When to tell my new boss...

Question

I start a new job on April 6th (hooray!). I am 11 weeks pregnant, so will be about 12.5 weeks when I start. When should I tell my boss? I know he can't fire me bc I am pregnant, but I worry he will always have some animosity toward me because I kept this from him. I will  have the baby after about 6 months of being there. My husband thinks I should tell him immediately, which of course makes me so nervous. Anyone else been in this situation?

Answer

Sort of in a similar situation but I was there about two months before I found out. I was a little nervous I told my coworker last week she was really excited for me..she is the lead accountant. The CEO is a woman with kids and my coworker said she will be so happy for me...im more worried about the CFO who is my direct boss but he cant do anything... my attitude is, im a women in my late twenties i think people already know its bound to happen...IM EXCITED and if they arent and arent willing to accomadate you, then you know what type of place you are working for. I agree with your husband though, get settled in for a week and then tell your boss asap the longer you wait the worse it will be...im telling my boss mext week...best of luck!

Answer

I got pregnant right around when I first started my job. I told my boss pretty casually. He's the nicest boss I've ever had, and pretty understanding. His wife was overdue with their 3rd when I told him and he was nice about it. He asked how i've been feeling, and it turns out I have the same doc as his wife! Just go in feeling confident and make it short and sweet. I didn't mention my plans after the baby, as it's super complicated.

Answer

The advice I got from my mom and other women in her generation was not to say anything until it is obvious from looking at me.  I haven't decided whether that is still applicable,  but I was leaning towards telling my bosses around week thirteen.   My situation is a little different because I just interviewed for and accepted a promotion (that comes with a 1 year probationary period) but I will be doing the same thing with the same people I have been working with for the last seven months.  So I already know my bosses are both mothers and they take time as necessary to be with their kids. I think taking a very closed mouth approach would past the first trimester would suggest that I don't trust then not to discriminate against me based on the pregnancy and would damage what is otherwise a good working relationship.

Answer

I would wait a week or two until you could feel out the environment. It seems like most bosses want to know when and how long you'll be gone as the biggest issue. If you got to your boss with the announcement along with your plan for maternity leave (and who will be covering you if that's necessary), it may go smoother. Also, you may be able to ask around and see if anyone else has young kids (and had to do a maternity leave while at that job) to see what they did. Go in prepared!

When to tell my new boss...

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