Job hunting while pregnant?

Anonymous

May 9,2022 at 7:30PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Job hunting while pregnant?

Wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on looking for a new job while pregnant. I’m 15 weeks and my current job was my covid layoff rebound. I never expected it to be a long term job, just something to get me by until my industry recovered from covid and more options were available. Current job also has no maternity benefits and I didn’t sign up for STD, so while I can take maternity leave under FMLA I wont be paid.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

Liz PerryMay 9,2022 at 7:37PM UTC
You won't be eligible for FMLA at a new role as you have to work 12 months and 1250 hours. I would also think that while you didn't sign up for STD initially, having a baby is considered a qualifying life event for benefit elections, so you should be able to elect it after you have the baby - congrats, by the way!
AnonymousMay 9,2022 at 7:42PM UTC
STD wouldn’t pay after the baby, by then it would be a pre-existing condition.
AnonymousMay 11,2022 at 11:12AM UTC
First of all, congratulations!!
I started applying and interviewing for a new job when I was around 15 weeks pregnant. My company didn’t have any maternity leave as well (I did have the option to take STD and FMLA, and partially paid family leave from the state). I luckily got an offer at a company that was much more supportive of families. The new company offers leave for employees even if they haven’t worked a full year. And I was able to get insurance right away. I started the new role at 25 weeks.
Don’t let pregnancy stop you. There are so many companies out there that are supportive of families and working moms.
Good luck!
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 2:02PM UTC
Not a lot of advice, but if you are looking, really put a lot of effort in. The earlier you can get in, probably better. I'm in very early pregnancy as well, and I now have the same fears. I have been looking for companies that seem very public about their policies and seem supportive of everyone. It's hard, and I'm crunching down in my job search, but I'm excited!
AnonymousMay 13,2022 at 2:11PM UTC
I found out I was pregnant when I was about to start my current job. But this job ended up not being for me (6 months into the role) so I’m now looking for jobs again. Granted I am 7 months into my pregnancy and the process does take a long time for most of the roles I am applying for. However, whether you are day 1 into your pregnancy or about to give birth I wouldn’t be worried. I also wouldn’t say anything until the offer is on the table. At that point the company wants you and it will be easier to negotiate terms.
so you know too that you’re not alone with your FMLA issue…I was given 6 months full pay at my old place of work. This new place completely blindsided me and told me they would approve the FMLA but they ended up not doing it. So I am now taking medical disability. Look at your states policies and such on pregnancy disability, medical disability, etc.