Avoiding the "Mommy track" - anyone with experience to share?

[Calif]

I'm holding off on announcing my pregnancy at work because it's a corporate environment and I'm trying to not get put on the mommy track.

I found this quote online:
"Once you share your news, you may suddenly find yourself on a slow road to nowhere at work — last in the information loop and out of the running for promotions and job advancements you were previously an easy pick for. Goodbye fast track and hello mommy track? Is it unavoidable?"

I definitely saw this with a co-worker who was pregnant a couple of years ago. Any tips on not getting overlooked for important clients/projects, or not getting held back in the corporate ladder due to a pregnancy/maternity leave? Thanks!

 

[Pearls18]

Are you in the UK? Join a union, don't tell them until the legal week you have to (unless unsafe to do so) document EVERYTHING, if you have proof file a case with your union x

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

I also have a corporate job, and haven't seen any issues from my pregnancy yet. It's been the opposite in fact - I was just chosen to be the back-up for an important role in our office, and I'm the only pregnant lady right now (I announced at 6 weeks)! As long as you perform well and get things done, that should help against not getting regulated to side jobs. Also try volunteering for tasks! Let your manager know you're willing to help out in other areas if needed.

 

[Dancerforlife]

I didn't end up on the mommy track, keep working as hard as usual and performing well, keep showing initiative and volunteering for opportunities you can find in your role. Showing that you're still the same awesome employee as you were pre-baby helps a lot. I received a promotion 5 months after I returned from maternity leave.

 

[meliartdesign]

This totally happened for me and now I am considering quitting... it's like I was never there for 5 years (been back from maternity for a month now) they already have a new favourite. They even gave her the job they said they would give me!

 

[Baby France]

I know in the UK we have to tell our employer we are pregnant by a certain week....think its 25. Do you have the same rules?

If so I would do the same or only tell your manager and tell them that you do not wish for it to be public knowledge at present.

Do you have plans for your maternity, as in when you are leaving or returning? Have you thought about your hours when you return?

When I left with DS, I knew I was planning my family time and came back pregnant. After DD I came back, got settled in and recently applied and was successful for promotion.

I knew I'd be coming back full time and the new job makes home life easier. But I've had friends who were coming back full time and never returned or do the minimum amount of hours necessary. Becoming a parent, really does change your life and your view on the important things on life!

 

[Dinah93]

If you want your employer to treat you well, you need to treat them well too. I told my boss I was expecting at 8 weeks as I had already had a week off work, and he agreed not to tell the team until my 12 week scan. Another manager from my company made a point of speaking to me at the office party a few weeks ago and has asked me to consider going to work for his team instead, which would be a significant promotion. I have to say they haven't in any way been negative about my maternity leave, in fact this other manager is trying to woo me over to his team with the fact I can work from home a few days a week if I take the new job, and he doesn't care if I do it at night when she's in bed if it helps me to have her home with me during the day.

 

[Calif]

Wow, thanks ladies! I had no idea this thread took off. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'd love to hear more!

Recently new management is making it very corporate, with bonuses tied to performance. I'm going to feel my way around the new structure before announcing.

 

[Calif]

I found a great article about women who are afraid to dilute their value at their company:

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/lauren-wallenstein/maternity-leave_b_1525315.html