Looking for a new role while knowing I may have to take maternity leave within the year- any advice?

8 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 4:58PM UTC

   In the US, employees can’t take advantage of FMLA for maternity leave until they’ve been with an employer for at least one year. So, if you’re already pregnant when you start at a new company, it’s a risk because you’re going into it knowing that you won’t have guaranteed job protection after the baby arrives. That alone is enough to cause some women to resist even looking for a new job when they’re pregnant.

   According to this website - https://community.themomproject.com/the-study/navigating-a-new-career-pregnant#:~:text=In%20the%20US%2C%20employees%20can,protection%20after%20the%20baby%20arrives.

2. Veronika Strnadova-NeeleyNovember 9,2022 at 5:59PM UTC

   The other comment is right about FMLA. However, specific parental leave policies will differ based on the hiring company and the state. I took a job while pregnant and got a paid maternity leave even though I hadn't been there a year yet. As one of my mentors said, they see my leave as a "drop in the bucket" and don't doubt my abilities because of it. I am going back to work part time after I return from leave. I had about 4 months of paid and 5 months of unpaid leave. I did bring up my pregnancy after receiving an offer, knowing that if they couldn't work with that then I couldn't work with them.

3. Kimberley Ferretti HammettNovember 9,2022 at 7:22PM UTC

   I want to first commend you for being so clear on where your priorities lie and doing the work to take care of yourself and your family. It can be difficult to move through such ambiguity, so I hope any obstacles you may face in your search don't deter you from going after what you deserve!

   As far as guidance/advice, I think this is where you will need to collect information and make judgements and treat each opportunity individually in this approach. By that I mean, you'll need to investigate their culture a bit and also decide how much room you have to draw a line. If work environment is part of the reason you are looking elsewhere, don't forget you are interviewing them as well! I think one of the most effective mindsets in the job search process is looking for a mutually beneficial arrangement where you are bringing your skills to help them meet your goals and in return they are aligned and supportive of your own personal goals (a blend of financial and personal wellness).

   This type of scenario might look something like interview # 2 or 3 you say "What I've learned so far about the role has me excited, I think I could add some value here and the team seems great. One of my personal goals is to eventually start a family so it is important to me to find a place I could grow professionally while also being supported in growing personally. Could you tell me a bit about how your team members with families balance the two?"

   This way you are being upfront about your priorities, learning if they might be a good fit for you, without outright saying "hey I'm hoping to take 3 months off soon"

   Again, that's just one option though. Weigh how badly you need the move and how the culture seems so far in the process before bringing it up.

4. KarenNovember 9,2022 at 7:27PM UTC

   The Mom Project is good place to start your job search. Companies who post there understand and anticipate the needs of moms in the workforce. Once, I started a new job and wasn't aware I was pregnant at the time. When I told them a month after starting about my pregnancy, they were very supportive.

5. AnonymousNovember 9,2022 at 8:57PM UTC

   Act on what you know not a prediction. Find yourself a great job that fits the here and now. Deal with life events as they happen in real time. Don't try and predict the future.

6. AnonymousNovember 10,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

   Original poster here!

   Thank you all so much for the helpful insight and guidance! Started looking into some of the resources provided. Feeling very encouraged for this next step, both professionally and personally.

7. Crystal HowellNovember 10,2022 at 2:03PM UTC

   Work never changes unless you own the company, find a company with great maternity benefits, hospitals, insurance companies, banks, change the industry then start the family.

8. Amelia VierraNovember 10,2022 at 3:31PM UTC

   While it’s a bit harder, it’s totally possible to find a great job when pregnant. I switched jobs when I was six months pregnant with my second son. Their reaction was, “we’re invested in your long term future with the company, a point in time is not what we’re focused on.” Later on I found out I was pregnant with my third son a week before starting a new job. My boss was ecstatic for me when I told him at the 3 month mark and I stayed with that company for almost 7 years. Good companies and managers won’t get distracted by your pregnancy and will stay focused on your skills and value. These opportunities may be fewer and farther between, but they are out there!