Should I seek a promotion even though I'm pregnant?

Question

I just found out that I'm pregnant - so not due for another 7 months. A role above mine just opened up. Should I seek a promotion? or once the baby comes, will I not be up for the increased responsibilities?

Megan Smolen · Answer

Absolutely! Also, Fairygodboss has an article about this that might be useful for you. :)

https://fairygodboss.com/articles/interviewing-while-pregnant-4-ways-to-find-out-whether-an-employer-is-a-good-place-for-working-moms

Please keep us posted!

Anonymous · Answer

Do it!! It might be tough at first, but if you get it you'll have time before your baby to settle into the roll and find your groove

Anonymous · Answer

yes!!

Six Figure Salary Coach · Answer

Yes yes, a thousand times YES!!!

May I ask what's holding you back from applying and/or going after it?

Alice Johnson · Answer

My first thought is ABSOLUTELY! However, I think you should envision yourself after your baby and decided what's best for you. Will the promotion require you to be at work more? Or is it flexible so you could work from home some days? Think about how you see yourself splitting your time between your child and your work (I don't think there is a right or wrong answer) and then decide based on that.

Jennifer A · Answer

Babies are a lot of work!!!!  That being said, I visited my job while out on leave and found out another job had opened up.  Spoke to HR right then and had the job a couple of days later.  It was not a promotion but it was a new department within the company with completely different responsibilities and way outside my comfort zone.  (Moved from IT to Customer Service/Sales).  I won't say it wasn't tough but it was worth it.  Your newborn won't remember her/his first year of life - s(he) will just remember that s(he) felt safe, was fed and loved.  If you can do that - then go for it!

Kim Beasley · Answer

YES!! I haven't read the other comments, yet, but I would go for it. All in!! Seven months is a long time to settle into your new role and to prepare for your maternity leave. It will be a challenge, but it's a great opportunity to show you can manage the position so good that you can be out on extended leave without everything falling apart. Therein lies the challenge, imo. The second thing is this: you have to decide if you want to go back to work after having the baby, which is something you won't REALLY know until you're home with the baby, imo. I won't lie; it is a hard thing to do!! Been there, and honestly, if I had not been blessed with a lady keeping my Nicole, I don't know if I could have left her anywhere else. It still took me a few weeks back at work to chill out and quit worrying about her every second and to get my head back into the game.! So, YES, you will be up for the extra responsibilies and should be able to go back to your new  job and get right back to work. The key is having your employees/work taken care of in your absense so you can come back and fall right back into place. Staying in touch later in your maternity leave to get back up to speed slowly will also  help you transition back to work. This all based on my personal experience. What is right for you is right for you. I am simply saying, yes, you can take on the new job AND have the baby! Best of luck and CONGRATULATIONS!! :)

Jennifer Swayne Njuguna · Answer

YES! I'm so happy to see all of these other yesses and words of encouragement. I would suggest that you take the long view as you explore the opportunity. It's so easy to think of the short term and immediate impact when it comes to pregnancy in particular, but the reality is that you are multifaceted, adjustments can be made, and your career is a long term prospect, so if this opportunity speaks to you, there's no reason you shouldn't move forward. Life does not take us on linear paths, and that is something to celebrate!

Gillianne Hetrick · Answer

I love all the emphatic yesses!  Determine if the promotion is what you want, discuss it with the manager, with HR, your spouse, and with whomever is appropriate, and if you determine it's your next step go for it!

I'll add that yes, going back to work after maternity leave will be challenging.  It will not be impossible.  I recall the added full time job of Mom being one I could not have prepared for and at the same time one that I chose to fit in with and around everything else because my career, my family, and my personal growth are all my priority.

Jess Stetson · Answer

Agreed — absolutely yes! Your qualifications have nothing to do with your pregnancy, and it’s illegal for them to rule you out based on that. Get it, mama, and congrats!

Should I seek a promotion even though I'm pregnant?

You're invited.

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