Thread:

New Baby/Job; Advice?

After being out of work for 9 months I picked up a new position in October. I made it clear in my interview that we were pregnant and expecting early in the year, but made no negotiations for time off or an amended schedule.
I am now at a fairly high pressure point in my projects and have found out that my new daught (Lola Mae) will be coming via C-Section this Friday.
Soooo... I know what I am entitled to and what the law says, but I am barely approaching 90 days and politically I don't want to make a bad move. I am thinking short days untill the dust settles on the job, then take some time...
Just not sure.

Any advice?

I would think that if your employer is happy with your work they would fully understand your situation. Sit down and talk to your employer of what they expect with someone in your situation. Since they do know your are expecting soon I would bet that they are expecting that you are taking time off. Can you do any of your work at home?

Depends on how much of an assett you are to the company. If you are easily replacable with 10 million others, then I would probably take a day off for the birth and go back to work. If you are the only person that can do it and are in very good standing with the uppers, then maybe ask for a few days to help mom recover. Being there for the first week or so is very important to help mom recover, however being able to put food in your mouths seems more important.

Maybe they can also allow for some of your work to be done at home, teleconference, computer work etc...depending on the type of job you have this might help so it appears to them that you are still very interested in your position but also home to help out with the new baby.

Thanks for the advice.
I have been told I am doing well and that they are pleased with my performance, but I would be kidding myself to think they couldn't find someone to do my job.
I will be approaching my Boss this afternoon, with a loosely knit plan.
We'll see how it goes.

#1 I applaud your desire to be there for your wife and kid...however...

Kids are sleeping, eating and pooping for the first month. They do cry...but haven't figured out how to cry just for attention yet AND can't cry loud enough (yet) to scare the crap outta ya.

I stayed home for a couple of days, and got kicked out of the house.

The C section adds another dimension, but grandparents can probably take up the slack during the day.

I'd say be willing to be there...but you aren't indispensable. Your income is indispensable.

Be willing to take some extra shifts later when the kid is teething...that's when you earn your parenting stripes.

You do whatever doesn't threaten your job.

It sounds like you are willing to continue to work if needed, and do your part to help the company out.

I'd present the situation to my boss in a similar way to how you posted it above, and make it clear that you're a team player and looking to find a solution that works all around.

Have a plan in mind to suggest, but let your boss know that you have flexibility at the same time and you should be OK.

Originally Posted by Constant840

Thanks for the advice.
I have been told I am doing well and that they are pleased with my performance, but I would be kidding myself to think they couldn't find someone to do my job.
I will be approaching my Boss this afternoon, with a loosely knit plan.
We'll see how it goes.

That is a good plan!

If you can get family help that would be great. If not I'm sure if your in good standing they will help you some how. I'd approach your boss and explain how you will accomodate whatever he needs and see how receptive he is.

With times the way they are a good job is tough to come by and that factor has to be weighed out by you and yours.