I really wanna know (so keep it real)

Fontella,


It is my sense that what many folks see as efficient is not really very efficient; much of the scrutiny that I see in this thread appears indicative of behavior that is destructive to 'the community' and to 'business.'

Sometimes in order to 'do the right thing' there is difficulty that comes about; "culling" is not an answer.

Because of your obvious contscientious nature, if (and when) I had (have) a job to offer, I would likely hire you in an instant and not only require you to conform to the requirements of the business but would, while considering the essentail business requirements, cause the business to conform to you; this way, ultimately, there would be much greater productivity for the employee, the business and the community.

Pace yourself, there are people who do not hide from one part of 'the picture' in order to make themselves feel alright but instead who will honestly look at the difficulties involved and faithfully continue to look for an answer.

David


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It seems casting stones is far esier than constructive information and advice. So kind.

 

I wouldnt hire a preganant person knowing they were preganant... it's going to cause me more problems down the road when I have to find someone to replace her.

It's like hiring someone who just come down with a 2 year disease.

 

Like someone said earlier, if there was a nonpregnant alternative availalbe most employers will pick them (assuming they know whats going on with you in terms of pregnancy). Its not pretty, its not even legal in lots of areas (look into your local employemtn laws, bona fide organizational requiremients (BFOR's), requirement to accomodiate, etc) Not sure about the laws in your palce but hereabouts you should be able to take em to court if they dont hire you because your pregant. Problem is, that usually requires some money to start unless you have a damn good lawyer.

 

Wow, I cannot BELIEVE some of these replies.

This is just another example of how women are discriminated against in the workplace.

If the woman is qualified...more qualified than a man...she should be hired, pregnant or not.

And you know what, people? She's pregnant. Not a damn thing she can do about it now. Instead of berading her about what she "should" have done...why don't you give her some REAL advice, instead of being a bunch of assholes.

This just PROVES the partiarchal society we live in...and how women are STILL suffering because of it...some of you really make me want to throw up.

MissFontella, it's going to be difficult because it's the kind of society we live in...are there any jobs out there near you that you can just have until you have the baby? Maybe as a receptionist or even a cashier. Something is better than nothing at this point. I know how difficult getting a job is...trust me, I'm currently looking for a job myself...I'm not even pregnant and it's not easy...but even a rinky dink job to get you through is better than no income at all.

 

You will not be hired for a very simple reason. In most developed countries in the world, pregnancy is no grounds to fire a person. When you get too pregnant to performe at work, and then when you have to nurse the child and not work... Companies are required by law to pay thier employees for this period, even though the employees are not working. A company would much rather hire anyone other than you that is not pregnant because they would not have to either find excuses to fire you or to pay you money when you are not working.

 

Yeah, I've been applying to call centers and plan on going to a couple of temp agencies next week.

Problem is, once they find out that I have a engineering degree, they wonder why I want their job....its some "over-qualified" bullshit.

I just got called for another interview for a different engineering job. I didn't turn it down cause I don't wanna burn any bridges. It includes a year and a half of training so I'm hoping that I can see if they will let me start after the baby. If not, that's two great engineering jobs that I'll miss because I'm pregnant. I'm no slouch, have a good educational background, and I give a good interview.....employers want me, just not the belly

 

As a person, I think it shouldn't be an issue. I think if you can do your job well, you deserve the job. I'm a firm believer in the best (wo)man for the job is the right candidate. However, this isn't realistic, unfortunately.

As a business man I would view it as a pain in the ass hire a pregnant woman. Especially a single, pregnant woman. Not only will I very shortly have a void that I have to fill, but I also have to work said woman back in. Then she's a single mom which means when the child is sick she, generally speaking, will need the day off. It would be a hassle, to say the least. I mean this single pregnant woman better have credentials like I've never seen before, and I'm not talking about a nice rack.

 

Have your tried dressing to make yourself look fat instead of pregnant? I know it's something you shouldn't have to do, but it may work.

 

I'm barely showing so they probably won't know but VA is a fire-at-will state. If I don't tell them, they can still fire me when it becomes obvious plus then they look at me as doing something underhanded. If I do tell them, I'm a dumass that just took myself out of the running... either way it equals me with no job

My idea was to get in, do my best and let them see what a good worker they are getting (for maybe a month or so), then tell them and explain that I have a scheduled induction date and only plan to be out two weeks. But that's based on them not being totally blinded by me being pregnant. That's why I started this poll, to see how many peoople think "pregnant" equals "useless". And just as I thought, no one said "depends if her position is essential" or "depends on how much she has impressed me". People are more committed to reacting to an idea of something than reacting to the actual situation they have in front of them. Most people haven't met a chick like me before and being me, working hard, going the extra mile has usually made me able to reach my goals. So it REALLY pisses me off that I'm battling some outdated, back of the man brain, "delicate nature of a woman", BULLSHIT stereotype that has NOTHING to do with my ablilities. When the truth is I can probably still kick the ass of half of the guys on this site right now! Not to mention that all I'm trying to do provide support for my children that my kids' pansy ass, run like a bitch, let someone else deal with my responsiblity fathers won't provide.

I never asked if employers do it, I know they do it, I asked if they were justified....as in "fair" or "right" to do so. I know how the world works, at this point, I was just wondering why

 

Forgiveness is easier to obtain than permission. I'd say do whatever you have to do to get in the door and make one hell of an impression.

Also, the fact that your pregnant probably increases your chances of kicking the mens asses around here.

 

as long as it doesn't affect her work, that shouldn't be an issue I don't think.