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Category: Pregnancy & Work

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Q: Boss's reaction...

Last week I decided to tell my boss that I'm pregnant, so he wouldn't hear it from someone else at the workplace. (I'd already told a few co workers I'm close to). I have worked here for over 4 years and I know he considers me a vital part of the workplace. I was worried about breaking the news to him because our company is getting a new computer system installed in May (baby is not due until August). So I will have plenty of time to learn the new system before baby comes and I only plan on taking 6 weeks of maternity leave before returning to work. This is my first child so I am of course extra nervous and have never had to 'have this talk' with a boss before. Since telling my boss last week, he didn't say anything, just looked like he'd seen a ghost. No congratulations or anything! This week he hasn't mentioned it at all and is acting like I never said anything in the first place. I've always thought he was a jerk but this really proves my point. Anyone else had the same problem?

This question was asked Dec. 27, 2012 3:42pm
Category: Pregnancy & Work

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Answered by july2013mommy - Dec. 29, 2012 5:59am
im sorry your boss had such a crappy reaction.i was really nervous about telling my head managers.i had to pee alot and run to the bathroom a bunch to throw up also so i had to tell them since i work at walmart and we were really busy with the holidays at the time.they all said congrats and was very happy for me.they still are very supportive asking if i need a break or if im ok and rubbing my belly.was such a relief to get a great reaction as i did.oh and i told them when i was 7 weeks pregnant.really didn't want to spill the beans so early.

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Answered by a member - Dec. 27, 2012 4:15pm
Wow, my boss is a known jerk and even he managed to squeak out a "congratulations." I'm sorry he reacted that way. There is nothing you can do except keep showing him you are a dedicated employee and hope he comes around.

One thing I would take a while to consider if I were you...6 weeks is almost nothing and goes by so quickly with a new baby! Even the full 12 weeks is not enough in my opinion (the US is not very progressive with maternity leave) - you are still recovering, getting used to an infant's schedule, and the baby is just starting to do fun things like coo and smile, and then you have to leave him/her!

I understand you may not have the choice of taking a full 12 weeks, but if you do, I wouldn't commit to 6 weeks. It would be much easier to tell them you are taking longer and then come back earlier if you feel you are ready. Anyway, just my opinion and something to consider, good luck whatever you decide to do.

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Answered by kelsamagoo - Dec. 27, 2012 3:53pm
I'm sorry... that's really awkward of him. My boss thought I was coming in to tell him I had a new job and was leaving and so his reaction was one of relief (we've had a lot of people leave recently) when he realized my announcement was just that I was having a baby. I would say to keep on as you are doing and if he wants to ignore it, then let him. Show that it doesn't affect your work (or even improves your motivation) and he'll calm down. He's probably just really not sure how to take it and worried that stuff won't get done. He can't fire you over it and if you take a reasonable amount of time off, he can't penalize you. If you are really a key driver on his team, he'll appreciate that you're not letting these changes get in the way of your productivity and will be more relaxed the next time 'round.

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