Applying for jobs when pregnant

[Margo34]

Would you or wouldn't you?

I'm currently on a fixed temp contract til end of academic year, with baby due end of Sept.

I was thinking of applying for perm job from 1st Sept and then taking mat leave maybe 3 weeks later. I'd then be entitled to OMP based on LA continuous service as new job also in same LA and I'll have a job to go back to after mat leave....

But I just don't know how comfortable I feel taking a new job knowing I'll potentially be there 3 weeks before off for up to a year.

WWYD??!

Is anyone even hiring atm? If they’re hiring for a teacher for September, they probably will need someone to start then. You can try, but they’d probably find another reason to not hire you and pick someone else as they wouldn’t ever be able to admit it’s because you’re pregnant. Not telling them is an option, but you would never be well viewed or thought of when at that school. It’s such a tough one as you’re in a very difficult position. I would say apply but be honest. I think it would partly depend how long you’re planning on having off too.

I wouldn't even bother tbh.

As pp said, there's not much hiring going on at the moment. And by the time there is, you'll be very fairly pregnant, in all likelihood, so, as pp said, they'll probably just go with someone else. By all means try it, but I think it's potentially a lot of stress for little reward, unless you particularly enjoy the application and interview processes.

*fairly obviously pregnant, not very fairly pregnant.

@ilikebigbuttsandicannotlie yes there are some but few and far between. This one is also v close to home, too and jobs rarely come up there. Would it be unreasonable to apply, and if successful - tell them upfront then? I wouldn't want to put them in an awkward position re: knowing in advance of any potential interview then battling with non discrimination, so I wouldnt tell them until after, but it would be very soon after.

@FTMF30 why?

@BrooHaHa so you wouldn't consider earning OMP over SMP sufficient 'reward'? You must be in a very lucky financial position!

I honestly wouldn't either. It suits your circumstances, but essentially they are going to have to recruit twice for one job. They will not give you the position if they are aware, unfair as that is.

I wouldn't bother, OP.

I can't see that you have anything to lose by applying. The odds aren't exactly stacked in your favour but potential new employers aren't going to be liable for maternity costs and in the grand scheme a good employee is worth holding onto for years so they might be long sighted types?

On the other hand they are presumably recruiting because they need the role filled and someone actually working so you are likely on a hiding to nothing regardless.

I would be honest with them though.

so you wouldn't consider earning OMP over SMP sufficient 'reward'? You must be in a very lucky financial position!

No, I'm just presuming you won't get hired. So OMP isn't an option in the scenario I'm working from. I suppose it depends if you're showing yet as to whether you can dupe them- I'm also due in late September and you can tell from half a glance.

@margo34 if there is one close to home, then you should apply. I would still be honest from the get go though. If you were successful and then told them after, you’re not doing them a favour at all. They’re now in an impossible situation as they can’t turn around and rescind their offer as that would be discrimination.

I totally understand why you would want the job, it’s just bad timing as you’re due in September and would be leaving just weeks after starting.

A teacher in another department was hired for a September start and it turns out she was due in January. It wasn’t very warmly received at all.

However, only you know your position and whether this would bother you.

@Margo34 I personally think it would be a waste of time a d effort that you could channel elsewhere.
The job market is extra fierce at tge moment and you've also said jobs rarely come up where you want to apply. That means a lot of people could be applying for that one job.
I don't think anyone sensible would hire someone who they know full well will be leaving for a good while in a few weeks. You'll barely have settled in before they have to rehire. Think about it objectively. Anyone wanting to go on mat leave a few weeks after starting a job is not an attractive prospect.

Thanks for your thoughts, all! I'm so conflicted about it and you've all said both sides of my thoughts and I'm still not sure! Oh the conflict!

I used to have responsibility for recruitment at last school. I would rather know in advance in advance.

Going on maternity leave just a few weeks after joining would then they would be in the position of getting a temp in. It would really annoy SMT and your fellow department members.

What about the students?

Not sure about the impact on your probation period either