Should I quit?

Question

I am 5.2 weeks pregnant. I work at Petsmart in the Pet Care department, and I am so happy doing what I do. I feed everyone, monitor everyone's health, and educate people on how to care for their new pet properly. I'm extremely educated when it comes to every animal we have here and a bunch of animals in general because it is my passion. Well, the only thing I cannot do is change the litter boxes and so I had to tell my boss. I usually never do the litter boxes anyways because the cat's foster's come in and do their boxes, but apparently that "hinders" my ability to work in pet care and so they cut my hours drastically, literally went from 40 to 20, and put me on register where it stresses me out considerably because I don't know what I'm doing, nor am I happy up there. The cashiers job is also hauling carts in the building, which I am NOT doing while I'm pregnant with my child. I feel punished and discriminated against because I got pregnant.

Answer

You should call HR because that is discrimination. Also if you wear gloves and wash your hands after you change the litter box you should be fine.

Answer

You can change litter boxes. Just wear gloves and wash your hands after.

Answer

That is utter bullshit. They hired you, legally, as a full time employee and cut you to a part time associate. I would definitely be calling corporate HR and reporting them to the better business bureau for discrimination. They would get more work out of you in your former position than in one where you need to lift.

Answer

I agree that you should call HR

Answer

If they cut you to 20 hours that gives you plenty of time to secure a new job before quitting so you don't have a lapse in pay. Good luck, stay strong, and happy and healthy pregnancy!

Answer

Did you ask for a change I pace in your job? I would bring this to management. As a store manager, an associates job only changes to accommodate her and her wishes when she becomes pregnant. If you were capable of doing everything (besides cat boxes) just fine you shouldn't be "punished" I would take a look at your handbook and policy and procedures and bring your concerns to your manager or human recourses if you really do want to stay.
Otherwise if it isn't that big of a deal whether or not you have the job I wouldn't stay. It's only going to keep causeing stress since you are doing something you aren't comfortable with doing.

Answer

I just think we don't have the full story here, personally.  Did you have a less than desirable attitude when expressing your desire to not change litter boxes? Did you insinuate that you couldn't work as much when you brought up your pregnancy? There are two sides to every story. Definitely go to HR if you feel you were wronged.

Know changing litter does not put you at risk for anything. Read up on it. It's not as bad as people make it out to be. I also suggest reading Expecting Better by Emily Oster to you and all expecting moms. She covers this topic.

Answer

I am a veterinary technician.  I  just more cautious with wrestling dogs and handling fractious cats and I wear gloves a lot. No need to quit your job.

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I understand the frustration but people work way more strenuous jobs up until they deliver. I know the cash register isn't where you want to be but give it some time bc in some months you will be off work and with your baby and can go back to your normal position after.

Answer

Were you not worried about the Guinea pigs?? I have Guinea pigs and am pregnant and it kinda scares me....

Should I quit?

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