What's the worst that could happen? Moving jobs whilst TTC

[CatmumTTC]

Hi all

I'm on month 5 of TTC and also not enjoying my job, I'm bored and want a new challenge. I've been wanting to move for a while but there's a risk that I end up without any maternity leave benefits if I get the timing wrong so I've stayed, which has caused me to resent the job even more!

I know I could put TTC on hold but we already waited an extra year whilst I got settled in this job. I'm 32 and don't want to wait any longer. Our notice period for work is three months so with the recruitment process I could potentially have to put TTC on hold for six months which I'm not prepared to do.

So looking to hear from those who changed jobs whilst trying. Did you get an unexpected surprise? How did your employer take it? I'm mostly worried there's a risk I serve notice on one job and get my offer withdrawn for the new job if they find out? We'd survive financially but I don't like being financially dependent on my partner.

Also why do you have to have been working for the same employer to get maternity pay and why is nobody talking about how discriminatory this is and how it's clearly holding women back in their careers 🤷‍♀️(Sorry rant over)

Been in that situation twice! So far still didn't get pregnant and stay pregnant so I haven't had to deal with any repercussions but I agree it's mad that it can hold women in jobs where they might be really unhappy!

With my somewhat unlucky experience TTC at the moment I would just go for it if you know you can afford it, even if it isn't ideal. Someone who got pregnant first month of trying and didn't have any losses might see it differently 😂

Hi OP. Life is too complicated to plan everything perfectly. We have been TTC for 9 months, in that time, we’ve relocated, I start my new job in a few weeks… you’ve guessed it… I’ll be starting pregnant! No enhanced maternity pay for me.

But, hey ho, I would rather be pregnant and skint than not pregnant and rich 🤣 at least I know I have to save save save for these next few months, and put hols and building projects on hold.

I'm really in a very similar boat as you! Except I am concerned about the potential of not getting any maternity pay at a new employer if I fall pregnant before being eligible. I've been wanting to look for a new job for months but the potential of falling pregnant straight away is holding me back, yet here I am 8 cycles in to TTC and nothing. Sorry cant offer any advice but a bit of solidarity. I've decided to continue looking and applying if the right job comes along, I haven't seen anything that really ticks all the boxes yet but I am gonna go for it if I do.

I started a new job in July when I was 9 weeks pregnant. I wouldn’t qualify for maternity pay in my new job and was tempted to try to stay in my old job that I hated purely because of the pregnancy/maternity pay. I sadly lost the baby at my 12 week scan and they’re none the wiser that I was ever pregnant. You never know what is going to happen, don’t put your life on hold and stay in a job you dislike just in case. I’m so glad I changed jobs.

Thanks for the solidarity @Girlfolk. I almost applied for what would have been my dream job last month and I really regret not applying now. I had convinced myself I was pregnant and that there would be no point, got my period the following week. I haven't seen a job like that come up again.

As the other replies highlight you can't let TTC dictate the rest of your life, but it's hard not to think "but what if".

@FoodFann I think you summed it up very well, I too would rather be pregnant and skint than the other way around, I just need to keep reminding myself that when the other voice tries to creep in and apply logic to the situation!

Why is there no campaign to address this in parliament. Surely contributes to the gender pay gap. I'm tempted to start a petition 🤣

I say go for it.
I qualified as a nurse and found out I was pregnant 2 weeks before starting my first role. We decided it was for the best to terminate as I wouldn’t qualify for any decent maternity (only maternity allowance) and we have a v big mortgage and basically felt like we couldn’t afford it… and I was terrified to tell my new job. Fast forward a year, we’ve been TTC 5 months, had one miscarriage at 11 weeks and kick myself every day about the decision we made, especially as I don’t even really like the job I started!
I am now looking at moving jobs but refuse to let it be put on hold because of TTC!

@Ems1992 sorry to hear about your loss, that sounds really tough. You couldn't have known what future TTC challenges you would have faced, try not to beat yourself up about it!

I spoke to hubby tonight, was almost in tears about how much I hate my job. We've agreed I'll give it until December and if we're not pregnant by then I'll look to move jobs. We've already been putting money aside each month in a baby pot so by then we should be financially ok if worst case scenario happens and we are down to one income. He did say if it was really affecting me I should just quit now, but I like to make plans and be sure I'm not just acting on some PMS/ADHD related impulse!

@Ems1992 so sorry to hear about the TTC journey. Just jumping on this thread as I am pregnant and have considered terminating but haven't decided yet but people have suggested to give it a proper thought before deciding anything and the job can wait and things work out eventually.