Advice Needed ~ Getting a job in the 2nd trimester

[Avanaar]

Well, it's gotten to the point that my in-home child care dream is just not taking off and the pressure of not having an additional source of income has reached it's limit.  So I've decided I need to get a job outside the home until 1. I find a family for my in-home daycare or 2. I have a baby.  lol  

I went looking in the classifieds today and found an ad for a daycare about 2 miles from my house.  One reason DH came up with the idea of starting an in-home day care was so I didn't have to travel outside the house, especially during the winter months when it gets icy.  But with this daycare being pretty close, I thought that'd be a bonus.

The job is to work with 2 yr olds, which I've very experienced with (I was the lead teacher in the 2 yr old room of my job in FL) ...my only worry is that b/c I am 6 mo. pregnant, they won't hire me.  I'm a short term employee and I'm sure they're looking for someone more permanent.  Unfortunately, in the childcare business, turn-over is a huge problem because people think they will do great working with children only to be driven insane in the first week or two.  =D  So maybe they'd be willing to work with me on my short-termness?

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone had to get a job mid-to-late pregnancy ...obviously, my love is working with kids, but at this point, I need to find a job anywhere.  Are there any (pretty-much starter) jobs that would be suited for a 6 mo. pregnant woman whose family needs another income quick?!

[Avanaar]

Thanks babydreams!

Well, I called up the one daycare I saw an ad for, but they said they didn't need help, but would still take an application.  Bleh... so I did a little more searching in the classifieds online and found another daycare that's even closer to my house.  I don't have to take any major roads to get there ...and it's right across from the library.  So I called them up and said that they were in fact looking for help, so after my weekly trip to the library, I popped in to fill out an application.

When I was done, I went back to see the assistant director for an interview.  I thought it went well.  I'm sure my history of working in child care helps a lot.  They do their hiring thru another company, so I have to wait for them to call.  Well, I gave it a shot.  While I see if I get a call, I'll put up more ads for my home daycare.  We'll see who bites first.  

[babydreams9]

I know where you're coming from. I applied for a higher-paying job within the company I already work for when I was about 6 months along. I didn't get it; I didn't even get an interview. And while I like to think that it's because the gal who did is more experienced, and many people applied for the position, it's hard not to believe that my pregnancy had something to do with it. The only thing I can suggest is making it very clear that it's been a dream of yours to work with young children again, and you have long-term aspirations to own your own childcare business. If you decide to bring up the pregnancy (otherwise you can just not mention it, but thats your call) let them know that you're pregnancy is a motivation, but a hinderance. Go in with a positive attitude, big smile, and be sure to get your strong desires for THIS job across - not just your need for a job. And are you only willing to work until your baby gets here? Would you be willing to take some time off without pay (since you won't have very much paid time accumulated) when baby arrives, and then return after that? Thats something they'll want to know.

Office jobs are good for pregnancy, as there is minimal on-your-feet time. But unfortunately, it may be hard to get hired anywhere that is worth your time. It stinks that pregnancy is illegally used as a reason not to hire someone, but it's naive to think it doesn't happen. If I were you, I'd go for the daycare job and see what happens. In the meantime, keep pursuing your dream of having an at-home daycare.

One more thought: you can find jobs relatively easy through a temporary employment agency. I did that right after graduating college b/c I couldn't find a job anywhere. It doesn't cost anything to you - the employers pay them to find you. The agency will ask for your resume, references, experience, abilities, etc... and find temporary jobs for you. Google "temp agencies" in your area and you're sure to find one nearby. Food for thought! :)

Best of luck in the job search!