[ck1]

I am the only person who does my job and intend to quit once the baby is due. My boss will have to train a new person, which will not be easy. But I've decided that it's best to tell my Boss at 18wks, due to not wanting the news to interfere with other commitment, and their reaction.

Do you think that's waiting too long?

On the one hand, since I've known I'm pregnant and will be quitting, I've made sure everything is in good order; I could quit today and not feel I've left my company struggling to catch-up with projects left undone. However, they will need time to train someone new.

When I tell them the baby won't be due for 5 whole months. That should be plenty of time to hire and train someone new. My boss has repeatedly told me over the years, "The minute you get pregnant you better tell me." But my company, like a lot of companies, has changed over the years, becoming more business with "pressure", and whereas I might have honored that request years ago, my company has changed too much to feel the same obligation. (I've been with my company for 12 years).

What would you do? Do you think my Boss has good reason to be upset with me if I tell him then? My first thought was to announce it the 1st week of January, just out of my 1st Trimester (which I think is fair). But I'd like to wait until the 1st of February; I'm thinking that's not much different. I mean, legally they can't just hire someone new and have me start training them right off the bat, and expect me to slide into another position until I have the baby... right?

What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance...

 

[ebbybaby]

I'm from Canada, so I don't know what laws you may have where you live in terms of the requirement for telling your employer about pregnancy, but we are only required by law to give 8 weeks notice of leaving the position (but either way it has to be in writing), and I believe its a full year or 52 weeks that we are entitled to take in leave and still be able to have our position back legally with that company.

I did not tell my last employer about my first pregnancy until around the 20 week mark, I got back all my tests and the higher chance of miscarriage had passed. I think whenever you tell your boss it should be a personal decision when your ready/want other people outside your personal life personally involved in your pregnancy. They might see it being more respectful to be told earlier I suppose, but legally they can't have you train someone and push you aside, you are still legally entitled to hold your position no matter when you choose to leave I believe by law.

 

[WeasleyMum]

I don't think that's too late. You're still letting them know 5 months in advance that they'll need to train someone new; that's plenty of time to find, hire, and train a newbie. My only fear would be-- I'm starting to show a bit at 15 weeks now, I think by 18 I'll definitely "look pregnant".

They may guess!

 

[ck1]

Thanks for the advice, and the assurance. I'm always more accomodating than I should be at work; it's probably about time I did what I need to do.

I figure I'll probably be showing then, too

but thankfully it's winter!

: I can get away with bigger sweaters for a little while before I can't hide it anymore.

Anyway, still thinking about it...

 

[laohaire]

I'm a manager. 5 months is PLENTY of notice.

If your boss is upset, that is honestly his/her problem and not yours.

If you are afraid he/she will demand to know why you waited "so long," just act surprised and say "I certainly wanted to let you know with plenty of notice, and that's why I've given you 5 months notice." And if the boss persists point out that due to many issues, including the possibility of early miscarriage, it's of course not standard for women to "announce" much earlier than you have. And if the boss persists more than that, I wouldn't have anything more to say, just look him/her in the eyes and DARE him/her to have a problem with it. And thank your lucky stars you're moving on to bigger and better things!

 

[laohaire]

Also, keep in mind if your boss complains about the notice, it's probably a front. They will just be frustrated to lose YOU, no matter what the circumstances. Hold your head high, since 5 months notice is PLENTY.

 

[JenMidwife]

nope, I don't think it's too late, as long as your boss doesn't hear it from someone else first.

fyi, when I was pg w/ #1, I could have physically hide my bump until 22 weeks or so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ck1 I mean, legally they can't just hire someone new and have me start training them right off the bat, and expect me to slide into another position until I have the baby... right?

I think it depends on what country (& maybe state?) you live in & what your contract says. I have a friend in Seattle, who is a doctor, have a lawyer look over her contract before she got pg & discovered that she basically could be fired for being pg.

 

[ck1]

Thank you for your responses!

I've decided to wait until February 1st, thanks to all of your assurance that it's okay. (I've looked through my Employee Handbook and couldn't find anything where I might be obligated to tell them sooner).

Now I'm just hoping I don't start showing. Funny, but suddenly I'm starting to feel like my regular pants are getting too small (I'm 2 1/2 months)... wow, what's 4 months going to be like????