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Pregnancy

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

6 months pregnant, contract not being renewed, scared

2 replies

Roeslein · 15/06/2018 16:39

So back in January I stupidly gave up my permanent job for a one-year contract for my "dream job" (ha!) that was going to be a turned into a permanent contract when renewed. I was bored in my old job and have always been a strong performer so had no concerns about the renewal at first. I asked a lot of questions at the time and my boss somehow managed to make herself sound like a sane person. A few days after giving notice I found out I was pregnant. (I won't blame you if you think I'm an idiot for getting myself in this situation.)

At first my boss responded positively, but when I became more and more exhausted (due to anemia, as it later emerged) and my performance started to suffer, she became much less understanding. Apparently she just sailed through her two pregnancies and claims tiredness goes away after week 13, so I must be making it up. I ended up having stay off work for a week twice as complete exhaustion combined with constant headaches meant I couldn't get through the workday, and she implied that it was out of laziness. (Before getting pregnant I had been sick for about 3 days in my entire 7-years career and always had good reviews - I feel really bad for people with chronic health issues if they have to deal with this attitude on a regular basis.)

There are other issues that I won't get into; suffice to say that as it turns out, my boss is largely ineffective and incompetent and has form blaming others for her lack of results - I just happen to be latest victim of this trick. Anyway, last week she informed me that my contract wouldn't get renewed due to poor performance and poor fit. (The part about fit refers to the fact that I didn't announce my pregnancy in a full team meeting at 12 weeks like she felt was appropriate, but rather told people on an as-needed basis and as it came up in conversation. Due to medical concerns, I was not comfortable making my pregnancy so public at that stage.) I am due in September and had been planning to return to work full-time in January, with my husband taking three months paternity leave afterwards. Now I will have to spend mat leave job hunting - my contract runs out at the end of January, which means that I need to start something new by then or will have a gap in my CV, which doesn't look good in my (competitive) field. Anyway, I'm working on this with a career coach so that's not the issue right now.

The issue is that I have another 6 weeks to get through before I can go on maternity leave and I have no idea how to get through this, especially now that I know I'm not wanted there. Despite getting enough sleep I often get very sleepy during the day and struggle to keep my eyes open, never mind focus on anything other than mindless tasks. Unfortunately naps don't help, I feel even more out of it afterwards. I also get headaches quite often, usually for the whole day. I often feel nauseous due to hunger (I'd prefer to eat small snacks several times a day) but we're not allowed to eat in the office and my boss insists that we all go to lunch together at a certain time. Do you have any tips for how to deal with this?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
BlueBug45 · 15/06/2018 18:29

There is no law that states you have to take lunch with your colleagues especially as you aren't being renewed.

If you are a different age, ethnic background, sexuality or nationality to your boss and your colleagues then the term "fit" can be seen as discriminatory. If you think you are being singled out because you are pregnant that is discriminatory as well. If any of these apply, which may do (see below), speak to an employment lawyer as you can stop your bitch of a boss giving you a bad reference.

If there is some where quiet for you to go, which can include your own car, then take lunch at 1pm for an hour or whatever your alloted time is.

If you need to eat snacks regularly then it looks like you are going to have to step out if the office.

If necessary get your GP or midwife to give you a note to the effect that you need a later lunch time and need to eat at regular intervals. Otherwise you will find yourself going on maternity leave earlier than planned due to sickness.

Btw is your boss HappyMummy?

excitedforbaby2 · 15/06/2018 22:57

Really sorry to hear your story op. It all sounds incredibly unfair! I don't know if you've heard about pregnant then screwed? Very interesting website with a lot of information on there. They also have a legal hotline that you can call (for free!) to discuss your situation. I found them incredibly helpful when I was facing a few pregnancy related issues at work (although I've been one of the lucky ones!). I really hope that tings work out for you - pregnantthenscrewed.com

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