Lifestyle
Looking for Lifestyle Exclusives? Get your Cheeky Card!Q: I have been on my new job for three weeks and I just found out I am pregnant. Should I tell my boss now? If so, what should I say? I worked so hard to get this job and I don’t want to be fired.
A: Technically you can’t be fired, but let’s not start there. You can be fired for nothing if someone wants you out. You do not need to say anything to your boss until:
1) It’s unmistakable that you’re pregnant, and
2) You have come up with a plan to cover the job while you’re on maternity leave.
Your boss doesn’t care about your child. She cares about who’s going to get the job done while you’re not there. Since you are a new hire, spend every minute mastering the style and substance of what needs to be done. What are your boss’ expectations? I’ll bet she’s most afraid of what burned her last. The last pregnant person she dealt with decided never to return leaving the department in chaos. The grapevine can tell you if you’re following someone who didn’t treat boss and job seriously. Once you’ve gotten the facts, you can plan the best way to break the news and eventually to cover the job. This may involve taking calls and email during your leave. It may mean coming in three hours a week initially to make sure things go smoothly. Your co-workers can’t be counted on to pick up the load. They are probably flat out right now. A good coverage plan will make you a heroine with everyone.
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Office Politics
