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Pregnancy

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

Pregnant and Lying to Employer, feel horrid

56 replies

Natmat1 · 17/06/2020 14:43

I interviewed for a new job before the lockdown and was selected for a second round. In between I found out that I am pregnant but still had a second virtual interview. I got the job but due to the start date that would have given me 4 month until my due date and better maternity benefits in my old place I then chose not to accept. Salary at the new place was significantly higher and my current boss was aware that I interviewed (we have a great relationship) and knows I have an offer. They then made me a counter offer to keep me, but don't know that I am pregnant yet or that I declined already.
Needless to say I can really do with the money as it means I will not struggle with childcare or have to reduce days etc.
But this is eating away at me... How can I then tell them I am pregnant. It feels like terrible dishonesty. I tried talking to my husband and he just said no point asking him as I already know it was wrong to do. I feel totally disgusted with myself and just don't know how I can even come out of this all not looking like a complete cow either way by telling the truth now or not telling?

Help

OP posts:
AnotherEmma · 17/06/2020 17:53

"current place offers 80% of the salary for the duration of the Mat leave."

That's fantastic!
Sounds like a no brainer decision to stay.

isitmethough · 17/06/2020 17:54

As many many pp have said, don't feel bad for a minute, I agree with all previous posts.

If you start to feel bad, think of all the many many women who have taken Mat leave or got pg only to get utterly screwed by their employer. You could still be one of them down the line! In the meantime enjoy the fact you and your pay rise are protected by law, you deserve it.

isitmethough · 17/06/2020 17:57

Also btw my boss put me forward for a promotion and also gave me the pay rise he promised me last year (10%) after he found out I was pregnant. You say you have a great relationship with your boss, you might be surprised by their reaction.

Natmat1 · 17/06/2020 18:07

Thank you! And very good advice and interesting point of views from all, no matter how different. I really appreciate this.
@NailsNeedDoing you haven't said anything what I haven't already thought, so could sway either way with people's opinions as we all have different values and beliefs
@Oatmilk1 I have to agree cannot predict at all, in a minute I will ask you all to get out a crystal ball out Smile what silly questions
@AnotherEmma you make very good points including my husband , thank you for your support
@BobbieDraper much of what you said is really true, there is a long way to go until the stigma around women in a workplace specifically male dominated environment, goes away. I think I must have spent to long in it as clearly started to think in the same way
And nice of so many of you to say that I deserve something, because for whatever reason I hardly ever fell like I ever do.

OP posts:
Superscientist · 17/06/2020 18:27

I received a promotion just after we found out. Due to my job, my employer knew I was pregnant already so not quite the same. I did feel about 5% guilty even though I know I shouldn't. Both myself and my employer have benefited from me being promoted and I will be returning after maternity leave when hopefully this will continue.

Mitchland · 17/06/2020 19:03

Take the rise - and free the guilt. You (women!) don't deserve to feel like this. As a woman of "child-bearing age" this is a "risk" that all employers must face. You are worth the raise, they will get another 4-5 months out of you, and then they have the knowledge that you may (plenty don't of course) come back. But you have every right not to too... Its only work after all - and most know there are more important things in life (our health, happiness and family!). But its nice to hear that you have their interests at heart - they'll appreciate that!

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