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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Pregnant but just accepted new job offer

27 replies

Mamaux · 01/06/2021 16:03

Hi all,

So... I've just finished uni and got my dream teaching job starting in Sept. However, I have just discovered that I am pregnant 😬 I didn't know at the interview and I was offered the job within an hour. I don't know what to do. Wait until my 12 week scan and then break the news or tell them early and let the job go with the risk that I could MC? I know I'm protected in law, but I feel like I've let everyone down as I will only be around for one term. I'm also worried that I won't be entitled to maternity allowance as I've been a student for three years and would have only worked 16 weeks. This is meant to be a happy time but instead I'm filled with worry and guilt. Has anyone else experienced this?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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JulietBravo999 · 01/06/2021 16:09

I’d be honest with the school and see what they say, but consider finding work through an agency for now. You might have legal protection but it will royally piss your new colleagues off if you join but only manage a term (not to mention your class of children if it’s a primary school)

ker89 · 01/06/2021 16:33

I agreed with above, however shit it is.. people will be pissed. I've been through the same thing and had an awful time! If I were in your shoes I'd give it a couple of weeks and then explain and see how they feel about it. Especially if you won't qualify for maternity allowance, neither you or the school will be benefiting much from one term of work. Sorry you're in this position! X

ChateauMargaux · 01/06/2021 16:36

At 12 weeks, let them know. Pregnancy is a fact of life and lots of teachers have children. Yes, it might piss a few people off but it is easier to keep a job you have before you get pregnant than get one afterwards. Pregnancy protection is there for a reason.

Maternity Allowance rules state that you must be employed or self employed for 26 weeks during the 66 weeks prior to your due date?

Any chance you could be self employed from now until you start your job? Tutoring, summer holiday nanny?

ViaRia · 01/06/2021 16:41

I’m not sure I understand. Are you hoping to return to the job after a period of maternity leave? If so, don’t offer to give away that legal right.

Once your contract is signed, you could let your boss know the happy news but without resigning. Share your joy with them and focus on you and your family. Let them worry about whether and when to replace you, let them decide whether or not it is in the school’s best interest for you to teach for only one term. It’s not your concern.

Congratulation on your pregnancy and your new job - what an amazing time for you! Enjoy it x

TownTalkJewels · 01/06/2021 16:41

Similar situation for me, having a baby 9 months into a new job. Not planned and I was really stressed about telling them so I understand your position. How long do you want to take off? I felt it was best to do a short period of leave to mitigate the fact that this has happened so soon- I’ll do 2 or 3 months. Is that possible for you?

Original poster

Mamaux · 01/06/2021 16:55

Thank you all for your responses. I would probably take 6 months leave as I wouldn't be able to afford anymore, but 100% plan to go back and stay for the forseable future.

It is just rubbish timing... and a complete shock as I was told I would have difficulty conceiving. I don't want people to be annoyed with me, but I didn't plan to get offered a job at the same time as falling pregnant. I suppose nothing is guaranteed in life. I could have taken the job and broke my leg 4 months in x

OP posts:

Ameteurmum · 01/06/2021 17:20

I’m in the same boat - Just accepted a new role in the same company I’ve been with fir years but it took ages to get the role approved and so much red tape and drama that I am going to feel like such a dick when I drop the baby bomb. 12 week scan Thursday so I might tell them next week. I’m literally terrified 🙈

AnonymousXXIX · 01/06/2021 18:01

I am just reading this thinking: what if you were a man?

I wouldn't give up on the job straight away in any case. Either wait to tell them, or have a convo about it now, whatever you prefer, but don't pre-empt your own unemployment...

This stuff happens, you could also be cycling to work and break your leg on the first day. The school should roll with it. And hopefully, if you're lucky, give you a taste of how supportive they can be! They wanted to hire you, so whether that's now, or next year, it sounds like they'll be happy to have you on the team.

Babyno1x · 01/06/2021 18:23

I definitely wouldn't worry about telling them yet! It's not fair that we as woman are made to feel this way and I have been in this situation twice!

The first time I turned down a new job as when I was offered I found out I was 5 weeks pregnant - I then sadly miscarried at 11 weeks :(

I am now 13 weeks pregnant and only started my new role in January so super nervous about telling my manager in a couple of weeks but I don't think we should hold off on trying for a baby with the fear of work, it's just not fair!

Best of luck with everything xx

LunaLula83 · 01/06/2021 18:30

If your partner is working/has worked 26 weeks you will be able to claim

ArosGartref · 01/06/2021 18:39

I started a new job at 22 weeks pregnant. It wasn't ideal but what can you do? It didn't cause any problems really.

Are you 21 fresh out of uni or have you retrained? If the former you could easily work there for 55 years so it's silly to give it up for the sake of 6 months mat leave.

All the best.

ArosGartref · 01/06/2021 18:40

Sorry - 45 years, unless things go really tits up with pensions.

Beamur · 01/06/2021 18:42

Happened to a teacher at DD's school. But she was such a good teacher, there were several schools keen to employ her, that the school accommodated her. All worked out fine.

loves2plan · 01/06/2021 18:48

Sometimes life doesn't go quite to plan OP I would wait until 12 weeks and let them know

CatCup · 01/06/2021 18:52

I know NQTs who have gone on maternity. It happens. You may need to increase your 'probation' period to pass as an NQT.

baldafrique · 01/06/2021 18:54

Do NOT tell them before your 12 week scan. No way in hell.

HotPotatoHotPotato21 · 01/06/2021 19:16

Op I was offered a new job at the same company back in December, the role is supposed to be for a two year project. We had been TTC number two for over a year and of course I found out I was pregnant less than two weeks after accepting the position.
I spent the next 8 weeks completely panicking about telling them and felt so guilty and embarrassed as I'm taking a year leave plus holiday. My new manager was absolutely great and felt like a weight had been lifted once I told him. I didn't start the job until 12 weeks so I only have six months in the role before 14 months off! Life happens. Now I feel absolutely no guilt and I am helping hire my maternity cover. If they offered you the job that quickly they obviously really liked you, yes it's a pain for them, but they'd have the same issue covering you whether you'd be there three months or three years.

Original poster

Mamaux · 01/06/2021 19:47

You have all made me feel so much better. I'm glad to hear I am not the only one who has gone through this. I know I will still stress until I break the news to them, but all of your comments have definitely made me rethink giving up the position. I was good enough for the job 2 weeks ago and I'm still good enough for the job now 😃

OP posts:

Rubyrecka · 01/06/2021 20:31

Once you've had your scan then tell them. Anything could happen you don't want to have lost out on a job for nothing.

Hugepeppapigfan · 01/06/2021 20:46

School senior leader here. Don’t give up the position. The school will have to cover you. Just a fact of life. Congratulations!

MrsG30 · 01/06/2021 20:56

This happened to me! Accepted the perfect job for me, then found out I was pregnant with a total shocker of a surprise! I just qualified for mat pay.

However I decided to only take 6 weeks mat leave, plus a weeks holiday. I felt super bad as I was returning to a company I had left when my eldest was 2, as I struggled for childcare.

My DS is 10 weeks old, and I went back to work when he was 6 weeks old. I work from home, a few evenings and one day at the weekend, so it was no bother at all.

The only thing I do wish I’d done, was take 12 weeks mat leave, and for the last 6 weeks or so, do the KIT days to get back into the swing of things and boost the pay. DS was still really struggling with colic and allergies at 6 weeks, and has only really settled somewhat this last week. The first week or two being back at work was really tough.

Amijustagrump · 01/06/2021 21:03

I was in a very similar situation a few years back. Due to many reasons I decided to terminate however spent some time looking into this!
So you won't be entitled to maternity pay/allowance, however the school must offer you maternity leave and you will be able to go back. Do not tell them until after 12 weeks (mid September would be ideal if you can hide it until then). And yes people will be pissed, this happened to our new MFL teacher this year, however life happens! SLT will deal with it. Congratulations!

MilduraS · 01/06/2021 21:08

My colleague found out about an hour before she was offered her job. She decided to accept the offer anyway and by the time she told us she was pregnant, we already knew her and knew she was perfect for the role. I didn't hear any negative comments and by the time she was about to go on maternity leave we had people in other departments coming to wish her luck. If it's your dream job, take it.

Bumzoo · 01/06/2021 21:10

This has happened a couple of times at schools I've worked in

The heads were fucked off and type colleagues from that year group but what can you do? They'll get over it.

Congratulations.

Original poster

Mamaux · 20/07/2021 19:48

Just an update for those frantically googling who are in the same position as me. I told my new work today at 10 weeks. It wasn't as bad as I had imagined in my head. Although it was a shock to them nothing negative has happened/been said. They even said they appreciated my honesty so early on. So here goes starring my new career 4 months pregnant 🤣

OP posts:

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