To start or not to start

This has been posted in other ways before, but we were planning to start TTC this spring and although I occassionally freak out - I do feel I am ready. I'm also looking for a new job though and my friend was saying I should wait to TTC until I'm at the job for at least a month (if I am lucky enough for it to happen quickly, but who knows?) - but this is so I can make sure I am eligible for maternity leave benefits since most companies you need to be there at least a year for it to take effect - is that true? Should I let that impact my decision to start? I also feel like you can't keep planning these thigns and you need to just let things happen when they are meant to. Thoughts?

Thanks ladies.

Re: To start or not to start

I'm not sure how the whole maternity leave thing works...I've been here for 4 years. But even if I was looking...If I was ready I would start. I learned that this can't be planned. It will happen when its meant to happen.....next week makes a year TTC and honestly I thought I would have my baby in my arms right now. Or at least approaching due date


The decision is yours...discuss it with your significant other and make the best choice for both of you.

Good Luck

Re: To start or not to start

Re: To start or not to start

You are not eligible for FMLA until you have been working at your company for at least 1 year and 1250 hours. Your eligibility is calculated from the time you take the leave. FMLA only applies to companies with 50 or more employees within a 75 mile radius (it also applies to all public schools).

It's up to your company whether or not to provide more generous benefits. Some companies give maternity benefits to all employees regardless of how long they've been there.

If eligible, FMLA allows you to take 12 weeks unpaid leave. It also protects your job during your leave. When you return, you must be placed in your old position or a similar one.

Everyone has different opinions, but I'd wait until I was sure I'd be eligible for FMLA. If you don't have any complications during pregnancy, you could get pregnant 3 months after starting your job. By the time you take your leave, you'd be eligible for FMLA protections.

Re: To start or not to start

Re: To start or not to start

Re: To start or not to start

We were going to TTC this summer-- and since I just started a new job, I decided to wait until Jan/Feb to try.

You don't get FMLA here until you are here a year.. AND you only get paid two weeks short-term disability for every year of employment. Which means-- I won't get paid for the ten other weeks that I will be off.

I would personally hold off until you know what you are dealing with so you can plan accordingly for benefits, etc. But that's just me. Yes-- you never know how long it can take, but what if it happens right away and you are not prepared. Plus-- I would want to wait til I was in a new job before I got PG anyway. They are hiring you to fill a need, not so you go out on maternity a few months later. I personally don't think it is fair to the employer. Working TTC in with a new job is a whole other can of worms IMO.