Babble

So, I'm 16 weeks, almost 17, and haven't told the boss yet. I was going to, but I just can't bring myself to do it - not because I'm worried about repercussions or any such thing, but because I can't stand her. And from previous interactions with her, she's still fairly new around here, I believe the feeling is mutual (and not just toward me, but pretty much everyone in the office).

The last time I had to tell my boss, I found it pretty simple - 'cause we got along and were pretty friendly. This time, I just can't bring myself to walk into her office and that's pretty much the only way to get her. I know to just do it matter of factly, but it's just the walking over to speak to her part. Maybe I'll blame this on the hormones, but really, I can't put it off too much longer, 'cause my pants are getting mighty tight :)

Help? Anyone?

Thanks!

I suggest you do it quick, like tearing off a band aid. I was in the third week of my brand new job and I was 18 weeks pregnant when I informed my new boss. We had a good relationship, but I worried since the job was so new, would he think I was a short-timer. Turns out he was thrilled for me and even made the job more flexible. Good luck - it's never an easy thing to do, but often thinking about it makes it feel worse than actually doing it! 

I had just started a job (like two weeks earlier) that was supposed to be temp-to-hire.  They loved me, I loved them, and it looked like full speed ahead in the getting hired for real direction.  Then I got pregnant and was faced with a problem: I could tell them early and give them ample time to find another candidate for the job OR I could let them hire me and THEN tell them.

 The second option seemed a little unethical to me, so I scheduled a meeting with my boss and when she said "how are you?" I replied "pregnant!"  and we went from there.  They were extremely accomodating in keeping me on the job - as a temp, unfortunately - and giving me any and all flexibility for doctor's appointments and days when I just couldn't drag myself there.

Once we got closer to my due date, I gave them a firm "last day" and all was well.  Good thing, because my last day was a Friday and the baby arrived the following Monday.

So my advice - schedule a meeting if it's difficult to get your boss any other way.  That way, you won't just be ambushing her when she is in the middle of six other things.  Be upfront about doctor's visits and how you're feeling and what you might not be able to do and how you plan to deal with that.  If you're planning to take leave and come back to this job, take a VERY active part in how to deal with your time off and who will replace you etc etc etc.  As in everything, honesty is usually the best policy.

 Good luck!

It's done :)

I found her yesterday with her office door wide open (never happened before since she started here last April) and even smiling at me as I walked by (normally, she completely ignores most of us), so I asked her if she had time and since she did, I got it over with. Given our mutual dislike, it went well and I'm just glad it's out. I am about to burst out of my regular clothes, so it was high time :)

That's great! Congratulations.

Lucky you.

 

I was in RachelZ's shoes last week, but I got more of a "Congratulations! Oh, and you might as well just punch out now." kind of reaction. 

Yikes! Is the even legal?

I know in my last job we had this horrible person that deserved to be fired and was about to when she announced she was pregnant. The boss immediately changed his mind on the situation, not because she all of a sudden became a miracle worker, but because he was worried about her suing us. Something about the Human Rights Code - but this is Canada, so things are probably different from wherever you are. She ended up getting fired eventually, but way past she was back from mat leave.

Anyway, I hope it'll turn out okay for you!