IVF while jobless?

[Marilala]

Hello all. I just found out that I'm getting made redundant with almost immediate effect which is awful as is, but what makes it worse is that I was about to embark on IVF over the next few weeks.

Is it wise for me to continue on my IVF journey? I have low AMH so am hesitant about leaving it much longer. But if I don't have a job and maternity leave to support us if it does work... It throws up so many what ifs!

What would you do?

Im just giving you my thoughts and I’m sorry if they’re not applicable to your situation.

If you have redundancy pay; use that. Also use savings or try and budget so you can get by on just your partner’s income.

Maternity pay from companies is peanuts. Average is 90% pay for six weeks then SMP for 33 weeks and then nothing for 13 weeks. You can claim maternity allowance for 39 weeks from the government if you’re not working and it’s similar to SMP anyway.

I’d try and go for it asap. You’ll hopefully figure it out financially, having a job doesn’t make as much difference to maternity pay as you’d think. Good luck.

Thank you @Feliciacat ! You make a good point. The company that has just gone bust gave us 8 months full pay of mat leave so I guess I was comparing it to that - but you're right, most companies won't offer much if anything. Especially in this job market... If the IVF does work, do you think it's bad for me to accept a new role knowing I'm pregnant?

Hi Marilala! I think your old company was the exception, not the rule. Even in the NHS, it’s full pay for 8 weeks, half pay for 18 weeks (which on my wage is about the same as SMP) then SMP for 13 weeks. You need to have 12 months continuous service to get that though and it doesn’t sound like you have the luxury of time (same here aged 36 so I’m not throwing shade there).

So, if you can afford it, maybe plan for the standard £600 per month of maternity pay as you will qualify for that as long as you’ve worked most of the months in the two years up until your due date (not sure exactly how many, maybe 15?). You’d only qualify for company mat pay if you worked 12 months at that company.

As for if it’s bad to start a job pregnant; I don’t think so. It could be seen as you wanting to invest long term in your career there if you’re choosing to have your child/ren whilst working for that company. They can’t discriminate against you anyway. I’d go for it and hold your head high. Basically, if you can afford it, I’d get pregnant asap. You can always build your career later but fertility is finite.

You don’t have to agree with me, this is just my view :)

I wouldn't worry about getting a new job if you are pregnant. Just don't tell them until 3 months in or when you are showing and say it was 'unexpected' and don't mention the IVF...if they give you a new job and you feel bad remember you owe them nothing as long as you do good work whilst you are there and show willing....defo continue with your IVF journey. Good Luck.