Pregnant - and now I have a job interview!

[AnaYorks]

Hi everyone

I'm looking for some advice. I discovered just under a week ago that I'm expecting my first baby (now Wk 5); today I've been emailed to say I have a job interview for a job I really desperately want in another organisation.

Am I mad to be thinking of changing jobs now?
What should I say to them at the interview? Should I say anything?

Any advice gratefully appreciated!

Hi AnaYorks
I'm really pleased you started this thread and am suprised to learn so many people are in a similar situation!
I have my final interview today for my dream job (a trading role at an international bank) and i've already been told this is a formality and they'll offer me the job tomorrow.
I'm 7-8 weeks with a dating scan on Wednesday and OMG what a dilemma! I plan to tell them after the scan, probably Thursday and explain I've just found out. I'm worried what their reaction will be but i figured this:

1. If they're pi**ed of I will reject the job, I don't want to work for someone for 6 months if they're going to make me "pay" for being pregnant
2. Things happen for a reason, if I wasn't pregnant now, I would be in the next year (I'd have hoped) so at least I know now what their thoughts are like towards maternity 3)If they're ok with it then happy days!

I have a very comfortable job right now - flexible hours, work from home etc but its not what I dream of doing. I think its best to pursue what you really want - otherwise you might end up resenting the baby in 20 years time for preventing you doing this.

Good luck - I will post back on Thursday to let you know how I get on!

Hi everyone

Thanks for all the different viewpoints.

Current job is ok, but medium-term future is uncertain. I really want to do the job I'm being interviewed for, as well as the fact that it should be more secure.

The loss of maternity pay doesn't worry me as the job I'm going for pays enough more that it'll balance itself out fairly quickly. I intend to go back full time (I'm the breadwinner!) but after 9-12 months - I'm intending this to be my only baby and I don't want to miss out on the opportunity.

I do want to be straight with them - I don't think that I could say nothing and then tell them once I get there - I'd feel too guilty!

I think I'll take the advice a few people have given and hold off until (if) I get offered the job - if they then change their minds, at least I know it's because they don't want the 'hassle' of a pregnant woman and are therefore not an organisation I want to work for anyway.

Thanks again, everyone for the messages - I knew I wouldn't be the only person who has been in this situation.

Fingers crossed for the interview!

Lulabel27 - your situation sounds very similar to mine! Good luck with everything.

Ok, so I've just been offered the job. Yay!

And 'fessed up that I'm 6 wks pregnant (not so yay).

They've gone away to think about it.

I really hope it doesn't make a difference.

Fingers crossed...

i ve only been in my job just under 12 weeks and just found out am 9 weeks pregnant,do you think my job will be safe,it doesnt help that i have the worst morning sickness ever and all ready had to take a day off!

AnaYorks did they get back to you yet?
I am currently in the interview process at two companies and 8 weeks. One I started interview process at 5 weeks and it is still going and another one I am going to the interview today.
I have no offer at this time but would like to have a plan of action if I actually get one.
Please let us know when you find out the response from them, I hope its positive!

Hi

The !$%&* 'changed their minds' and withdrew the job offer less than an hour after they called.

I am so pursuing this - it is blatant sex discrimination. From a public sector organisation too...

In addition to the useful advice given by Mumsnetters before the interview, other advice I have been given since includes:
Some people have said I should have waited until I had the offer in writing
Others have said I should have waited until I started work

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Personally, I feel I still did the right thing in telling them as soon as I had accepted the offer. Yes, they then withdrew it - but that's their problem not mine. At least I know I did the right thing according to my own code of ethics. Apparently even with just a verbal offer I still have a strong case.

I can't really offer much advice, but what I would say is:

lisascotland they can't sack you for being pregnant - it doesn't matter if you've only been there 12 weeks.
babynelly2010 - you have to make your own choice about whether you feel you want to tell them once you have accepted an offer (I wouldn't do it before), or wait until you start. Perhaps the best option is to wait for a written offer - that way, if they do rescind it you have concrete proof of discrimination (not that that seems to be a major hurdle in my case).

Maybe things will still turn out ok somehow. I've written them a very strongly-worded letter, inviting them to contact me to discuss the matter. Otherwise, they'll be hearing from my solicitor in the not too distant future!

Wow, I am so sorry for this experience!
It is terrible that it happened, I actually can believe it, I surly thought that you would come back with the good news and it would be a proof to everyone that honesty is the best policy.

It is such a risk to discriminate against pregnant woman and this is a clear discrimination.

I am so sorry this happened, but on the bright side you probably better off not working for an organization such that, that thinks that the gender discrimination is OK.

that's outrageous anayorks! I had a job interview when 6 wks pg 18 months ago - was offered the job, then told them I was pg. They said 'fine, when can you start?' Good luck with this company - hope they are made to pay for such blatant discrimination.

oh dear Ana, although can't say I am surprised - in fact I would have expected them to withdraw, although as you say illegal - they might still have tried to withdraw if you had in writing though.