How do we feel about job searching while pregnant?

Anonymous

October 6,2021 at 2:05PM UTC

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How do we feel about job searching while pregnant? I'm currently 9 weeks pregnant and my current job is....fine but its not a great cultural fit. Sales targets arent clear and are often adjusted without merit. Im in a position where everything that I do involves other team members, and while most of them are great, there are a few who have made it clear that they don't respect me, even though mutual respect is critical in our client-facing positions. I accepted this job over two other offers and even took a little pay cut because the industry excites me and aligns with my masters degree. I also get to work with the biggest companies in tech. Is there a such thing as a dream job and is it worthwhile to start interviewing again in my first trimester?

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M_SukupJacksonOctober 6,2021 at 9:48PM UTC
Many companies will only give you paid parental leave if you are there for x months. And new short term disability won't kick in for an already established pregnancy.
I would start working your network now and keep your eyes open for a new position. Depending on your field, location, and level, a new position could take a year to find. If you find a great opportuity, seize it. If you're leaving behind a generous parental leave, I would consider waiting it out and using some of your parental leave to interview
AnonymousOctober 7,2021 at 2:42PM UTC
I agree with the other commenter - if you are planning on using your company's paid parental leave policy it may be best to wait it out at your current job and resume your search after you're back from leave. If the leave policy doesn't matter to you then sooner is better to look for a new role.
KelliOctober 12,2021 at 6:37PM UTC
Yes! There is such thing as a dream job but it takes doing some self-discovery work to get there. Like the others said, be careful about paid parental leave guidelines. Definitely take this time to figure out what your dream job actually is! Let me know if you need some guidance with this!
Cathy ColliverOctober 13,2021 at 11:31AM UTC
It depends on what you're willing to do while also creating another human being. You never know what opportunity you will find if you don't look. And as others stated, it may take time regardless, so the stars might align towards everything working out to the best timing.
Nic Frick | Career Coach for New MomsOctober 15,2021 at 10:18PM UTC
Hi there! This is one of my favorite questions because it is so common and it's so complicated and personal to each individual.
I'm very glad you asked about it.
The way I see it right, you have a couple of options:
A. start looking now because it will be easier to get a job now without a new baby
B. wait it out and try to make it work while you're pregnant with the intention of finding new work after parental leave.
C. Look now and if something awesome lands on your lap: take it! If not you haven't lost anything.
D. If your current company has amazing parental leave that is something to consider that might not be available at the new job (though you could target companies with rad parental leave).
Things to consider:
- you likely don't want to work at a place that would discriminate against you for being pregnant so feel freedom in interviewing pregnant
- most moms I work with (and myself) have very clear values/identity shift postpartum that forces them to choose a new role
I hope this helps! I'm super happy to talk more about this.
ps. before coaching, I was a recruiter for sales folks for a SaaS company and I'd love to help you talk about your success and land a new better job!