Will Work for Onesies
Dear TMH,
Any tips on finding a job (preferably mom-friendly or part time) when you are pregnant?
Signed,
Hire Me
_______________________________________
Dear Hire Me,
It does not happen often, but sometimes a Mouthy Housewife gets stumped. Like, why would you want to find a job when God spoke to you through your uterus and said, “Taketh the next nine months off because thou shalt never rest again!” God or Shakespeare. Take your pick.
On the other hand, if you are looking for work because people need money to live in society, handle the issue of your pregnancy frankly. Working Mother Magazine puts out a list of the best companies for moms, so incorporate that into your job search. You don’t mention what your skill set is, but as anyone who has ever had a child, or been near one for that matter will attest, motherhood hones all your talents. You will be qualified for corporate takeovers in no time.
On the practical side, in this lousy economy, companies are looking to cut corners and part-time employees often fit the bill. If you are receiving health insurance through your husband’s employment, your not needing health insurance from your prospective employer can be a real plus. Focus on your strengths, network with everyone from your friends, your partners’ colleagues, to the women you meet through a Lamaze class and at your OB/GYN’s office. Get the word out that you are available and that no pregnancy will slow you down. Also have an idea of what your post-partum plans are. Are you looking to return to work after a few weeks? Months? Years?
Unless you’re applying for the role of Maternity Supermodel, do not list your pregnancy on your resume or work it into your cover letter. Although it’s illegal for an employer to ask you if you are pregnant, if she does ask, be honest. Positioning yourself behind bookcases and insisting that people look at you only from the shoulders up until your baby is born may be awkward.
Good luck,
Marinka, TMH
3 Responses to “Will Work for Onesies”
Comment by Lizzie.
“Taketh the next nine months off because thou shalt never rest again!”
Love this! 
[Reply]
Comment by GrandeMocha.
Don’t ask, don’t tell.
I passed myself off as a fat girl at 5 months, worked for a month, went into labor at work. Don’t wait until you are in labor to tell your boss you are pregnant.
[Reply]
RSS Feed
Comment by Julie B..
Unfortunately, I wouldn’t put too much faith in Working Mother’s List…I worked for Deloitte for 8 years for which they were on that list most of the years, guess what…I got “laid off” at 28 weeks pregnant AND went I went searching online to look for chatter about the lay off I found many, many more of those “laid off” were pregnant. Coincidence?
[Reply]