Anonymous wrote:If you are really support for them all, you need to let them know. It's unprofessional not to mention this to people you support directly so they can begin to process what they are going to do during your absence.

+1. I know it's tough when you're up against unsupportive coworkers, but there's nothing like increasing the divide than keeping this matter secret. There's no reason that you have have to be social about it or make a big show about it, but it is professional courtesy to explain your situation. This is an in issue that will impact their work and your own, and it's only fair to prepare them. If you act positive and professional about it, then any negative response from them should be reported. But if you don't tell them, and they get "blindsided," it's doubtful that they'll respect you at all, the rumors WILL fly, and in the long run, it's professionally harmful, in my opinion. Especially if you're the only one that does your job.

Quite frankly, even though this isn't the topic of conversation here, I'm a little annoyed at your tone about civilian workers. I'm a civilian worker, and I know that I work hard, as well as do many of my peers. No need for hurtful jabs at an entire population (I've read previous posts and I know you have beef with them). The fact that a civilian has to explain why it's professional courtesy to speak with your colleagues on this matter should say something about your own work style.

If you are really support for them all, you need to let them know. It's unprofessional not to mention this to people you support directly so they can begin to process what they are going to do during your absence.

yeah, our office is tiny - 12 people and my boss, who has her own office. I'm support staff for everyone in legislative affairs and don't have a back up (and for reference, the two other civilians, who are both paid more, don't even know how many members of Congress there are). So I dont even know how we could have a contingency plan because we don't do long term projects - it's all "crap, we have a hearing...pull together research".

I figure that's why they have a boss, and it'll be obvious pretty soon that I'm pregnant anyway if everything stays healthy.

Maybe me being furloughed will be good practice for 'em.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions, all - seems not saying anything is perfectly A-OK!

I think it depends on the number of people you directly work with and/or would be impacted. I work for about 5 different people, and work with 100s.

I told my direct supervisors at about the same time (13-14 weeks). I told my individual team too about then.

I've told others "as needed" and will send a note to all as it gets really close with the backup for me while I'm out. I'm at 26 weeks with my 2nd so it's fairly obvious now, but i'm answering those as needed.

Hi jindc! Poppy weighing in.

My direct boss is a good old Southern gentleman (as one coworker put it), which means sort of misogynistic in the same clueless way as Pumpkin's boss. Last time, I told him and my higher-up boss (who's not misogynistic at all, and really super supportive) together, because I didn't want to deal with boss 1's issues. Then I just told the coworkers I'm close to and let the news get around. There are maybe 60 people in my lab, though, 15 of whom I work with fairly closely.

I'm sort of dreading telling people this time, only because we have a new staff member who has the worst boundaries on the planet, and would think nothing of sending an email to the entire lab saying "let's all congratulate Dr. [name] on her joyful news" blah blah blah. One of my officemates knows, because she caught me drinking a Coke, but she's good at keeping secrets.

All of which is my long-winded way of saying I don't think it's odd at all that you don't want to tell your d-bag coworkers. In your shoes, I wouldn't want to, either, and probably wouldn't. Depending on how your maternity leave will impact them you'll need to communicate plans, etc., but I'd just be matter of fact about it.