WIBU to apply for a job contract that I can't finish

[mybumpismostlypudding]

I think I would be! A position has come up at a school I like, but I would have to go on maternity leave before the end of the school year. This feels a bit unreasonable to me, as the children could do with a bit of continuity and I think the staff would be annoyed that I'd applied for a job while pregnant. The thing is, I'm only just pregnant, and it's a slightly risky pregnancy anyway.

On the one hand, if I do lose the baby, I'd like to be working, rather than sitting home alone and moping. On the other hand, it's a physical job and a long commute and I've already had a threatened miscarriage so if I do lose the baby, I don't want to feel like it's my fault. (I know it wouldn't be, but I'd fee like it)

Obviously I wouldn't necessarily get the job even if I applied for it, so I'm thinking of applying for it and just seeing what happens

Sorry that was long!

No, do it!

If it was the other way round - employer needing to end a contract early, they wouldn't think twice.

Thanks! I'm so nervous haha I think I've really over complicated it in my head!

Probably - and like you say, applying is no guarantee you'll get it.

Not applying on the other hand, means you have zero chance of getting it!

I know I sound nuts, but it's taken me such a long time to get pregnant, I'm so afraid of risking it now. I know rationally you can't cause a miscarriage, but I can't help but think people get put on bed rest for a reason! Unfortunately my scan isn't for another 2 weeks, or I'd feel a bit more confident about making a decision

Would you lose maternity pay by changing jobs at this stage? Otherwise go for it, employees will manage.

I won't lose anything, as I'm not currently working, but it's a fixed term contract that I couldn't finish, so I think if I apply for it knowing that I couldn't finish it, I'll look bad and they won't want to hire me back when I'm done with maternity leave

Sorry, that was quite a key point, I forgot to mention that earlier

I wouldn't - I think it's wrong. Just because employers treat people crap doesn't make it right. And maybe if everyone treated each other with respect then there wouldn't be crap treatment on either side.

Thanks for your input, rangerider. I really am torn, I like the staff there a lot, and don't want to inconvenience them, but equally, they might end up hiring someone else who is pregnant who didn't have any qualms about it

Hi op,
Your intuition is,I believe,already telling you the answer.listen to it and you will follow the path you were meant to tread

Apply for the job, and cross the bridge of deciding to take it if you are offered it?

(You can always say you have only just found out you are pg and sorry for inconvenience please consider me for future posts etc etc if you decide not to take the job)

KarmaStar, if only that were true! My intuition is taking me on a wild goose chase around every possible solution! what would you do?

UnderHerEye, I think that's what DH and I were leaning towards, I'm sure I'm just being a chicken! Thanks 🐓

I'd apply. It's hard to make yourself do it knowing you may pull out, but better than facing the worst case scenario of no pregnancy and no job later. Sorry, I know how awful that sounds and 🤞 for you.

I personally wouldn't. I don't think it's right. You're just going to put the school into a difficult position and you may find it harder to get another job if it gets around.

But your circumstances really do play a part so if you need the second wage then you need to apply. If you don't, but just fancy it, I'd think again.

allthatmalarkey, no, I think you're right, that's what I keep telling myself too! Thanks

Fiffyshadesofgreymatter, that's exactly how I feel, I don't want to ruin future chances, especially at this school. We're not desperate for money, but could do with paying off credit cards

I went for a fixed term teaching job when pregnant. I told them at the interview I was pregnant and wouldn't be able to finish the whole contract and they still have me the job. Is that an option?
Otherwise supply if you need the money? If you do enough supply you'll be eligible for maternity allowance when the baby is born.

The key is in the word contract. It's a contract that you should enter in good faith. Applying but planning to leave before it is up is disingenuous.

sola82, I think that would be the best way to do it but I think they'll probably just turn me down as there are plenty of good candidates! I think that's what I'll do though, anything else feels dishonest

Luscinia, I agree, but I don't have many options

You won’t get maternity pay though? Plus it will cost them to recruit again when you leave. If it’s physical, is it wise to take it?

Angrybird345, yes, I'm glad you can see why I'm torn! The money would pay off my credit card and I need teaching experience, but I think there are more cons than pros! DH disagrees though and so would all of my family (all teachers)

Perhaps you should just go for it and see what happens if you feel that conflicted.

Luscinia - thanks, sorry, I know I'm being a wet blanket!