Starting a new job pregnant

Question

I recently landed my dream job as a PhD-level researcher in a tech company. I am scheduled to start the new job this summer. However, I found out after I accepted the job that I am pregnant, due in early December. I am worried that when I tell my new boss he'll find a way to withdraw my job offer before I begin. On the other hand, I don't want to surprise my new colleagues by showing up pregnant on my first day. I am the first woman ever hired onto this team and I don't know what to do. Any advice?

Anonymous · Answer

First of all, congratulations on both the new job and becoming a mom! As for fear of your boss finding a way to withdraw your offer, there are laws at the federal and state level to protect people from being discriminated against. Plus being pregnant doesn't make you less qualified or more capable of your role. The bottom part of this article might help answer any fears/concerns you might have. https://fairygodboss.com/articles/applying-for-jobs-while-pregnant Best of luck and congrats again!

Anonymous · Answer

I am an employment attorney and can tell you 100% they cannot fire you for being pregnant.  Period.  To show them that you a truly dedicated to the job, I would suggest not just telling them you're pregnant but providing a plan of action for your leave (e.g.. what you plan to accomplish before you're out, transition/coverage for when you're out, and when you plan to come back) This will show that you are not only dedicated to the job, but fully plan to come back after your leave.  An employer worth working for will not hold your pregnancy/leave against you.  And if they do- is that really your dream job?  Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

I’m in the same situation here. I’ll start my job in a month and just found out about my pregnancy last week. I’m due in late March though. I plan to tell my boss after I start working because I fear they may rescind my offer. They have the right to do that without telling you why. I think it works out better when you have a plan for your mat leave when you tell your boss. Either way, this is a good test to see if the company is a good fit for me. I heard a lot of good stories about how they cared about their employees when I visited for the on-site interview, so hopefully they won’t disappoint me

Anonymous · Answer

I wouldn't trust the laws. Bad actors will make working with them not worth your while and will do so without giving you the power to really screw them over. Besides say you file suit, what do you win? Probably won't be your dream job anymore... if it every really was. That said I love the idea of having a plan, and I think applying for mat leave is how you tell your company you or your wife is pregnant. and I think you do that either up front when you apply or immediately when you start. Would be awkward here in Canada where mat leave can be a lot longer, but if its like the states and only 6 weeks? God that's barely more than a vacation.

Starting a new job pregnant

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