TTC and a new job

[maplekitty]

I started a job last October, so I havn't even been there for a year yet. Curt and I will be married this August and I know we both want to start a family sooner rather than later. I'd like to say we'll be starting to TTC in winter of 2006, if everything works out. The thing is I plan on quitting my job and being a SAHM, but I almost feel guilty leaving my job after only having been there for such a short time. This is my first real job since being out of University, and I've never held a job for longer than a year because they've always been part-time things when I was in school or summer type jobs. A part of me feels like I want to have a job for a while, and still travel and do some things, but tehn I'm torn because I also want to start my family soon and I *cannot wait* to be a mother! One of the ladies at work even asked me if we'd be trying to have afmaily soon after the wedding, and I lied saying "not for a while" because I don't want that to reflect how being treat me at work. This is mostly a vent, but I'd love to hear if others have had the same problems.

[Cohl]

I have the same problem...sort of. I start my job in September, also my first "real" job after graduating from college. I already have an 11 month old daughter but I can't wait to have another baby!! Of course, I have to wait until I have been at my job for a little while. I don't want to work for a month and then tell them I have to go on maternity leave. So, I feel your pain. Not sure how I am going to time it out. Guess I'll have to fend the "baby bug" off for awhile longer.

Nicole

[Annette]

I started my new job last August and since I really like this job, I am not ready to put it on hold to have a baby. DH and I are thinking of TTCing mid-late 2006. The other issue is that since I haven't been here that long, when the time does come, I'm not sure if I will get as much flexibility (ie part time options) as others who have been with the company 5+ years. I feel guilty too, taking maternity leave too soon.

[tunibell]

I'm starting a new job on July 18...and actively TTC.

Should be interesting!

[katmg]

I wouldn't let it stop you. I waited to TTC so that I would be at my new job 1 year when I go out on leave - and probably I will SAH. That was just so that I could get FMLA benefits.

As I'm learning, TTC can take longer than expected so I wouldn't put it off for a job...just my two cents.

[Baby Lust]

Kat has a good point. You want to make sure that you are eligible for FMLA and maternity leave before getting pg. That way, you can use your maternity time and still get paid, then quit afterwards. That would be the best thing for you to do for yourself. And as the others have mentioned, TTC can take some time, so don't expect it to happen right away! Plan for it to take a few months, at least.

Good luck!

[tunibell]

Just a word about FMLA...as I understand it, it only applies to organizations with 50+ employees. I was planning to TTA for a few months after I start my new job, but once I determined that the place I'll be working only employees 28 people, I decided there was no reason to halt the TTC - no FMLA benefits for me, sadly. Definitely make certain that FMLA (and/or other related state laws) apply before halting TTC...as katmg said, TTC can take longer than you imagined.

[irish74]

tunibell - As I understand it from the brochures my office gave me when I started that you would still be eligible for the paid FMLA and SDI but not the FMLA law that requires that they keep your job for you. So basically you can get all the paid benefits, but not necessary the job safety benefits. You can get the full scoop from the CA EDD web page.

[tunibell]

Thanks sfaugustbride! Wanna have a drink soon? (If I am not pregnant, that is!)

[irish74]

Tunibell - Definitely, I'll even bring you a copy of those edd brochures if you want. I'll pm you my e-mail.

[Tracie]

I started my job in October, too, and we started TTC in January. Had I gotten pregnant right away, I would have been at the job for barely a year before my maternity leave, and that's only assuming I made it to term. Sadly, I'm still not pregnant, so I will be at the job for about a year and a half at least. Of course, I'm also (unfortunately) planning on returning after my maternity leave.

Still, I think you should plan your family when you want it, regardless of your job!

[Soulmate]

I agree with the others...I TTAed so that I would be there a year when I gave birth for FMLA. I have been TTC for over a year now and do not see myself getting pregnant anytime soon. I come from a family with NO fertility issues (my mom had both me and my brother while on the pill) so I had no idea it would take this long (oh and there is nothing wrong with either of us). While I am very glad for many reasons it is taking this long (getting our ducks in a row in the meantime) we did not wait for anything to be "just right" in many aspects of our lives. You need to please yourself over any employer. They'll get over it if you get pregnant right away. I had a co-worker who got pregnant practically the same week she started and no ill will or resentment was there. If there is then screw 'em...its your life.

[JennH]

I'm starting a new job on July 18...and actively TTC.

Should be interesting!

I'm actively looking and hope to have a new job soon! We will TTC again in Sept and won't let the new job stop us. We recently miscarried and it's about the family for us. But, I plan to work after. I figure it took us a year to get pregnant. Who knows how long it will take us again? If it happens quickly, then I will work my pregnancy and then go back. No harm, no foul.

Good luck w/the new job...and TTC!

[duke's flygirl]

Maple Kitty: For what it is worth, here in Canada, you get the full year paid EI at 55% of your salary up to a max...sorry I can't remember that. Your company MAY top you up for some or all of that time too.

In order to qualify for the EI you have to have been working at your job for 600hours. More info is available on the EI site. It is a bit confusing.

I wouldn't wait to start TTC, as other posters have said, it may take a while.

Good luck TTC and with the new job!!

[maplekitty]

So, no one feels kind of *guilty* TTC so early into a new job? I mean, I know my family is more important than some job, but at the same time I also feel like it's letting the people in my office down because they have to go through the hassle of training another new person after me??

[eli1126]

DH and I are talking about TTC this time next year right afer I graduate and hopefully have a teaching job, which means I'll just have gotten hired :eek: I wouldn't worry about letting the people in your company down and if you give enough notice, it will most likely be you who trains your replacement. If you leave on good terms and in good faith, meaning you don't keep them hanging about coming back or something, then the reason you are leaving and the time you have worked there shouldn't be an issue. Good Luck!

Beth