Posted by
Okie
20 yrs ago
I recently completed a successful job interview, but didn't tell them during the interview that I am expecting. I am only 11 weeks so not showing yet. I won't begin the job for 2 months (waiting for visa) and am sure to be showing when I begin. It's at a school & I feel really guilty about not telling them - esp since I won't be able to finish the last month of school. Any suggestions on how to handle this?
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Remember that you may not be entitled to maternity pay if you have been in your job for a limited period by the time the baby is due. i.e in 5 months time. I would fess up and try to come to an agreement that suits you both in terms of leave/pay etc. now, rather than risk burning some bridges if they take the news badly. They cannot sack you whilst pregnant, but it may be a different case if you declined info in your interview, esp. if you are nearly 3 months already.
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Okie
20 yrs ago
It's only a part-time position & doesn't offer any benefits. I certainly did not deny any information during the interview - I wish that they had asked me something that would have provided an oportunity to disclose. I just couldn't seem to work in the "oh, by the way..." Now, I'm wondering how appropriate it would be to ring them up and make this sort of announcement. I don't want to forfeit the job, but don't want to upset anyone either.
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You dont need to forfeit the job, and they cannot make you. Hong Kong has laws against that. The only issue is that you will not get the mandatory 10 weeks leave with 4/5ths pay if you have worked less than 10 months. They will still have to give you unpaid leave though, and take you back...
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BTW, studies have shown that companies prefer to take mothers back after maternity leave (even gradually) since the cost of replacing a valued employee with the company knowledge and history is far more than hiring a new person and retraining them etc. Typically companies look to get at least 2-4 years out of a new hire for a return on their investment of induction, training into the culture, productivity curve etc etc etc.
Understandably you feel guilty, but because of the risk of miscarriage, most companies will understand if women dont break the news till after the 1st trimester.
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crj
20 yrs ago
Okie - Agree with above posts - tell them later... after you have the visa. just know you won't get paid maternity leave.
we didn't tell anyone (not even family) until fourth month. although some people guessed, everyone understands why we didn't tell - they should understand.
FTM - interesting statistics - just met with my HR again today, maybe that is why they have been so nice to me :)
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I didnt tell my employer until after 3 months either, I think that is a wise choice, but waiting for another 2 months for the visa and then telling them is what i think you should reconsider. I only say this because pregnancy is stressful enough as it is, you are starting a new job, and also, personally, i wanted to have initial maternity leave conversations fairly soon. I did not want to wait until i was 6/7 months gone to decide what my plans were. Plus, quite rightly, my Co. wanted me back ( as i know yours will) but needed to organise my replacement asap. I also offered to help with this and I think it seemed a 'friendlier' way of doing things. Just my two cents....
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Okie
20 yrs ago
Thanks everyone,
I'm still one the fence & cri you are right to guess that we haven't started telling. We haven't told anyone - not even my mother.
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Okie
20 yrs ago
Luckily, I have been able to start earlier than expected. So, I have begun the job and am still not to the point that it is obvious which means that I will be able to get to know them a bit before I have to share the news. I think that you should also have the same oportunity. You're still very early and I don't think that most employees tell their bosses until 3-4+ that they're expecting. Don't stress too much, it will all work out in the end.
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