I have worked somewhere where they would not allow you to take a day before or after the holiday, or you wouldn't get paid for the holiday. I agree though, your employer should have given extra PTO if they are going to require that you take it at a certain time!
Laura - yep, that's what I wanted. Unfortunately the reason they are doing this is that there is no work to be done. All my projects are wrapped up. Or will be by then.
Ask about filing for unemployment those days. Truly, it is a royal PITA. BUT - you wouldn't need to use PTO and you'd get paid a portion (potentially - it would likely take forever). There's no work, there's nothing for you to do.... go for unemployment.
I'm thinking that there's a week waiting period for unemployment and don't think you'd be able to get it if you leave the job on your own accord...
You can qualify for unemployment for a temporary layoff with an expected date to return to work. I wouldn't do it for just a day, but it is possible to do. And if you qualify for that type of unemployment, you don't have to search for a job in the meantime or anything like that.
Workers at the plant where my dad works file for unemployment when the plant shuts down for repairs and they are unable to work.
A co-worker of mine's husband has to file for unemployment due to the same reasons (plant closing, lack of work, but known return date). We were always told to do that, I never did, but it's obviously legit if HR is telling us to do so.
I sent my resume for a manager of benefits and wellness position. I didn't have the experience, but I have the schooling/knowledge so I thought it was a 50% chance. Well, I got a phone interview today and within an hour was called to come in for a face-to-face interview.
I am 5.5 months pregnant. I know they can't ask me about it. I know I don't have to tell them about it. I know that they know they can't ask me about it. I know that they can't NOT offer me the job because of the pregnancy...
So - I have two questions needing opinions.
1. When, realistically, should I tell them about my pregnancy? I am anticipating taking December and January off for maternity leave (due to a c-section I'd get 8 weeks). Wait for the job offer? I'd hate to bring it up too soon and ultimately disqualify myself (although I know they won't give THAT as the reason). I would be asking about their STD because currently I get 100% pay for 8 weeks and I can't give that up (I could take a smaller percentage of a bigger salary....)
2. what should I wear? Normally I'd wear a basic black suit. I do have a pair of black maternity pants, but I don't have a blazer. I have a black cardigan that could work... I just don't want to spend $$$ on a blazer I'd wear once. Apparently it doesn't look like I've popped - just put on weight.
It's almost like I can totally make recommendations to everyone else, but when I'm in the situation I'm just not certain. Thanks!
You may not be eligible for their STD - there are requirements that you have to work so many hours in the year you plan on using the STD. Or so I recall (I may be confusing it with some other benefit, but I'm pretty sure it was STD). Something else to think about with STD, though, is that if the company pays the premium then the STD pay you receive is taxed. If YOU pay the premium then the pay you receive is tax free. So, if your current company pays the premium and you get 100% then it is taxed, and if the proposed company does not pay it then it's not taxed and the take home amount may be approximately equal to your current take home pay anyway (I found this to be the case when on leave for both my daughters - even though I was getting 67% of my usual salary, it ended up being just a small amount less than my normal take home). Another couple of things to consider when changing jobs so close to giving birth - FMLA doesn't apply if you haven't been there for a year (assuming that they are a large enough company for it to apply anyway). Also, you are usually responsible for paying your benefits while on maternity leave, which I've always done via PTO, but you may not have accrued enough PTO by then. That may not be an issue for you (especially if you're maybe on your husband's plan or something).
I'm sure none of this is really helping you...
Honestly, I would probably tell my prospective employer in an interview that I was pregnant. I wouldn't want them to feel like I misled them in any way. Also my field is kind of tight, so I don't think it would affect my chances a huge amount. I'm one of those people that wants everyone to like them, though, so I'd be really concerned about my supervisor feeling lied to and having animosity about it. IIf you don't want to tell them at the interview, then I'd wait until after I took the job. I believe it's legal to rescind a job offer that hasn't been accepted.
As for clothing, I would look to the field you're interviewing in - if it's a law firm, wear a suit for sure. If it's a more relaxed place, then black pants and a nice cardigan would probably be ok, but I'd definitely accessorize it in an attempt to "fashion" it up (if that makes sense).
I am not an HR guro but I went through the very same thing when I was 5 and half months pregnant with kid #3. I did not reveal my pregnancy until I was offered the position. I didn't intentionally hide it, it just never came up. I looked fluffy at the interview - not pregnant. Once offered the position, I mentioned that I was pregnant and wanted to know about their leave policy. I did make the mistake of revealing it prior to salary negotiations. While they couldn't rescind the job offer, they did stick it to me as far as salary goes. If you choose to wait to disclose it, I would wait until you have a salary nailed down.
I was told outright that I would not have received an offer if I would have disclosed my pregnancy. I almost turned down the position and I know the low ball salary was an attempt to get me to decline. I accepted anyway and do not regret it at all. The asshat who makes the hiring decisions is the only creep in the place. My coworkers even threw me a shower! I made up for the low salary at my yearly review and am quite happy there now.
As for your supervisor feeling lied to or deceived, oh well. I don't know how a woman's current gestational state has any relevance when offering a position. If she is the best person for the job, she is the best person for the job with or without a fetus occupying her uterus. Hiring a woman of child bearing age, pregnant or not, comes with the risk that she may need maternity leave. You could get pregnant the first week you start. What is the difference between needing leave after 4.5 months or 9 months of employment? In the grand scheme, not much.
maniach - correct, I would not be eligible for FMLA as I haven't worked 1250 hours in the previous 12 months (although I have WORKED it, just not for that employer). Usually STD does have a service "clause" but maternity does not even though it's classified as STD. Thankfully, DH carries all of the insurance, so if I were to change I would not have to worry about insurance premiums.
petdoc - I know they can't ask me about my family life/how I juggle my kids. The woman I interviewed with (VP and she'd be my boss) mentioned she had kids as well so I don't think she'd be a total jerk about it. But, I could be wrong.
I can definitely fashion things up (that does make sense). My sister is coming out for a party today and I'll ask her what she thinks. I normally don't do heels, but I have a cute pair of black slingbacks that I'll wear. they are pointy toe and comfy.
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Originally Posted by mcgwigan
Thanks!
