Lost My Job!

[better2gether]

About a month or so ago, I was hired on at a vet tech school. I *thought* I didn't have to legally tell them that I was pregnant. I told a friend (well, she isn't a friend anymore). You can guess what happened next... It got around. And I was called in for an "emergency meeting" with my boss. Now he never said: "I'm firing you because you're pregnant." It was more of a crap way of saying: "I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. So it would be better and easier if you didn't work here." The thing is, I quit my other job for this one because I was so excited about this one.

I told my boyfriend. Who then told his friend I'm unemployed. I am SO mad at him. That is my business and my thing to take care of. He refuses to apologize and thinks he was helping me. But he always has a problem with telling people our business. Happened when he told my stupid MIL I was pregnant.

I'm just so worried because I'm six weeks. I might have a few weeks before I really start to show... And what then? I'll go into an interview, they'll see I'm pregnant, give me a half-assed interview, when really they're thinking: "Um, next please." I HAVE to work. My boyfriend gets a decent paycheck. But it seems quite clear that I'm expected to get a job. I want to keep busy and contribute to the baby.

So this on top of all his friends and family hating me and the baby for no reason whatsoever, I'm unemployed. I wonder if I'm a bad mom and if I'm truly meant to be pregnant! I can't stop crying. Nothing can go right at the moment. Sorry I'm having a pity party. I just don't know what to do!!!

I applied to a few places today and have an interview on Wednesday. I'm hoping for the best!

Has anyone been in this position?

 

[aimee-lou]

I would say to carry on with your job hunting. Sign up for temping agencies etc as as long as you're working then you will still get SMP/MA which is all important.

You are right in that you don't legally have to tell employers that you are pregnant until 25 weeks. However, due to H&S a lot of people prefer you to tell them earlier, plus it would mean you would get time off for your appointments, scans etc.

How long have you worked there? If you're still within any probationary period then it may be a different kettle of fish but I would get in touch with the CAB, tell them what has happened. Are you in a union? If you are then call them too! They cannot say 'it would be easier if you didn't work here'. What they should do is do a risk assessment, and if they can't make it safe for you to work there then you should be signed off on full pay or given alternative tasks to do! I would not stand for this hun....I was bullied in my early stages and I've just been given a settlement so please, please follow this up!

EDIT: just spotted that you're in the US. Sorry if this isn't relevant as the stuff I know about is the UK stuff. Hope you get it sorted.