Wait to TTC or start asap?

[ConsideringBaby2]

Sorry if this isn’t AIBU but wasn’t sure what topic was best to get a well rounded response!

NC for this incase I say anything outing.

Due for promotion - but can’t start it until Jan 2027 when I pass some training. All confirmed for Jan 2027. However I have been wanting to TTC for my second child. DC1 is 7 years old so already a big gap, I am 34 DH is 35. So not mega young.

Do people think I should start TTC now, as it could take a while (DC1 took 10 months), or wait until closer to Jan such as November time? I don’t want to be seen badly by my new team as I’ll be a manager and will be needing to support a team starting from Jan.

Im so conflicted. I know work shouldn’t come first but I genuinely like my work and it has taken so long to get this promotion. Aib

I started TTC when I was 31, ended up needing IVF and didn't have my first baby till I was 36. I had lots of friends who suffered from secondary infertility and some ended up never having a second child. I would say start now.

How would you feel if TTC doesn’t work out? If it’s essential I’d crack on now.

I'd wait, it's only 3 months.

Thanks for the comments. @CeciliaMars@ToKittyornottoKittyYes this is partly what runs through my head about TTC potentially taking much longer this time and unnecessary delays etc. however then I’m torn as @ToddlerTime45532says it’s only 3 months and part of me is like - wait until October it’s only a month and then start. Argh, I can’t decide. DH would want to start asap he’s wanted a second for a while now. But I’ve been trying so hard to take this step up in my career as I know that with two kids that only gets harder as I’d most likely be part time after a second.

Posted too soon. I say wait the 3 months as someone who lost out on a promotion because I got pregnant. Promotions were going to be announced in April, I told them I was pregnant in Feb. My promotion was very much in the bag until that point.

It's extremely difficult to bounce back from something like that.

Thanks for that view. Truthfully that’s my worry, I know they can’t legally do that but employers find ways!

Even if you started now and happened to get pregnant straight away you'd be under 25 weeks by Jan so wouldn't have to tell them until after the promotion kicked in.

Honestly you can't plan these things around work. A newish member in my team put off applying for new roles because she was TTC and was worried about annoying new teams/managers. After a year and two miscarriages she decided she couldn't put her career on hold anymore. Got the job in my team, lo and behold, found out she was pregnant a week after the offer. We are all nothing but happy for her.