Morally wrong? WWYD?

[StringerBelle]

I have just completed an MA which retrained me for a new career. Have had some really good voluntary work in the field and have been hunting for a job over the summer. I've just seen the 'perfect job' - part-time, term-time only, fairly local, decent salary and wanting an enthusiastic person with a postgraduate qualification in the field. This sort of job is quite rare and has 'me' written all over it, so I was thrilled when I saw it advertised.

However...

I have just found out I am pregnant. Only about 4-5 weeks at the moment.

The post is working with a small-medium sized charity and they have got funding for three years, so for someone to go for the job and then bugger off on maternity leave for 6 months would be quite an upset for them. It would be morally wrong to go for it, wouldn't it?

Tell me honestly what you think.

I think you should defo apply for it as at the minute nothing is guarenteed it's such early days (obviously hope nowt bad happens). Would be great experience just to apply. At least it gives you a few more weeks to think about it.

Why can't you go for it? There's no guarantee you'll get it.

If you get to interview, try your best.

If they offer you the job and you feel you can't take it, come clean and tell them you've just found out you're pregnant and leave the ball in their court. You've given them the option of withdrawing their offer and if you're so good they might live with it or at least keep you in mind for later.

Try. No need to feel morally wrong if you come clean when they offer you it.

Good luck

x-post

Consider what they want and what you can offer. Could you balance babe and work?
Will you need 6 months maternity? It is a local job, part time, term time only - your due date must be close (ish) to the summer holidays - how busy will the job role be at the end of the summer term?. Is there any possibility of working from home/flexible working?
If you go for it you may still be the best applicant even though you are pregnant. (It is possibly also worth bearing in mind that lots of ladies don't know they are pregnant until 8-10 weeks, so although you know, it would be quite believable to 'learn' the good news in 3 or 4 weeks time!!!) when you will know if they are offering you a job. THEN you can 'come clean' and see if they are still keen...?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

X post with doughnutty

I think you should go for it and see how you get on, however in the event that you are offered the job, the decision will have to be yours. You can't leave the ball in their court - they do not have the option to withdraw the offer because of your pregnancy because that would be illegal.

Of course it's not morally wrong! Being pregnant and having children doesn't mean you're not allowed to earn a living. Go for the job and IF you get it, great. You don't have to tell them you're pregnant until much later (and many people don't anyway until after 12 weeks).

I wouldn't tell them though because illegal or not, employers do still discriminate against pregnant women, big time.