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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Promotion when TTC

20 replies

ch1134 · 12/03/2015 22:03

My boss called me in today to sound out the idea of me being offered a promotion in September. It would be a great opportunity, were I not TTC...

Obviously I don't want to tell him anything until I am actually pregnant, and even then, ideally not until after 12 weeks.

However, there's a chance a baby could be due at the earliest in November, which would be pretty rubbish timing for him if I'd accepted and then I leave for ML.

But I don't want to turn it down in case I'm TTC for ages....

The reality is, I could know I'm pregnant in a week or so, just when he expects an answer. I don't know if I should then turn it down with a false reason in case the pregnancy doesn't work out, or tell him the truth, or accept...

He would never put me first, but I am an honest person at heart...

WWYD?

OP posts:

WingsClipped · 12/03/2015 22:13

Without sounding harsh, you don't know how long TTC could take. If I were in your shoes, I would say yes to the promotion and then worry (or not) about telling him you are pregnant when the time actually comes. You are not being deceitful, you need to look after number one (yourself). It's nice to be honest, but seriously at the moment there is nothing to tell?

reynoldsnumber · 12/03/2015 22:14

Just go for it.

If it helps, hear my experience of ttc. It took us 9 months to conceive. Then sadly I miscarried at 3 months. It took another 3 months to conceive again. I didn't have the baby til 9 months later so worked for 2 years from starting ttc to having a baby.

I sincerely hope it doesn't take you that long but the reality is that you can't (or at least most people can't) plan when you get pregnant.

You sound like a loyal employee but no way should you pass up the opportunity if you actually want the job.

Original poster

ch1134 · 12/03/2015 22:18

Thank you. That's what my gut said. I'm sorry to hear of your miscarriage but delighted you have a dc now.
I know I'm getting ahead of myself and things may be very different this time, but last time I conceived first go. We were very lucky.

OP posts:

WorkingBling · 12/03/2015 22:27

Sheryl Sandburg makes an interesting point about this. She says women tend to avoid opportunities in case something happens. Take the promotion. If you do get pregnant next week, you can consider whether to discuss it with your boss ahead of time. But please do not say no because of something that might or might not happen any time soon.

HannahB86 · 12/03/2015 22:32

I found myself in a similar position to you this time last year and had exactly the same concerns. In the end I took the promotion and was so glad I did because just like pp it took me 8 months to get pg and I too miscarried. Luckily I fell pg again very quickly and am now 16 weeks along. I plan to work right up until the end of the school year in July (am a teacher) so they will have had an entire year out of me in my new role before going off on maternity. So you really can't plan these things and even if you do get pg quickly there is nothing they can do about it anyway.

MissTwister · 12/03/2015 22:37

I took a promotion and eventually moved jobs the week of my 12 week scan. Work were fine about it. You have to look after yourself in the workplace, I wouldn't dream of passing it up!!!

Original poster

ch1134 · 12/03/2015 22:59

You are all right of course. I just needed to hear it. It's so unnatural to put yourself first. Thanks again.

OP posts:

bettybyebye · 13/03/2015 07:03

Definitely go for it, as everyone says you don't know how long you'll be TTC. I was promoted when I was 5 months pregnant with DC1, was in the new role for 3 months before going on mat leave, was not a problem at all. Plus, with shared parental leave coming in you may decide to not take a very long mat leave.

Whatabout · 13/03/2015 07:36

I'm 14 weeks pregnant and applying for a promotion. My attitude is why shouldn't i? If I get it they will cover it just as if someone who became pregnant whilst in post went on leave.

Skiptonlass · 13/03/2015 11:21

Go for it. I got promoted whilst ttc and it took us months more to conceive!

Take the promotion, work hard at the new role and prove yourself.

Misty414 · 13/03/2015 12:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HubertCumberdale · 13/03/2015 12:55

It's nice that you're being so considerate but you can't turn down an opportunity based on what 'might' happen.

Rockchick1984 · 13/03/2015 16:02

If you are the best person for the job then you will still be the best choice when you return from mat leave!

Original poster

ch1134 · 15/03/2015 07:24

Just an update. Situation has changed from entirely hypothetical to might actually happen as very very happily I am expecting! Thanks for the advice.

OP posts:

MissTwister · 15/03/2015 09:06

Congratulations!!!!!

Original poster

ch1134 · 15/03/2015 10:59

Thank you!

OP posts:

GinIsCalling · 15/03/2015 17:40

I Was given a big promotion while pregnant. They will want you back if you are a good employee, so promoting you is a chance for them to entice you to return to work - they benefit too!

babymouse · 15/03/2015 19:55

Congrats on both fronts! I hope you take that promotion.

Original poster

ch1134 · 16/03/2015 22:21

I've been thinking about this and although all the advice is right, it's not that simple.
I currently work part time, and with the promotion would need to be full time. That's fine in the short term, but going back with 2 under 3s, it's possibly not what I'd want anyway.
I'll think it over. Thanks for the help so far.

OP posts:

yummymango · 16/03/2015 22:41

I was given a promotion whilst on maternity leave. Not all companies will frown upon it (and none should). You have been offered a promotion based on your past performance and having a baby shouldn't affect that.
In my opinion, you should accept it for the following reasons:

You deserve it - congratulations!
You have to think of yourself. If it came to the crunch a company would never put you first so you have to put yourself first.
Like others have said - it could take a while to fall pregnant.
Don't make any decisions based on what you 'might' feel like after maternity leave. You might be glad of the opportunity to work full time and earn good money. Or you might not, but at least you will get the higher rate whilst on leave.

I can't actually think of any reasons why you shouldn't! Go for it!

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