Go for the promotion while pregnant or stick with comfort zone?
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Anonymous
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Major dilemma happening at work. I'm 5 months pregnant but just found out my boss is leaving. I've put in 4.5 years on my project and I'm weighing whether or not I should apply. I meet the job description, but am likely to be up against far more experienced candidates. The pregnancy is not an issue for me, I am the breadwinner and have to go back to work regardless. It would, however, be increased responsibility, increased international travel, and probably some increase in stress (although it would spare me my current stress of working for a manager with whom I frequently disagree and whose work I constantly have to correct). It would certainly improve our financial situation, which will be tight with the new baby.
I've always wanted to run my own project and do more work-related travel. The timing is bad, but I hate passing up chances because I'm scared or because it's the easier choice. Just looking for some advice from anyone who's been here before. Would appreciate some outsider perspective (Husband thinks I should go for it. He does not travel for his job and is amazingly supportive. He thinks I have nothing to lose by trying). |
Anonymous
| I agree with your husband. Sounds like it's something you'd like as well, even though the timing isn't the best. No opportunity is going to be an 100% perfect fit. |
Anonymous
| I think you should go for it. Kinda makes you look in unambitious if you don't. Plus, what if they give it someone who's a jerk and them you have to work for that person? Sounds like your dh is willing to hold down the first while you travel, so..... |
Anonymous
| As long as DH is supportive of the travel, go for it. I got promoted at nine months pregnant and essentially came back to a "new" job and loved it. The new challenges/responsibilities kept me from missing the baby too much during the day |
Anonymous
| Go for it. Worst that can happen is you don't get it, but you'll never know until you try! |
Anonymous
| You should go for it. I have worked with many women who were promoted either before or during their leave. But make sure you can still take the leave you want. |
Anonymous
| Yes, apply, bc if you don't get it you will have put in the interest so the next time around you'll be more relevant. And I mean let's say they offer it to you, you can always turn it down (but don't! Sounds awesome and yay for you!) |
Anonymous
| Go for it! Much better to come from mat leave to a new and exciting challenge!!! |
Anonymous
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Another go for it vote. There will never be a perfect time with kids. My kids are in elementary school and it can be more work getting them out in the morning than when they were infants and I could dress them, feed, them and have them out the door in 40 minutes. Plus you have activities, homework, and the extra time it takes to help them become more independent and not do everything for them (pack lunches, lay out clothes, clean room etc)
I regret not going for the manager job when there were opportunities. At some point you may wake up and realize you could do that job, make more money, and have more control over resources, maybe figure ways things can be done more efficiently and instead you chickened out and ended up doing the same amount of work or more (especially if you don't work for a great manager). |
Anonymous
| Promotion while pregnant! I didn't, I missed out, and now I am kicking myself! It was seriously a good year before I was ready again (i.e. this month). |
Anonymous
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Apply! I got promoted while on maternity leave (came back to a tougher job) and a friend made partner on maternity leave. No regrets.
The one thing that might be tricky is the travel while baby is young, especially if you are nursing: that would be my one real hesitation. My friend who made partner travels all the time and it works for her, but personally it wouldn't work for me. Apply first, get the job, then address travel expectations and whether you can postpone for a few months (assuming you want to do so). |
Anonymous
| OP here. Just wanted to say thanks all for the support!! I've decided to go for it. Realized I have nothing to lose (I like my job, I'll still like it even if I don't get the promotion to management) and lots to gain. |
Anonymous
| Yay, OP! Good luck! |
Anonymous
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GO FOR IT!!!!!!
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Anonymous
| Woo hoo--good luck, OP!! |