AIBU to start TTC when I've just started new job?

[Toastedsesame]

So we have an almost 3yo son. Our plan was always to start ttc baby number 2 when our son was around 2 and a half. We decided Spring 2020 sometime last year. Then obviously covid hit and I got made redundant so we decided to wait for a bit.

I'm now starting a new job on 12th November, I'm 34 and I've just been diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that can affect fertility, so I really don't want to wait much longer to start trying.

AIBU? Considering that I could fall pregnant straight away? Then again it could be months/years.

What are your reasons for being unsure?

Maternity rights are pretty good in the UK and regardless of whether you will be eligible for employers maternity pay or not, you will still receive at least maternity allowance from the DWP.
Career progression will take a hit regardless of how long you are in this role, but its not catastrophic.

I would go for it. You've mentioned your age and health concerns. Assuming you are putting a 2nd child ahead of career, I wouldnt be waiting.

If you got hit with a bus tomorrow, your employer would be advertising your role by next week. You dont owe any loyalty beyond your contractual notice period.

If you’re 34 and want another baby, try asap. I was fertile at 32 I was not by 35 :(

How long is your probation period? If you get pregnant during that period they can sack you and you will have no comeback

Of course having a baby and the timing is entirely your choice but I'd definitely run the numbers of what support will be available to you given you're so new into role. Personally, I'd be looking to be more secure in role before taking extended times away but it depends what your priorities are.

I'd also be concerned about probation periods and what the conversation will the employer would look like. Hopefully you arent working for an unfair company, but there are a LOT of them out of there.

Good luck!

I would check the maternity policy where you are in case you would end up missing out on enhanced pay.

I would definitely check if you'll be entitled to maternity pay unless your DH earns enough for both of you to live on

Oh yes and I would not get pregnant while still on probation either. Not in this economy.

I would put having baby first, you might have trouble conceiving. It's not a given. There'll be other jobs

Yanbu - you’re entitled to get pregnant whenever you like, it’s only your views that matter!

The only caution I would sound is to make sure you won’t miss out on any EMP offered by your employer. Check their policy to see when you will qualify, because it may be that for the sake of holding off for a couple of months you get a much better package.

It's a pretty basic part time admin role so no EMP or anything like that. I will check about probation period tho.

I got pregnant two months into a new job with a huge public sector employer. Still in my probationary period and feel protected by maternity discrimination law. Also been off sick for a lot of my pregnancy!