Advice needed... Change job before ttc?

[DaisyChain87]

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some advice from people who are already parents.

My fiancé and I have been together for 5 years. Getting married in July. Will hopefully start ttc soon after...

The issue with this is that my job is very, very demanding and inflexible. If we did have children, I would be the primary carer but would probably have to work part time too. I'm just not sure that my current job is compatible with family life. So, my question is- have any of you changed jobs based on plans for a family? Was it a good move?

I'm thinking that if I make a move, it needs to be soon. Tying myself in knots a bit thinking about it so would really really appreciate some guidance. Thank you.

I'd stay and then leave after full entitlement.

In order to qualify for company maternity pay you usually need to have worked for the company for at least a year. Changing jobs may mean you forgo maternity pay.

My advice, based on my experience, would be not to make decisions based on your plans to conceive.

Do you enjoy the job, or not?

Could you find something else easily?

If not for ttc, would you be thinking of moving?

Just to relate my personal experience, I stayed in a job with no prospect of promotion or advancement for five years whilst we ttc. It took way longer than we "planned". Often these things don't go to plan, sadly. Once DC1 was born, the company found a loophole to get out of paying me the full maternity entitlement in my contract, and I lost my job.

If I could do it again, I would advise myself to forget about the ttc and just look after my career. In my position again, I would have changed company sooner.

That said, I'm finding now that it's difficult to get into a new company in my industry on a part-time basis. So much easier if you are already employed and then requesting part-time.

Stay. Save up. TTC...... Have baby. Get full maternity. Get another job 8 weeks before due to go back hand in notice. Job done.

I have been TTC for four months now - you cannot put a time scale on it. Unfortunately!

Thank you both. I think that perhaps I am flapping over nothing! The job is ok- just has very few benefits, and is really demanding (boss will suddenly demand that I go to a meeting 5 hours away the next day- which is fine now but would be impossible around childcare etc). I think I might start looking out for a new job, but ONLY move if it's the right option for my career. Good luck ttc- hope it happens soon for you! :-)

Thank you DaisyChain! Hope it happens quick for you also!

I wouldn't worry too much about your job at this moment. And even when you do fall pregnant they hopefully will be able to give you more notice with meetings that are hours away. But that would be nice even if you wasn't pregnant eh!

Take care