working and pregnancy

[fartblossom]

Hi

Can I ask you all how many hours you work a week?

Its just that I was working in a temp job full time over xmas and the contract ended so I left. I worked 32 hours a week with wed's and Sun's off (so only one day off at a time). I was absolutley worn out.

I found out I was PG in Jan. Anyway my temp employers asked me back to work permanently on an 8 hour contract. I accepted and now work every Saturday. However yesterday I was asked if I wanted a 37 hour a week contract.

Now this is fine, but Im scared. Its shop work so Im on my feet all day. Its not exactly taxing work, but it is active all day. I havent told them Im PG as yet, Im waiting till my scan on 18th March. I wasnt sure whether to tell them or not by now, but asked around and almost everyone said not to say anything just yet.

This will be DC3 so already have my hands full with DS (age 6 and has Autism) and DD (age 3). Im just a bit worried 37 hours is too much or am I being lazy? Please be honest with me (OK so I may not like some answers, but Im willing to hear it) without being too nasty.

Obviously 8 hours isnt enough to live on and I am currently claiming JSA. I would like to work more, just not sure if I want to work up to 37 hours a week when Im on my feet all day and it is very likely my days off will be a day here and there.

Im being lazy arent I? Or should I try to push for a contract with less hours say about 27 hours a week over 4 days and the option and availabilty to work an extra day here and there (which would be my choice so not feel as tiresome IYSWIM)

Anyway how many hours do you work? Am I being lazy? Should I try to push for less hours?

Thanks

Do you think they'll let you cut your hours back a bit if you find you can't cope with 37? I work about 45 hours a week at a desk job and am 10 weeks pregnant with my first baby and really struggling to keep up with work - I come home and fall asleep on the sofa every night so my heart goes out to you with two little ones to look after when you get home from work too.

Hi
I am a nurse and work 37 and a half hours per week, I have a 2.3year old DS and Im 6+4weeks pregnant.
I have not told work yet as I had a mmc in august so want to wait till after my scan.

I would love to work less hours per week but DH is not working at the moment so I am the one providing for the family.
I am constantly tired, and if DH gets a job I would seriously consider reducing my hours.

I would not say you are being lazy and if you had the option of doing less hours then do that if its what you want.

I'm a teacher and despite what people think about the hours I usually am at work from 7.45-4.30 (44 hour week!), on my feet a lot. I'm 21 weeks now and it's not as bad as it was during the end of the first trimester but am still exhausted come Friday afternoon! And that's with only me and DP at home. If I could work fewer hours I would love to.

There's no harm in asking about working a shorter week so I would see what they say and then make a decision. Better than taking on a lot of hours and finding you can't cope.

Thanks for your replies.

TBH its not just the hours, but the thought of only having one day off at a time as well.

Im just feeling a bit lazy to even be thinking of it and its making me feel a little guilty.

I worked 35 hours per week, but a 2 hour commute on top of that

Plus some weekends and evenings

This was through both my pregnancies

I coped by going to bed by 8 pm when I could!

Online shopping so I didn't have to drag myself round supermarkets

Minimum of other activities too

Its hard at times, but is doable

I was in an office, desk based for in theory 9-5 more like 8.30-7 5 fays a week - i did do running around during the day but not on feet like shop work, and having finished at 37 weeks on friday was knackered. I dont think I could have hacked standing after about 30-32 weeks, but everyine is different.
If youd like to work FT & can then accept, they will risk assess you when you tell them your news, and you may be able to have a stool at a till etc for large parts of the day
hope that helps!

When I was pg SMP was calculated based upon an average of your earnings when pg - if its still the same then it may be to your advantage to work more hours in the long run - but this was a long time ago so that may be irrelevant.

I worked f/t til 39 weeks and with a two hour commute and second time around with a SN child so can empathise, however although there was some standing involved (presenting / training etc) it wasn't as physical as shop work which I think would tip me over the edge. That said - oggybags has made a valid point about risk assessment and adjustments which should help.