Unemployment question

[Anonymous]

I’m a nanny who is likely going to adopt an older child this fall. I haven’t spoken to MB about it yet, primarily because I’d like to continue working. My question is, if they fired me for adopting, would I be eligible for unemployment? I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that and have a decent amount in savings if it does, but I like to be as prepared as I can be.

[Anonymous]

Why would they fire you for adopting? Now-if you can’t meet the obligations of the job once your personal circumstances change, then that’s on you.

[Anonymous]

Do you mean because you'll need to be able to get off work at a moment's notice for home studies and such, or because you'll be needed to pick up the child at school or go to therapies?

If they let you go purely because you became a parent, you would be eligible for unemployment.

If they let you go because you need a more flexible schedule than they can provide, you would not be eligible.

[Anonymous]

If they fire you without cause, you will be eligible for unemployment. However, also know that there are labor laws that protect you from being fired for parental status or because you are on parental leave.

As PPs noted, if the job ends because, with your new child, you can no longer work the same hours (or no longer want to)--that's different, and you would not eligible for unemployment. In that scenario they are still offering you employment, but it's no longer a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you mean because you'll need to be able to get off work at a moment's notice for home studies and such, or because you'll be needed to pick up the child at school or go to therapies?

If they let you go purely because you became a parent, you would be eligible for unemployment.

If they let you go because you need a more flexible schedule than they can provide, you would not be eligible.

I meant purely becoming a parent. I work three long days and two short ones, my husband can work from home/alter his schedule as needed so it's not likely we're going to have huge issues with working and caring for a child in terms of the logistics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would they fire you for adopting? Now-if you can’t meet the obligations of the job once your personal circumstances change, then that’s on you.

I've run into a lot of parents who specifically don't want a nanny with children. I'm not sure how this particular family would feel about this scenario, but one of my nanny friends got pregnant and my MB seemed to think firing her was the right thing to do. I'm going to focus on beefing up mu savings account so we're prepared for any scenario.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would they fire you for adopting? Now-if you can’t meet the obligations of the job once your personal circumstances change, then that’s on you.

I've run into a lot of parents who specifically don't want a nanny with children. I'm not sure how this particular family would feel about this scenario, but one of my nanny friends got pregnant and my MB seemed to think firing her was the right thing to do. I'm going to focus on beefing up mu savings account so we're prepared for any scenario.

A pregnant nanny is a different scrnario. Parents worry about accommodating pre-natal appointments, any sickness/tiredness/complications the nanny might have. They also may not be willing to offer any additional maternity leave beyond contracted time off, paid or unpaid. Then they either worry about her quitting to stay home, don't want her to bring her baby to work, or feel guilty about making her take care of their child while hers is in daycare or something. I'm not saying it's right, I'm just saying that the additional potential complications of a pregnant nanny and mom-of-infant is what makes people fire them.

You're talking about adopting an older child, so unless this is a child with major special needs that need to be dealt with during the day, I don't think you have to worry.

[Anonymous]

Why would you employers ever need to know you have a child ? You don't need to tell them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would they fire you for adopting? Now-if you can’t meet the obligations of the job once your personal circumstances change, then that’s on you.

I've run into a lot of parents who specifically don't want a nanny with children. I'm not sure how this particular family would feel about this scenario, but one of my nanny friends got pregnant and my MB seemed to think firing her was the right thing to do. I'm going to focus on beefing up mu savings account so we're prepared for any scenario.

As part of your preparation, also review the relevant anti-discrimination laws. Firing an employee because she is pregnant is illegal, and it's definitely distressing that your MB thought that was an appropriate reaction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would you employers ever need to know you have a child ? You don't need to tell them.

This is a really good point