What Not To Wear….
I am starting a new job on Monday. I am super excited. What I am not excited about is the fact that they don’t know I am pregnant. I am still wrestling with how/when you tell or if you even do. Yesterday I decided that I needed to grab some work worthy maternity pants (Read: Black, khaki, navy) and attempt to find a top that conceals my ever growing bump. YES I am only ten weeks along. YES I look like I am 5 to 6 months along; thank my son for destroying my abdominal wall. SO. HELP ME! Should I just stop trying to tent myself and walk onto the scene all, “yeah that is right- my belly button is about to pop…how’dya like my belly shirt!”
When do you tell your employer?
Am I an evil troll for concealing the pregnancy so they would hire me?
Am I an even more EVIL troll for making them pay for maternity leave in less then 8 months?
How do you even cover up a belly?
When I do spring it to them, do I just hand them a baby onesie with a wink?
HELP ME!!
♥ Jasmine
By law they can’t discriminate against you for being pregnant (and if they try, you have grounds to stand on). However, it is never a wise thing to NOT tell them. Personally, I would be up front and honest with them, from the very beginning. You are never required to disclose this kind of information during an interview, but if you conceal it now it might not be in everyone’s best interest. I would schedule and meeting with your direct supervisor and break the news. I went through this exact thing during my last pregnancy and I was pleasantly surprised at how supportive and encouraging everyone was. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!! HUGS!! <3
Sounds like an anxiety-provoking situation to be in. In my last job (I now stay home), I spent the last couple of years feeling like I was walking on broken glass with my supervisor. Actually, by the time I got pregnant with my second child, I was relieved to be able to tell them that in 9 months or so, I was quitting for good!
If you have a good feeling about your supervisor, I would definitely try to schedule a time to talk with him or her and explain the situation. What do you mean, they’re going to have to pay for maternity leave? I’m amazed; all I got was a promise that they wouldn’t give my job away, along with frequent reminders that because they were such a small company, they didn’t legally have to do that. You’re definitely not evil for any part of the situation. Being an employee and a parent is your right and an excellent choice, in my opinion. I think that as long as you make it clear that you plan to be a committed employee during and, hopefully, again after your pregnancy, they’ll be understanding. And hey, with another mouth to feed, you’ll be that much more committed to being a valuable employee!
You’re not a troll at all. They’d be trolls to discriminate against you for being pregnant, though. I agree with the two above commenters — set up a meeting and let them know the deal. Of course, I say fill out your I9 and other tax forms first, just to make it official.
I found out I was pregnant a week before I started a new job. I didn’t tell my boss until I was 12 weeks (the whole, “we wanted to wait to be sure” thing), but really it just gave me time to work up the nerve. I would recommend assuring your new boss of your commitment to the job and your enthusiasm for the work to soften your own anxieties.
Hi Jasmine! Thanks for stopping by After the Bubbly! The older they get, the more material they provide. And don’t worry about the employer thing. Just go in all excited and gushy on your first day and make your big announcement. I think you did the right thing. After all, who doesn’t need another baby shower?