This is part advice-seeking/part venting.

Anonymous

May 19,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

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This is part advice-seeking/part venting.

I recently got a job offer that I’d love to take. But I’m about 4 months pregnant and won’t be eligible for the parental leave benefit the company offers since I’ll have been there less than a year. I also highly doubt I’d get any benefits under Short Term Disability since pregnancy is considered a ‘pre-existing condition.’ (I also decided to disclose that I was pregnant *after* I got the offer, because I felt it was imperative I get very detailed information on all these policies before accepting.)

I feel angry and frustrated because it seems absolutely impossible for someone who’s currently pregnant to switch jobs and still get paid parental leave. I feel trapped because the only reason for me to stay at my current employer is the parental leave benefit.

what do other people do when they switch companies while pregnant?

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AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 12:59PM UTC
I’m in this position right now. My company will be restructuring on June 1 and I’ve been given the heads up to start looking for a new job or risk being laid off without severance. I don’t know what to do because I thought pregnant women were preotected but apparently that doesn’t apply in a restructure. I’m almost 40, this is my first child, and I’ve “done everything right” just to be in this position. We used all our savings for fertility meds. I’m gobsmacked.
Jacquelynn LucasMay 19,2022 at 1:10PM UTC
I did switch companies during my second pregnancy. Once I had the offer, I requested to be included in the offer that I would get the time off even though I was not there for a year. This is very common and most companies accept it. It is difficult to negotiate other items but at least you have the comfort that you will be able to take the time for your little one. Good luck with this and welcoming your little one!
Laura WestMay 19,2022 at 1:19PM UTC
May I make a suggestion? It may be worth a consultation with an employment lawyer. I believe pregnancy is covered under the ADA. Do speak with someone if you can -- you may be entitled to more than you think.
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 2:54PM UTC
legally she can take 17 weeks of unpaid leave with job protection if she chooses to do so. However she is Entitled to short term disability but there’s state mandates to a lot of these things. However the security of her job and no job discrimination since she is pregnant is more of a legal basis.
Tracy McKennaMay 19,2022 at 1:26PM UTC
This can be so frustrating. I don't know if this will help your situation, however I know there are some insurance plans that you could get in the interim for pregnancies.
Health Coverage Options for Pregnant or Soon to Be Pregnant Women | HealthCare.gov
Good luck and congratulations on your new role and your upcoming new addition. Wishes for a safe birth and healthy kiddo.
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 1:53PM UTC
You should double check on Short Term Disability. I switched jobs while pregnant, and I will be receiving Short Term Disability to make up for the company’s paid maternity leave benefits. It also doesn’t hurt to negotiate for the leave; I’ve seen others do that and get the full benefit.
Sabrina CortesMay 19,2022 at 3:33PM UTC
I ended up staying at my job, then left after the benefits ended. Unfortunately, I didn't know to look for other options. I'm so glad that I found FGB where we support each other.
AnonymousMay 19,2022 at 5:00PM UTC
This is just how it works.
You stay for the balance of the year and the start your search.
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 4:18AM UTC
I was in the same boat recently and found out I would not the full 6 weeks of paid bonding time that the company offers. However I did negotiate the pay as part of the sign on and will be taking the time. The company also assured me after checking with their short term disability provider that they will cover the first 6 weeks partially (60% I believe) and the state of CA will cover most of the rest.
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 2:52PM UTC
You can take nesting time as well in CA! Don’t miss out on that! I believe it’s 60% of your pay as well but the full month before your due date! Take advantage for sure (I mean If you want but it’s use it or lose it)
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 9:29PM UTC
The problem with most jobs, is that the benefits that are set for the company are set.
They are not going to bend the rules, especially for a large company and bc the health benefits approved and allocated are based on a specific contract between he employer and insurance company.
Try to weigh your options and priorities:
1)Can your husband take parental leave from his insurance to help out? I know it is taboo, but it is becoming more common now.
2)What is your trend in getting job interviews, has it been a needle in the
haystack or has it been successful?
Think about the worst case scenario: You do not know how demanding the new job would be, it could be stressful, you might hate it there. Too many unknowns to take the risk given your circumstance
3)If bonding with your future new born is your priority while in a currently
stable job that gives you stable pay, I would focus on staying where you are at,
even if you hate it there.
4) Either way you will need to take leave. If you have a new born, at the new job, you would still have to take leave. And also what if there are complications where you need significant time off, wouldn’t you rather be paid during that time??
Take the time seriously to write down all the pros and cons, discuss with your husband. Evaluate and rank what is most important to you.
AnonymousMay 21,2022 at 2:48PM UTC
I switched jobs, they actually lied to me about the parental leave (before I even knew I was pregnant). I found out I was pregnant the day I put in my notice at my old job. Long story short I’m 7 months pregnant and in final interviews for a new job, ha!
but anyways. Im taking medical leave, my physician wrote me a note. granted I live in California so we also do have pregnancy disability but it is only 6 weeks post delivery for a non complicated birth, and naturally I want more time with my little one.
so see what your state has to offer for medical leave since I know most states do not have pregnancy disability. Also, I’d look at the short term disability rules in your state as well it’s still an option! Technically you are disabled when you birth a child. And if you JUST started at 4 months when you delivery you can see how much SDI you can take then the 2 months post delivery you’re legally allowed to take the FMLA when you hit 1250 hours or 1 year whichever comes first. I did a lot of research on this.
So if this is a job you truly want. Be honest with them and work with your HR team to make it work for you and then. They obviously want you to work for them!
good luck!!!
Dr. Jessica Parker, PMPMay 23,2022 at 12:08AM UTC
Talk with the HR folks at your "new" company to see what options they might be able to figure out with you. Also note that FMLA doesn't cover you if you've been there less than a year.