Last summer I found myself complaining to my husband about work often. He pointed out this fact to me. I realized I was not satisfied with my position and I wasn't in an environment that was growing my career the way I wanted it to be.
I kept an eye on my company's internal posting website. One day I found an opening that was more in line with my goals and objectives. Should I make the leap?
The Mr and I were planning on trying for baby #2. I felt that that shouldn't hold me back from furthering my career but at the same time, I was comfortable in my present job and would be comfortable with being pregnant/maternity leave/using the mother's room. How would I be valued if I started a new job then took a leave? Would this opportunity or one like be present in a year or two? I didn't want to risk it. Ah mother's guilt - making or passing on career choices due to being a mother.
I applied for the job, interviewed, and was offered the position! Between the interview and all the paper work going through for the transfer I got pregnant. Hmm... I kept my pregnancy hummed until I officially started my new job. While I do feel safe in today's world from losing my job for being pregnant, a voice in the back of my head told me to not to chance it. Pregnancy shouldn't hold me back.
I was nervous to tell my new boss. "Hi, I'm Kim. Your new employee. And by the way, I'll be taking maternity leave after a few months of starting and probably lots of sick time for doctor appointments or taking care of a newborn. But I'm really a dedicated employee." I didn't word it that way but that's what I felt like - a lousy employee. My new manager's response was professional and unemotional. He must of had training.
Now here I am, trying to learn the ropes and become a productive team member for a few short months before #2 is born. I hope mom brain doesn't erase everything I'm learning now while on leave.
Love,
Oh gosh, this is so hard! I was promoted not long after I found out I was pregnant, which came with its own challenges of new responsibility and longer work hours due to those. It was hard to say "thanks, and also? I'm having another baby in addition to my current toddler."
ReplyDeleteBut these things have a way of working themselves out when you are productive and well-respected. If you're in an org like mine, your reputation (and you must have a good one if you got the new position!) precedes you, and they will just be glad to have you back after you recover and have some time to enjoy smooching on that little one!