Changing jobs while pregnant

I am 7 months pregnant (29 weeks to be exact) and I've recently started a new job. Let me start by saying that 7 months ago, I was neither looking to change my job nor did I plan on being pregnant. Changing jobs while pregnant happened by “accident”.

The offer for a new job

While working on a project, the manager of a group of companies with which I worked closely  causally said, “Lecia, I need someone like you!”

While promising to send her some referrals, I jokingly asked, “Why not me?”

Shortly after, the conversation got serious.

Back then in November, if you had even suggested pregnancy in jest, I would have promptly dismissed you. A baby was not on my agenda.  But us Jamaicans have a saying, "Man a plan. God a wipe." Well, this couldn't be truer, since I was already pregnant.

In early January, when the formal offer finally landed in my inbox, I was excited, but I was also paralysed with fear. How could I seriously consider changing jobs while pregnant?

The fear of changing jobs while pregnant

My husband couldn't understand my fear. I was worried that my prospective employer would be daunted by the fact that pregnancy would impede my flexibility. And even worst, I  would be taking off a huge chunk of time so soon after joining the team.

"Lecia, these guys know you! They know your work ethic. They have seen you in action for the past three-plus years. I don't think they are going to suddenly not want you because you're pregnant. Plus, you are married, so I don't think there will be any surprises there. If anything, they'll be happy for you!"

Tips from women who can relate

Frustrated, I wondered why was I sharing my distress with him. He is a man. Clearly, doesn't understand these things! So, I went in search of reassurance and empathy from women who could relate to my fear of changing jobs while pregnant. These women are all mothers, and more importantly, they manage or run a business. I called each one right after the other in panic.

Here are some of the tips they gave me which not only calmed me immensely but helped for a smooth transition to my new job. I have also included some of the things I have learnt along the way in making this transition.

Make a full disclosure

This is a tricky one for most women. Quite frankly, being open and honest about your pregnancy in a job interview may cost you the job. But keeping it a secret could later cause mistrust and “bad blood” in the relationship between you and your new employer who may think he or she has been duped.

All four ladies insisted that I set up a meeting immediately with my prospective employer. You see, I was heading into a close-knitted environment that was based on trust. While some may argue that their pregnancy is their personal affair, I was aware that disclosing my pregnancy at this early stage would play a key role in establishing a good work relationship.

In any event, I didn't even have the option of not disclosing. My oversharing husband had already planned a photoshoot and was moving full speed ahead with plans of announcing our pregnancy to the world. God knows that the last thing I wanted was for my prospective employer to learn of my pregnancy from social media!

As soon as I got off the phone with my last mentor, I called and asked for a meeting to discuss “a few matters relating to the offer."

Get a game plan 

Left to my own devices, I probably would have walked into the meeting extremely apologetic, calling down doom and calamity at my discovery. Thankfully, the ladies with whom I spoke all agreed with my husband that I needed a game plan.

"OK, so let's develop a plan.” This was my ever-strategic husband speaking.

“What can you get done? What will you still be able to do? How are you going to show that this pregnancy is not a problem? And for God's sake don't present it as bad news!”

Never present the pregnancy as a bad thing

After much collaboration, I walked into my meeting with a foolproof plan ready to show how I would still be an asset to the organisation despite being pregnant. Quelling my rising anxiety, I summoned my most confident voice to make the announcement.

Before I was finished, my new employer was clapping with glee, "This is great news!"

For me yes... but not so much for you, is what I was thinking.

“So, here is what I am thinking…” Taken aback by her genuine excitement, I was now trying to squeeze in my well-orchestrated plan.

She listened for a while then blurted out, "Lecia! Stop. I'm confident we’ll figure this out. We are looking to establish a long-term relationship with you. Your pregnancy doesn't change that..."

She continued on, saying all the things a prospective employee, and a pregnant one at that could only dream of hearing. She even shared her own experience of being pregnant. Right there in her office, I wanted to sing and dance and kiss her. But I kept my cool until I got into my car. Then, I just bawled!!! Tears of absolute joy.

Know the law

Know the law and be willing to make compromises. The number one question from my female peers when I told them of my plan to change jobs  while pregnant was, "But what about maternity leave?" The truth is you will have to be practical and reasonable.

Jamaican law says that you are entitled to 8 weeks paid maternity leave and 4 weeks unpaid (12 weeks in total), but only after you have been employed for at least 52 weeks with the same employer. Of course, the law is not a shackle (I had to go there?) and employers are free to grant you maternity leave with pay even though you may not have completed 52 weeks. Clearly, I have not completed 52 weeks.

If you are in this position, then it’s time for serious discussion with your spouse. After all, you are possibly walking away from income at a time when you need it most. At this stage, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of your new job prospect. Most persons thought I was crazy and even encouraged me to stay in my job until after the baby. My mentors and husband encouraged me to go for it!

Be willing to compromise

Admittedly, changing jobs while pregnant is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make. I had to ask myself some tough questions: How much leave can I afford to take? Can I afford to lose 2 or 3 months’ pay?  What is the new job worth to me?  Is it a sacrifice I am willing to make?

One of my mentors told me that she had her baby in the morning and was on a conference call in the afternoon! Looking back, she now admits that this was crazy. But she told me this story to make a bigger point, if you have to get it done, you will get it done.

Interestingly, I found that most women who owned their own business or who were part of a family-owned business simply could not afford to take three or sometimes even two months’ maternity leave. In these circumstances, flexibility was more important than the actual leave. With this in mind, my mentors also encouraged me to explore the possibility of taking a shorter leave but negotiating flexi-hours and/or the possibility of working from home.

It's really a balancing act and business is business. Demonstrating that you understand the bottom line of any business and being willing to compromise is important. It will demonstrate that you aren’t just “looking a job,” you care about the success of the company.

Warning: You will lose your health benefits!

There is no way around this. Once you change jobs while pregnant, you will lose your existing health insurance benefits. This is a serious disadvantage of changing jobs while pregnant.

Apparently, pregnant women suffer from a term called a "pre-existing condition". So, even if your new job has a group health insurance plan, your pre-existing condition (aka pregnancy) disqualifies you from obtaining any maternity benefits. In fact, you do not qualify for maternity benefits on most groups plans (at least all the ones I've researched) until you’ve been on the plan for at least 9 months or more. (See what they did there?)

Thankfully, even though I've lost my coverage under my old insurance plan, I am still a part of another health insurance scheme. By the way, it is just me or do insurance companies treat us, pregnant women, as outcasts? Whether you have insurance or not, be prepared to come up out of pocket for all your blood tests and ultrasounds.

I vaguely recall an insurance agent telling me I could save my receipts and claim later,

"So, let me get this straight, if I am not pregnant and I have to do a  blood test or an ultrasound, insurance pays for it upfront, but it doesn't do this if I'm pregnant?"

She responded in the affirmative. I was so annoyed I may have terminated the call shortly thereafter as her explanation did not make any sense. So be warned!

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Have faith!

I'm not a religious or overly spiritual person, but you must trust that God (or the universe, if you prefer) will conspire to support you. Even without being pregnant, I’m sure many of you can relate to the trepidation of leaving a stable job to go somewhere new.

Without the support of my mentors and especially my husband, it would have been very easy to cop out and stick with my existing job because of the comfort of knowing that my co-workers all had my back.

With waning energy, mood swings, back pains and all sorts of crazy afflictions, it’s hard, damn near impossible for a pregnant woman to be at her optimum. This is frustrating. I mean, who doesn’t want to put their best foot forward when starting a new role? I really had to come to grip with the fact that try as I might, I would not be the best version of myself.

Do I move slower? Yes. Am I uncomfortable? Hell yes? Forgetful? Say hello to mommy-brain. But I take comfort in the fact that it’s all temporary. As one of my mentors told me,

“When all else fails, just think about it, your body is the process of performing the greatest miracle on earth – creating a human being! Cut yourself some slack!”

Be confident and friendly!

No one likes a grumpy co-worker, especially, a grumpy new co-worker. If you are confident, enthusiastic and happy about your pregnancy, then your new co-workers will feed off your energy. I've discovered that everyone (men especially) has a soft spot for pregnant women. You don't have to share your life story, but be as open and accommodating as you can.

Try not to make too much of a fuss when a new co-worker offers unsolicited advice, confidently declares the sex of the baby based on the shape of your tummy or even rub your tummy without permission. Most likely these are the same co-workers who will go the extra mile to make you comfortable. Trust me, not being grumpy or stuck-up in a new environment will make life easier for everyone, especially you!

7 months pregnant with my co-worker and friend

Changing jobs while pregnant is not for the faint of heart. Have you ever changed jobs while pregnant? I’d love to hear more tips from you.