Work worries feeling really overwhelmed

[AKP79]

I?ve just started a new job (two weeks ago), after being made redundant, the new job was a bit of a promotion for me and it?s a big change in culture and business from my previous place of employment (a lot more corporate etc). I found out I was pregnant the day I started my new job, it was a total surprise, but a very welcome one at the same time. However, I am feeling so totally overwhelmed by everything, it?s really stressful and I?m totally out of my comfort zone which is causing me to worry lots, on top of that I am totally shattered all the time so finding it really hard to focus and do a good job. I?m also really concerned about when I tell them that I am pregnant as I have a six month probationary period and won?t be due any maternity so not sure if they can just dismiss me. I?m so worried that my inability to concentrate and the pregnancy, is going to result in me losing my job and I really need this job as we are in rented so are in the process of looking at houses so we can buy somewhere before baby is born. I don?t think it helps either that everyone here is so totally work focused and unfriendly ? I?m struggling to make friends so I cant confide in anyone either. My working days feel really overwhelming and lonely.

I?m not sure why I?m posting this, I think I just needed to share how I was feeling. Does anyone know what the situation is with employment and pregnancy when I?m still in my probationary period? Can they get rid of me?

Oh poor you :( That sounds a really stressful situation (and a horrible place to work). I can't really offer any official advice but an 'acquaintance' of mine found herself in a similar situation.

She started a job then found out she was pregnant (or so she says - I have my doubts). She was also still in probationary period and they tried their level best to get rid of her for "non-disclosure" - to be honest she wasn't that good at the job so I think they wanted her out anyway! However she stood firm and managed to keep her job after seeking legal advice. She managed to get maternity leave and afaik isn't planning on going back afterwards.

Hopefully your company will be a bit more sympathetic and want to keep you, but I hope you find some comfort that if they're not then you might at least have some rights when it comes to keeping your job.

I don't think they are allowed to get rid of you on the basis that you are pregnant surely that falls under discrimination. Yes it is undesirable to have a pregnant lady who is going to get trained just to leave in a few months and they have to train someone else to do her job for 9months just for her to potentially come back and retrain her again but pretty sure they cannot just get rid of you. Just make sure you don't give them any grounds to get rid of you for other reasons.

I've always found it takes at least 2 months to 'find your feet' in a new job when not pregnant so this will be a tough time on you emotionally. My advice would be to keep the pregnancy to yourself until people have got to know you a bit and also you have shown you are doing a good job then they will be more symPathathetic (hopefully) to your situation. It will be tough as you will probably be more tired than usual and might feel sick but if it turns out to be a good job with nice people then it keeps your options open a bit. Moan to friends outside work and your partner and get them to support you meanwhile.

They can't get rid of you within your probation period for being pregnant. If you think they might do that start taking notes now, so you can prove it was discrimination.

I agree that it's always tough the first few months in a new job and it's also really hard to concentrate when you're pregnant! The tiredness will pass, it's really only the first trimester where it's that bad. I think you should be honest with them. Go to your manager, say you unexpectedly found you were pregnant on the first day but remain very strongly committed to the role and the company. Outline what your plans for maternity leave are. Don't mention that you think pregnancy may be affecting your performance. As a manager I would much rather have someone be honest straight away and I think you'll feel much better for having told them.

Hi ladies, thanks for your replies and reassurances... I really needed some support so am very grateful. My partner's been wonderful and a great support, but it's hard for him to understand just how tired I am and how overwhelming this is all feeling.

I think I'm going to keep it to myself until my 12 week scan, I'm only 6 weeks and found out the day I started my new job. Once I've had my scan I will let them know the situation. Like MainlyMaynie has said I think they need to know, not only for my benefit, but so they can start to plan what happens with clients etc next.

Thanks again everyone, I can't tell you how reassuring it was reading the posts. xx