work, but often decide when baby arrives that actually they'd rather stay home, you've been there and done that.

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 19:24

Thanks adventure for being encouraging. I need some confidence! Just have to apply now Shock

OP posts:
CharlesRyder · 26/06/2015 20:07

Fair enough the elderflower, well done for heading back into the breach! Grin

My own experience of finding a wonderful school with management I really like has been transformative. I am happy again and it feels so great. Good luck!

CharlesRyder · 26/06/2015 20:08

Don't know why I called you the elderflower!!

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 20:09

Thanks charles; I don't know ... I can't write the application letter cause I've no recent experience Sad Confused

Maybe I should leave it a while longer then do supply? I'm not sure. DH thinks I should leave it.

OP posts:
Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 26/06/2015 20:09

Grin I like 'the' elderflower!

OP posts:
Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 28/06/2015 16:49

Sorry to bump my own thread, but I would so appreciate advice.

Closing dates are tomorrow. I've asked on TES what I should do re referencing the pregnancy but I can't get on (Hmm) and I am in a tizz with my application form.

Am I just wasting my time? Should I leave it? Sad

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 28/06/2015 16:52

DH thinks I should leave it

It's your decision not his.

Original poster
elderflowerlemonade · 28/06/2015 16:53

I know.

I think I want to try, but I'm struggling with making myself sound great (wonder why!)

I really feel it could potentially be the start of something quite positive, but I don't know if I'm deluding myself.p

OP posts: