Last time we heard from Tamara, she was crossing items off her before baby bucket list. Now she’s updating us on what has to be a daunting task — trying to find a job while pregnant.
by Tamara Floyd
I have been searching for a job since before I discovered I was pregnant. That was 35 weeks ago. Needless to say, my initial reactions to the news were shock and panic. “How can we afford a baby?”
My husband of five years and I have been working our way towards financial stability by increasing income, building our savings and accruing assets. Last year, we decided to build our marketing/communications company and I left my full-time job to do so. The past year, I have worked on different projects on a contract basis. Business has been steady with back-to-back contracts but I was in need of more stable income. I don’t have to tell you. Everyone is looking for extra income in this economy. With a year of contractor work experience, I was ready to re-enter the managerial/professional workforce for a more permanent income source.
Recently, I reached the 28 weeks milestone of my pregnancy. How did I celebrate, you ask? I went on another job interview. Like many women in my position it’s a little nerve wrecking. What do I wear? Should I hide my growing belly? Should I or when do I mention the pregnancy? Surprisingly, there are message boards on pregnancy websites and actually a New York Times article that address all these questions and more.
I went on my last job interview at 31 weeks. And the employer came to the same conclusion as my two previous interviewers: “Although you are highly qualified we decided to go with another candidate.”
It was nice to get some type of feedback but nothing substantial to really utilize in my future job search. I figured the universe was confirming that my focus should be on the baby. Honestly, even though I would exceed expectations of my job requirements; I know I would feel guilty for taking time off for appointments and then labor/delivery. Who needs the stress of guilt during pregnancy?
It has always been my desire to be a work-at-home mom. I enjoy working from the comfort of my home with flexible hours. At this point I will continue to work as an independent contractor and as the baby grows, I’ll look for other opportunities to grow my business as well as expand my networking circle.
Wow, you are brave for going to those interviews! If you still feel the need to get a full time job after the baby you only have to wait a few weeks!
You’re doing great with focusing on your baby and taking control of your finances though. I became a stay at home mom after my son was born but we had to do a lot of work on our finances first. It was the best decision we ever made.
Before D-day I wanted to have the crib up and ready. We are such procrastinators. I set up the crib and room 2 weeks before our baby was born.
I also wanted to have one last family outing before 2 kids became 3. That did not work out well because I went into labor on our family fun day. We spent the evening in the hospital as a family. It ended up being fun and a great bonding experience with the kids and their new sister.
Ugh, I remember going on an interview about 5 months after my daughter was born and having the interviewer tell me that I should just stay home with my baby. It was a bit disheartening because I really wanted to get out there, but in the end, I had a great 7 months at home and running around town with my daughter because I had to leave her to return to school. Hmmm… since I was having a scheduled C-section I think I had everything already in order, lol. I was just ready for D-day to finally arrive so that I could meet her
I certainly applaud you for going out there despite what some would call a “speed bump”. Like you said, this could be a sign to spend some time with your upcoming newborn. Congratulations
The baby shower was the one thing we hurried to do because I waited until almost a month before my due date to throw one. We had already purchased the crib, bassinet and other baby products and put them together well in advance.
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