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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

On 6 month FTC (with view to perm) and now pregnant

6 replies

ALifeofChaos · 08/03/2021 10:32

I freelanced for a client for around 1.5 years before they asked if I wanted to go on a 6 month FTC. I did so so as not to lose a client and because of lockdown. I also missed being part of a team.

When we had the chat, it was clear that it's more of a "let's see if it works for us both" as it was with a view to going perm. I don't see that the work I'm supposed to do is temporary at all - it's ongoing.

Anyway, the general day-to-day talks suggest they see me in their future (things like my line manager asking what I'd like to explore more in my role as it develops, etc, and invites for big meetings after my contract expires). It's coming to the end of my contract though in a couple of months and I obviously need to know if it will be extended.

The problem is, I'm now pregnant but very early days (6 weeks). By the end of the contract, I'd be past 12 weeks. Me being me, I'd feel so guilty chasing and trying to push for perm (if they're happy) knowing I'm pregnant. Equally, I feel like the FTC means I have less protection.

Now I'm pregnant, I am utterly exhausted and it's affecting my productivity so badly. And to make matters worse, it's not just the pregnancy - before that I was still not 100% as I found that meetings as an employee interfere with my ability to get my content down - plus I
felt my productivity already go down a bit with the latest lockdown - I think maybe I've been depressed as I was getting tired so easily and brain fog.

So in short, I feel like I've not made the most of the opportunity (although the feedback so far has been positive) but I do love this employer and feel like I'd have a future once out of lockdown and maternity. I could also up my hours after the first trimester to cover some of my work on maternity.

So should I push for a perm without being honest or just be honest? I could still miscarry at any time. I absolutely hate lying and being deceptive.

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 08/03/2021 14:01

Think of it like this - set aside the fact you are pg, you're saying you hate lying and deceiving, so you need to decide whether you do or do not want a long term future with the organisation. The fact you've said yourself that you don't want to lie or deceive suggests you don't feel you want to work for them, otherwise you'd not have any doubts continuing to push for a FT role with them.

In short, if you feel you want to commit, then push forward with the FT role discussions, if you don't want to commit, then don't continue to push for that.

But don't mess them around by wanting it one day and then changing your mind the next, as they could see you as flakey.

ALifeofChaos · 08/03/2021 14:25

Thank you.

Oh I've been confusing. The comments about me feeling less productive are me panicking about not being good enough. I also got diagnosed recently with ADHD but couldn't take medication if TTC. So I know I have weaknesses but I've always known that. With freelance it seemed to not matter in a way as long as the finished product was good.

I feel like I usually work better and do also worry about whether the freelance side leaves out the stuff that distracts me but I could try to work on that with coaching etc.

I think the employer is amazing. A great culture, an inspiring leader and very flexible.

I suppose I know deep down it's just a year but it somehow feels wrong not to tell them I'm pregnant if in a contract discussion.

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 08/03/2021 16:39

If your worried about telling them about being pg, you don't need to say anything until 15 weeks before your due date. You will need to make some sort of decision, as to how you want the conversation to go before your contract ends, and I'm not sure anyone on here can tell you what's right for you in your life - can you leave it until nearer the time and see how your pregnancy goes.

Take things one day at a time, and definitely don't feel obliged to have to make a decision, in fact if you really aren't sure enough, you could wait until you've had the baby and agree to contact them then. It sounds like you're too overwhelmed atm. and you may need to take the pressure off yourself.

daisychain01 · 08/03/2021 16:39

your = you're

JuliaMumsnet · 10/03/2021 15:17

@ALifeofChaos

I freelanced for a client for around 1.5 years before they asked if I wanted to go on a 6 month FTC. I did so so as not to lose a client and because of lockdown. I also missed being part of a team.

When we had the chat, it was clear that it's more of a "let's see if it works for us both" as it was with a view to going perm. I don't see that the work I'm supposed to do is temporary at all - it's ongoing.

Anyway, the general day-to-day talks suggest they see me in their future (things like my line manager asking what I'd like to explore more in my role as it develops, etc, and invites for big meetings after my contract expires). It's coming to the end of my contract though in a couple of months and I obviously need to know if it will be extended.

The problem is, I'm now pregnant but very early days (6 weeks). By the end of the contract, I'd be past 12 weeks. Me being me, I'd feel so guilty chasing and trying to push for perm (if they're happy) knowing I'm pregnant. Equally, I feel like the FTC means I have less protection.

Now I'm pregnant, I am utterly exhausted and it's affecting my productivity so badly. And to make matters worse, it's not just the pregnancy - before that I was still not 100% as I found that meetings as an employee interfere with my ability to get my content down - plus I
felt my productivity already go down a bit with the latest lockdown - I think maybe I've been depressed as I was getting tired so easily and brain fog.

So in short, I feel like I've not made the most of the opportunity (although the feedback so far has been positive) but I do love this employer and feel like I'd have a future once out of lockdown and maternity. I could also up my hours after the first trimester to cover some of my work on maternity.

So should I push for a perm without being honest or just be honest? I could still miscarry at any time. I absolutely hate lying and being deceptive.

Hello @ALifeofChaos - just jumping in quickly to say that this week we are running a free online legal advice clinic about everything to do with employment and pregnancy and your rights in work as a parent, with Maternity Action. Volunteers will give you free advice on your particular situation if you post your question on the thread (they will message you privately for the info you don't want to post publicly). It ends Friday.

Thanks!

MNHQ

ALifeofChaos · 12/03/2021 12:07

Thank you for the help. I've asked on the legal thread now too. A lot going on!!

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