Looking for work while pregnant
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=23684
Printed Date: 24 August 2025 at 10:29pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Looking for work while pregnant
Posted By: Dani01
Subject: Looking for work while pregnant
Date Posted: 12 January 2009 at 9:52pm
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Hi there,
Just wondering if anyone has been in the position where they have had to look for work after they have just found out they are pregnant? What did you do, when did you tell your employer? Thanks. |
Replies:
Posted By: Natalie_G
Date Posted: 12 January 2009 at 10:07pm
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I wasnt in that position, but I would think you would have to tell the employer, someone tell me if I am wrong or not.
I have a friend who was looking for work and found out she was pregnant, she didnt bother looking for work anymore because she would have to leave, and finding and employer who would allow that will be hard. Lucky her DF is working. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: Danaj
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 8:09am
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I think there is something about disclosure in new contracts? And to be fair to employers unless it's a fixed term contract you'd probably need to tell them. ------------- http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wyI1oWn/"> 
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Posted By: RubyG
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 8:15am
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You don't need to tell your new employer that you are pregnant - but obviously if you have not been there for a certain amount of time before you go on parental leave they are under no obligation to hold your job open for you while you are on leave and you won't get paid parental leave from the govt either.
------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 9:59am
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I haven't been quite in your situation, but I found out I was pregnant with DD about a week and a half after I'd started a new job! My "boss" at the time wasn't impressed, but I wasn't too thrilled with her actual reaction either... fortunately she was soon replaced by someone else who was much lovelier.
I don't know for sure if you'd have to disclose it at an interview, or once you've been hired - I know they can't discriminate against you because you're pregnant (or fire you once you've been hired because of being pg). Good luck though! ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Dani01
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 11:50am
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Hi girls, thanks for the replies. I know they can't discriminate against it, but the thing is...you know they probably will.
I'm not planning on taking heaps of time of after having the baby, but that could change. Whether i am there long enought to take parental leave it doesn't bother me. I think I need to check out about the legal side of things and whether i have to tell them... does anyone know where i would find this? |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 11:56am
| Dept of Labour would be the best place to ask. I think each employer might be different. If you get a contract it would pay to have a really good look in there to see if you would need to disclose. |
Posted By: ClareB
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 12:06pm
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I was wondering the same thing months ago so as I wasn't showing didn't say a word. Just before Christmas I was about to tell my boss I was pregnant but he beat me to the punch telling me that my job was being cut back to 15 hours a week and that I wouldn't be needed again untill the end of January so I'm not sue if I've been layed off or what though he kept telling me that if something else came up he would understand, I am so frustrated because there is no way some one would hire me now, as in the past few weeks I've grown quite a bit. luckly my HB has a job.
Good luck Dani01 with the job hunt http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: Dani01
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 12:08pm
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Hey thanks Clare...sorry to hear about what's happened with your job!!! It sucks.
I just spoke to the Department of Labour, I do not have to let them know that i'm pregnant. I only have to give them 3 months written notice if i intend to take parental leave. So thats great, i feel like a weight has been lifted of my shoulders. Thanks for all your help ladies!!!! |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 12:44pm
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An employer might be reluctant to take someone on who is then going to leave or be away from work. However no reason why you can't find contract or temporary work, if its having an income that you need. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Spirals
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 12:51pm
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Make sure you are prepared though for a less than enthusiastic response from your new boss once you tell them. The recruitment process can be a lengthy, costly excercise and to have your new person tell you they're pregnant (and then finding out they knew they were pregnant when they took the job) would irk any employer.
Temporary work may be your answer. Temps are always needed, especially this time of year, and you can then go back to work afterwards whenever you are ready. . |
Posted By: Dani01
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 12:59pm
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Yeah I know it would annoy them.
Though temping is not guaranteed income, and that's what i need, i have a lot of bills/debts to pay before bubs comes along. Having a full time job is best for me. |
Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 1:09pm
I agree .. the employment process is long, draining and costly! I would be less than impressed if someone I hired then turned around to tell me they were pregnant. (And this is coming from someone who is pregnant!) Im unsure how far along you are .. however most contracts these days have a probabtionary period of three months and it would be pretty easy for a employer to "dismiss" you at the end of that period and say that you were not up for the job (especially since they bought in the new 90 day probationary law) and you wouldnt have much of a comeback. You never know .. who's to say an employer wouldnt mind? There have been on occassion where someone who is pregnant would have fit into our future plans for the company .. 
I would definately say something .. and I definately wouldnt want to deal with the backlash when they found out later  ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year  http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Spirals wrote:Posted By: Dani01
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 1:25pm
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I've already checked about the probation period, there isn't one.
So if I get the job, do you recommend I tell them when they ring? I'm either 10 or 11 weeks, so not even through the first trimester. I understand how it's not fair on the employers but i need this job... |
Posted By: RubyG
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 1:53pm
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Have you thought about temping then you can pick and choose when you work and it doesn't matter if you are pregnant or not? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: lilfatty
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 1:55pm
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If it was me .. I would say something.
Pregnancy is stressful enough without being stuck in a job where the people around you a p*ssed off at you
If I was hiring for my company .. and you were the person I wanted .. I would work with you to find a solution. I would probably want to know you are coming back etc etc .. but having been on maternity leave, I know that not EVERY woman who has a baby goes off to be Mummy forever. This time around my boss suggested I contract to the company as I would earn more money that way than going on ppl (which is a pittance!) So I could work remotely as and when I can, then when I am ready to come back .. I can work in the office for 2-3 days and then work remotely the rest of the time. So there are good employers out there .. my fingers are crossed for you. ------------- Mummy to Issy (3) and Elias (18 months) I did it .. 41 kgs gone! From flab to fab in under a year http://www.femininefitness.co.nz/category/blog - LFs weight blog
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Posted By: PippaLockysMummy
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 2:43pm
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Hi i was in your situation a few months back, i applyed for a part time job in nov, the lady called me and had a phone interview and asked me to come in for a proper interview. At the interview i did tell her i was 14w preg and she was happy i had been honest with her as she had problems in the past with employing people who told her afterwards they were preg and she said she was going to ask me if i was thinking of having more kids soon anyway. I got the job!!! i dont start until feb when the new school term starts, and have agreed to take one month off after bub arrives then go back. Good luck!! i hope you do find a job soon :) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 13 January 2009 at 7:53pm
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Yea you don't have to say but I would. But you can say, look I've recently become pregnant but I'm very keen for this job and am hoping to take a couple of months off when baby arrives and return back, if that would work out for everyone concerned. -------------  |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 11:00am
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We've employed people who are pregnant, knowing they would only be with us for 4-5 months before taking leave. The latest one employed did la out her plans post-baby (3 months off, then returning full time) so we knew where we stood. There was always the risk it wouldn't work, but my theory is that if you show some flexibiility and understanding toward employees, then they will usually show that back.
I think that if you are able to say what your plan is re returning from leave, length of leave etc, then an employer would respond to that rather than a "I'm pregnant. full stop". ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Dani01
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 11:58am
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Thanks for all the advise ladies.
I'm going to chat with hubby about this tonight. I'm thinking of if i get the job telling them, and letting them know how much leave i would like and that i will be returning so many weeks/months after the birth. I agree that being honest is the best policy and no i don't really want the whole work place looking down at me after having just started!!! 
Have a great day ladies
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Posted By: Spirals
Date Posted: 15 January 2009 at 9:11am
| Good on you Dani. |
Posted By: Scythe
Date Posted: 09 December 2009 at 8:22pm
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Just wanted to post because i'm in the same situation and would like some advice on what kids of work I should be looking for and any options available to me. I didn't know I was pregnant for the most part of 5 months and am now 6 months. Being a teenager I was relying on benefits and wasting my money on well, crap, so now i'm stuck with about 2K of debt and no job as it was previously not a concern... I've been looking for a job since I found out, temp, casual, something not too strenuous, and am being completely honest about my situation since it's a bit late to even attempt hiding it but i'm having absolutely no luck, not even courteous emails to decline.
Freaking out a bit as i'd like all debts cleared and a bit of extra money for anything my baby will need, who is due in March btw. So any tips on jobhunting, VERY much appreciated |
Posted By: jano1
Date Posted: 10 December 2009 at 7:08pm
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Dani I was in your position last year. My job finished and I applied for another one within the same company. I found out I was pregnant during the interview process. I got the job but on advice from my manager at the time I didn't tell my new manager until I was 12 weeks. I felt bad the entire time and freaked out about telling them of my situation but they were really understanding and it was such a huge relief to get it off my chest. BUT I didn't know if bubs would stick (I was 6 weeks when I found out).
I'm now back there part time and things are fine |
Posted By: Kitsch
Date Posted: 01 January 2010 at 2:00pm
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I was sort of in this position - I was doing relieving (ECE) when I found out I was pregnant, so I told them and they were great - but one day they just stopped calling and I haven't worked in months... once they stopped calling I wished I could have looked for other jobs but it's not entirely fair to the employer - unless stated otherwise they are looking for someone to take over the position permanently and for me to be leaving or taking time off in 9 months time just seems like it would be unfair, so I didn't apply for anything after that.
One thing I would suggest though is perhaps training in a course where you can provide In-home care. I did a course and I intend on doing that when my baby is about 6 months or so. That way if you're going to be looking after your child, you can look after others too and still be earning an income - just an idea! I would definitely tell potential employers though, they may not ever call you back but there just might be someone who will accept you in the meantime! Good luck. ------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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