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Ask the Expert: Finding Balance Natalie Gahrmann is a success coach and owner of N-R-G Coaching Associates, a private coaching company that specializes in helping working parents achieve mastery of work and life. Her clients experience more clarity, direction and alignment while reducing stress in their busy lives.
Looking for a Job While PregnantAnn writes, "I'm am about 6 1/2 months pregnant and was previously receiving unemployment benefits. Benefits have ended now and I really would like to get a job. I have excellent secretarial/administrative skills at which I have about 12 years experience. Is there any particular route I could take? I am small and could probably hide it, but I want to be upfront. I wouldn't expect any company or firm to pay maternity leave since I wouldn't be there that long anyway. I was hoping to find a job that I could work now, have my baby and take a few months off and then return. Is this too much to ask for this late in the pregnancy? "Answer: If you would like to work now that your unemployment has run out, I see three possible opportunities that may work for you: you can seek out temporary work in the administrative/secretarial area; you can work from home using your skills; or, you can search for a regular full-time position. True, companies cannot discriminate against you because of your pregnancy, however, there are costs associated with hiring and training someone to do a job. An employer may be hesitant about hiring someone who will be taking time off and possibly not returning in just a few months. I don't promote dishonesty and hiding your pregnancy. However, I would suggest that you conceal it from being obvious at least until they have had the chance to look beyond the belly to see a person with valued skills and experience. Then, be up-front in explaining your intentions because it's important that you select an employer that will be supportive not only of your pregnancy, but of you being a working mother after the few months that you take off. Family-friendly employers are usually more open. Look through the previous questions at Blue Suit Mom to see the advice given for others who were seeking employment while they were pregnant (see "Pregnant & Job Change", "Pregnant & Looking for a Job", "Pregnancy news and "When to Tell About Pregnancy") Congratulations on your pregnancy and best wishes!l
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