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By Jill Hare for WomenCo.
After assuming the role of a working woman for more than 10 years, it was hard to imagine that anything might change the course of my career. I had worked long and hard to be an (almost) equal provider for my DINK (Dual Income No Kids) household.
But no one stays young forever and I didn’t want to be the oldest mommy on the block. I reached a stage in my life and marriage where having kids sounded like a good idea.
The biggest problem with planning to get pregnant and having a full-time career is the timing of it all. There isn’t ever a perfect time. There will always be a big project and high expectations every day of the year. Your company will never jump up and down that you’ll be taking valuable work time off – though they can’t say that out loud, of course.
To protect your career and your sanity, don’t share that you’re trying to conceive with any co-workers or friends that might talk with the company. Trying to get pregnant is stressful enough without people asking you every five minutes if this month “it took.” Spilling the beans of your plans to your office isn’t a good idea. Why ask your company to think about your absence when there isn’t even a reason to plan for it yet?
One very important note: Check your company’s policy on maternity leave now. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Some companies cover maternity leave under Short Term Disability (STD). If your company doesn’t offer either, it’s time to sign up on your own coverage. Don’t let yourself be caught out on leave and without pay.
Enjoy the time while you’re trying to conceive. Work as normal. Live as normal. Sleep as normal. It may be the last chance you get, so soak it up.
Jill Hare is the editor of TheApple.com. Once donned as an elementary school teacher of the year, Jill took the plunge into the corporate world and hasn’t looked back. The biggest job to come is motherhood -- due in June 2008. Jill is a musician, volunteer, pet-lover, and child advocate who writes about her exciting leap into motherhood and her upcoming role as a working mom.
About the Author:
Womenco.com is a networking site for the career-minded woman.
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