doughnut
Newbie
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« on: May 14, 2005, 02:23:15 am » |
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Opinions please!
I started a new job on Monday as PA to a Board Level Director. It is a newly created role and the contract is 3 months temp to perm.
On my second day, much to my amazement, I found out that my boss is 5 months pregnant! It popped out in conversation a bit like a burp - "Oh, didn't you realise.........I thought we'd told you........" Mmmmmm...............
She already has one child and is planning to return 6 months after the baby arrives. Although she is 5 months pregnant she does an amazing job of concealing it!
I attended 2 interviews for this job and really think I should have been told this titbit of information prior to accepting the job. It is hard to accept that this is an oversight on their part.
What does everyone think? I was hoping for an open and honest relationship with my manager but this has already made me doubt her integrity.
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gee4
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« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2005, 09:31:33 am » |
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I would agree, however, I reckon it was not relevant to anyone until a successful candidate was appointed - there was no need to mention this at interview. I can see where they are coming from but I do understand your position. Did you ask why the job was only 3 months, temp to perm?
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raindance
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« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2005, 11:21:10 am » |
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If I were in your position, Doughnut, I would be extremely surprised not to have been told this information at interview. To learn this, so soon after starting your new post, about what is already known to her employers - because I assume she will have told them - is rather unsettling.
Would you have accepted the post if you had known that your new manager would be going on maternity leave?
The big question, though, is what arrangements are being put in place when this lady goes on maternity leave? Will her post be filled on a temporary basis and by whom? Will you have to provide extra cover for her? If there is no-one filling her post, then to whom will you report?
I would like to suggest that you discuss your concerns with your new manager, and ask about the arrangements for when she is on maternity leave.
Best wishes,
Raindance
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ControlledChaos
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« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2005, 11:23:27 am » |
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I agree with Gee - there was no need for them to mention it at the interview (in the same way that you should not be asked if you are pregnant or intending to become pregnant as this can be misconstrued and, in some extreme cases, cause legal action). This is not dishonest - some people will not work for pregnant bosses as they feel that they cannot form a strong enough bond with them before maternity leave is taken. I don't think any malice was meant by their actions, I just think they were covering all angles.
Hope you don't take offence at this - it's just my opinion.
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laurafmcdermott
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« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2005, 02:52:28 pm » |
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I'm going to have to agree--there isn't any reason why you should have been informed of a manager's medical condition prior to accepting a position. Would you feel just as betrayed if she had cancer or a heart condition? Speaking from experience, being pregnant in no way affects job performance; nor does being a mother. I'm sure that plans will be put in place to cover her responsibilities while she is out--and actually, this could be your time to shine, by keeping things in order while she's away.
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countrigal
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« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2005, 03:38:20 pm » |
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I agree with the other posters in their statements that this was not relevant until a person was selected. It in no way affects her ability to be a manager. And if you're on a 3 month temp to perm position, this may be the length of time she expects to be working prior to starting her maternity leave. If that's the case, she is possibly the one to make the decision, and it will be determined by how you handle yourself. Again, her pregnancy does not change that fact. The fact that you feel that she was dishonest by not telling you up front leads me to feel that you may judge her differently than a manager who was male or who had other issues that would have taken them out for an extended time frame, and thus this may not be a good fit for you. Would you have felt it necessary to tell them that you were 5 months pregnant prior to being hired as long as you felt you could work out the 3 months they are expecting? I don't see where this is such a big deal...
CountriGal
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Jackie G
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« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2005, 04:05:00 pm » |
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Also if she is already 5 months pregnant, was it obvious? I bet too that everyone around her is so used to the fact that she's pregnant, they've almost forgotten, if you see what I mean. But I agree, no need for disclosure of this fact at interview. I see the job is temp to perm so you may also end up with a new manager if you become perm. While I would certainly make enquiries as to what's likely to happen, I would start with the manager and see what her plans are (although these could always change!) Jackie, Peer Moderator www.iqps.org |
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claudiamag
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« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2005, 03:03:47 am » |
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Honestly I don't see anything dishonest in this. They thought you realized she was pregnant by looking at her - you didn't, not a big deal. There really is no reason for you to have been specifically told of her condition prior to hiring you - specially if its a temp to hire situation. After all, you wouldn't want them asking you if you were currently "with child" prior to offering you the position, right? And I'm sure you didn't share your future child bearing plans with them during the interview (I know I wouldn't).
Also, from what you wrote, this Director is planning on returning to work after her maternity leave, so I really don't see a problem. Sure, you might have a work for someone else while she is out but heck that could happen at any time for any reason - illness, accidents, vacations, etc. You just have to try to be flexible during that time. It might not be the ideal situation but really I don't believe its dishonesty on her part.
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countrigal
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« Reply #8 on: May 18, 2005, 02:54:22 pm » |
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Doughnut... have we chased you off? I suppose I should have warned you that we're sometimes brutally honest on this website. We might not say what you wanted to hear, but we're going to tell all sides and views. The beauty of it all? Everyone has a right to their opinion and to be heard. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree, but that's ok, and it's what makes this site such a community or family. We're here to support everyone, no matter how our views may differ, and that lets us all grow. Heaven knows that there isn't some area that each of us could learn things in, and with the wealth of experience, knowledge, and crosscut of specialities that we all represent, that means that we all have a place to gain that learning. No matter how new you are to the field, nor how experienced, we all have something to share in this community, and I personally hope to see you around and hear your voice on other topics.
CountriGal
Peer Moderator
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