Dream job accepted - now pregnant

[weloveicecream]

I suppose I’m looking for some advice …

I accepted my dream teaching job 3 weeks ago, signing a 1 year contract and have since found out I’m pregnant.

Usually this wouldn’t be an issue, but I’m a teacher. I’ve signed a 1 year contract to commence in September, I am due in November. It would be unfair to take the job knowing a new teacher would need to be found.

Not only is this my dream job in my dream school, myself and my partner get married next year and I am worried how we will be able to afford the wedding with me not contributing (I am currently a student teacher so not earning a salary, not entitled to maternity etc). Pushing back the wedding is not an option as we have already booked and paid for the venue and vendors.

I am really torn and finding this a really difficult situation. I haven’t told anyone around me. Any advice would be welcomed x

I’m guessing things are still quite early so don’t make any decisions yet. Legally normal employers can’t remove job offers for maternity (although I’m aware NQT teaching can be a bit dodgy for things…) and you deserve legally to have maternity pay. I can tell your heart is in the right place as a teacher to worry about the kids first though !

I would wait before you say anything to your employer. Definitely wait until at least the 12 week mark so you know everything is okay with baby. Then I would see if they could potentially postpone your role so you could start after your baby is born.

In regards to the wedding, will the venue not let you change the date? A lot of venues will normally not let you cancel but will let you move the date. If that's not an option, you could always keep the rest of your wedding cheaper. Anything that you haven't already paid for can always be done at a lower cost. Or uninvite a few guests....