Need perspective. Want both new job and to start trying

[sellotape12]

I feel at a fork in the road. I am really keen to leave the current sector I’m in. So same career, completely new sector (in-house vs for a firm). However, I just turned 40 and really conscious that if we want baby no2 we probs have to start trying within the year. Has anyone been through this where the stars just didn’t align in terms of timing and what did you decide to do?
Do I try now to look for the job now (which I don’t think it’s going to be quick or easy), and then family plan after that? Or I just start a family planning anyway and worry about the job thing later? The downside of this I think is that what if a great job offer comes along and I’m already pregnant? My friend spooked me when she said that if you turn up at a new job preggers, you don’t even get statutory maternity pay. Is this right?

Of course I can stay in the job I’m in. It’s fine. I’d get my 3 months full mat pay. But god I am bored. I’ve achieved and done nothing since I returned from mat leave two years ago, have been completely held back, and the sector is in decline.

I think if you definitely want another baby I'd crack on with that primarily, look for another job alongside it as well though. In terms of maternity pay, yes with the timings you usually need to be employed for a fair period of time before pregnancy to get enhanced maternity pay, and if you are already pregnant when you start the job you can't get statutory pay either, but providing you have been continuously employed for the right period of time with your previous employer/paying NI you can get Maternity Allowance instead, which is basically the same as SMP, i.e. not a lot! If a maternity leave on SMP/MA only would be an absolute financial disaster for you then I'd aim to stay in current role, otherwise just move if the opportunity comes up and deal with the financial side later, but don't delay the baby either way.

I would get on with ttc. If you absolutely hated the job that would be different but just being bored wouldn't be enough IMO to jump ship and loose the financial benefit. Everyone is different though and maybe that's more important to you.

Yes, exactly. It’s really tricky. I did the sums and if I started a new job only relying on SMP, I’d essentially be be leaving about £15,000 on the table (my maternity pay from current job). It’s a lot of money.

There again I’m torn as to if my amazing dream job came up should I just go for it because they are once in a blue moon in my sector? I suppose it’s how much is that £15,000 is of value to me…

I also think it might be harder for me to change sector in another, say 18 months time after a long period of leave. In other words, if you head hunters have already told me that new section will be less likely to take a punt on someone that’s had a long period out of the sector because it moves so fast.

PS Husband is in the NHS and doesn’t earn nearly as much so whilst we’d definitely be okay and wouldn’t be scraping the barrel or anything, it’s a lot! Ugh

If you’re 40 you might already be too old to conceive again. I wouldn’t be even skipping one month of trying at this point, you can do the career later. Statistically you are unlikely to be able to conceive/carry to term etc in a few years. You’re kidding yourself, if you want the baby, do the baby now! Best of luck. I’m not trying to be mean, google the stats.

In my opinion, if you have maternity benefits at the moment, you’d be mad to leave!