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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

WWYD Applying for a Promotion During Pregnancy

26 replies

Aquarius93 · 15/07/2021 19:00

Hello

Just looking for some opinions as I cannot make up my mind!

I’m around 16 weeks pregnant and have made my manager aware. A promotion in another team has come up and if I wasn’t pregnant, I’m 99% sure I would apply for it. However I’m having doubts about applying when I am pregnant. I work in HR so am aware that they shouldn’t overlook me just because of the pregnancy but sadly I have seen this happen and my manager also discouraged me from applying for a role before. The role would be a great opportunity for me but will also require a lot more travel and probably end up with longer working hours.

I know it depends a lot on individual circumstances but interested to see what other people think!

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ThedaBara · 15/07/2021 19:05

Is this your first child? I'm just asking as you have no idea how you will feel about your career after maternity leave. Maybe returning to a full on position with a lot of responsibility and travel will be just what you need, but maybe you won't want to/ or be able to with childcare etc.
I can totally see why you can't make up your mind. If you were to interview for this position they won't be able to ask you about future childcare plans, but they will be trying to find out how you'll cope with long hours/ travel so you'll need to have solid answers ready.
Is this opportunity likely to arise again in a year or two?
I have implying that you being a woman will mean you have to sacrifice career opportunities, but sadly unless your partner is going to do it, that's the world we live in.
I would suggest throw your hat in the ring, see if you are offered it first, ask lots of questions, and then decide after you've done the maths etc. Good luck

10Minutestobedtime · 15/07/2021 19:16

I interviewed for a new role when I was 8 months pregnant! I didn't get the job but it was a good experience and I'll be more ready for the next opportunity to progress.

Original poster

Aquarius93 · 15/07/2021 19:22

Thanks for replying! This is my first so I am really struggling with how I feel about my career. I’ve always been really ambitious and have done very well in the company I work for. I’m also the main earner in our relationship and even though that may change in the future, I do tend to think very independently about my finances.

It’s a role that doesn’t come up often at all so I guess I’m a bit twitchy about missing my chance!

OP posts:

glasspaw · 15/07/2021 19:40

@Aquarius93 personally I think I’d go for it if the opportunity doesn’t come up that often :)

CentralLondonPregnant · 15/07/2021 19:46

I would go for it! Yes, you may feel differently after the birth, but you can’t limit yourself now because of the chance things may change later - you have to go for what you want now and if you need to adjust later then you can do that. If you’re the main earner in your relationship I’m assuming your partner would be supportive?

I’m going for a promotion and I’m six months pregnant. They’ll make a final decision a few weeks after I go out on leave and if I get it I’ll take it up when I come back.

Dollpiglet · 15/07/2021 19:50

I did and got it. I wondered whether they didn't want to be seen turning someone down who was on mat leave. Whatever reason, it worked out well!

Original poster

Aquarius93 · 15/07/2021 19:56

So glad to hear others have had positive experiences!

@CentralLondonPregnant yes my husband is really supportive, he told me straight away to just go for it. He knows what I’m like so probably knows I would regret not going for it!

OP posts:

Palavah · 15/07/2021 19:59

Go for it - if you find it's too much you can always move into something less strenuous.

drpet49 · 15/07/2021 20:02

What hours do you want to do when you return? You need to think if your flexible working request would be granted.

ouchmyfeet · 15/07/2021 20:06

Do it! You have nothing to lose OP.
A colleague recently managed to secure a big promotion at 8 months pregnant.

MiddleParking · 15/07/2021 20:07

I wouldn’t even consider not going for it. I got promoted six months pregnant, and again a few months after I got back (and then immediately got pregnant again). Didn’t occur to me not to go for it either time. After you’ve been on mat leave once you realise that a year (or however long you’re taking off) is no time! And in my experience work only gets more flexible with seniority, not less.

AdriannaP · 15/07/2021 20:09

Of course apply! You will need more money wirh a baby on the way. You have nothing to lose

AdriannaP · 15/07/2021 20:10

Agree with PP that work gets more flexible with seniority and you usually get more support too.

Uramaki · 15/07/2021 20:11

Go for it.

PineappleWilson · 15/07/2021 20:12

I didn't when I was pregnant but that was because it was a 12 month fixed term post and the staff had already had huge upheaval so I knew I'd be leaving them in the lurch again. I have recruited a new staff member who was 6 months pregnant though. We offered her maternity cover to one of the other candidates from that interview pool.

Thegirlhasnoname · 15/07/2021 20:13

I was 7 weeks when I applied for a promotion, 9 weeks when interview/got the job and now am on maternity leave. This was when pregnant with my second and very much don’t see me having more (wouldn’t much like to be outnumbered!)

I did let them know at the interview despite it being early days because part of the role - NHS based - was around openness and transparency.

Good luck!

Dogsandbabies · 15/07/2021 20:17

I applied for and got a promotion twice while pregnant. Also, having a baby made me more determined and ambitious!

You have nothing to lose by applying. If you feel differently after you have the baby you can always take your career in a different direction then.

Throwntothewolves · 15/07/2021 20:24

I did so and got the job. They just got someone else who had applied to stand in for me when I was on maternity as a 'development opportunity'. That person later got a similar promotion. Don't let your pregnancy stand in the way of your career

Original poster

Aquarius93 · 15/07/2021 20:28

Thank you all so much - feeling so much more confident and reassured about it now!

OP posts:

Roodicus21 · 15/07/2021 20:31

Go for it! I interviewed for a promotion but within a different team (LA) when I was 8 weeks pregnant and got it. Took my mat leave and stayed there 4 years until I retrained.

If you go for it and don't get it then you've showed your ambition. If you do get it then it opens up doors- as the main earner I would be thinking of shared parental leave/ part time hours post mat leave etc which would be more doable on a higher wage.

Highlandmama · 15/07/2021 20:33

I did apply for a promotion recently after already telling my line manager I was pregnant, and didn’t get the job but now knowing that I want to progress, they have offered additional training when I return from mat leave. Which is a win in itself! So I don’t really see any disadvantages in applying. I say go for it and good luck. 🙂

LH1987 · 15/07/2021 21:56

What do you have to lose, go for it!

PineappleSun · 15/07/2021 23:16

Absolutely go for it, I was promoted at 24 weeks. Remember that maternity is just a blip in what could be a long career, any decent employer would know that.

Bellyrumble · 15/07/2021 23:22

Go for it :)

I found out last week (and shouldn’t know yet…) that I’ve been successful in applying for promotion and I’m 8 months gone. Not gonna lie it’s been a hard slog whilst pregnant trying to put so much effort in to be worthy of promotion (I’m under qualified on paper and never thought I’d get it!) but I feel so good now I’ve managed it, and more money will only be a good thing come maternity leave

I decided if I could get it now, it’ll be something good to get my teeth into after maternity leave tooo.

I just need to wait another few weeks for it to be formally announced (a few people applied so they are still assessing everyone!)

You won’t regret it :)

newmumwithquestions · 15/07/2021 23:22

Go for it.

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