How to handle baby due in the middle of contract?

[sharper1]

Hey all, here's a situation I'd be keen to get some advice on how to handle - I'm sure it's a fairly common occurrence.

We have a baby due in November and obviously I want to be around for the birth and at home for a few weeks after. If I was about to start a new 3 month contract how should I handle the situation if they offer me another 3 months (taking me past November) - or alternatively what if the initial was for 6 months to start with?

Should I be upfront about the situation or keep quiet then hand my notice in as the due date approaches?

[MPwannadecentincome]

Hey all, here's a situation I'd be keen to get some advice on how to handle - I'm sure it's a fairly common occurrence.

We have a baby due in November and obviously I want to be around for the birth and at home for a few weeks after. If I was about to start a new 3 month contract how should I handle the situation if they offer me another 3 months (taking me past November) - or alternatively what if the initial was for 6 months to start with?

Should I be upfront about the situation or keep quiet then hand my notice in as the due date approaches?

Would the bump be noticeable yet?

[TheFaQQer]

Hey all, here's a situation I'd be keen to get some advice on how to handle - I'm sure it's a fairly common occurrence.

We have a baby due in November and obviously I want to be around for the birth and at home for a few weeks after. If I was about to start a new 3 month contract how should I handle the situation if they offer me another 3 months (taking me past November) - or alternatively what if the initial was for 6 months to start with?

Should I be upfront about the situation or keep quiet then hand my notice in as the due date approaches?

Tell them you have some leave planned. If they ask further, then explain that it's maternity / paternity leave. If it's going to be a problem, you could make yourself available part-time, or from home, or available for emergency phone calls.

I started my first contract in April, baby arrived end of June - I told them up front that I'd be taking leave then, and had a couple of calls from them to manage the release process while I wasn't working, but that was it.

There's not much difference between taking a holiday, is there, apart from not having a definite start date.

[b0redom]

Given the OP says they want to be around for the birth, rather than they have to be, I guess they are the father.

If you are being offered a contract now, and it's 3 months - don't bother mentioning until renewal time.
If you are being offered a 6 month contract, then personally I would take it and mention around month 2-3 that you'll be unavailable for a couple of weeks during Nov, unless they specifically ask if you have any holiday planned.

Take your time off after the contract, it'll all be a haze of no sleep, vom and poo for the 1st few weeks anyway.

[MPwannadecentincome]

Given the OP says they want to be around for the birth, rather than they have to be, I guess they are the father.

Good point - the bump question is irrelevant then !

[Scrag Meister]

Postpone the birth, until after the end of the contract.


Just be honest about the situation and take the necessary time off.

[sharper1]

Good point - the bump question is irrelevant then !

Yep, should have mentioned I'm the father!

Good advice all, thanks.

[psychocandy]

If they don't ask don't tell them. Also, don't even bother telling them unless its within the contract period.

Then, a month or so in advance, TELL them of your plans....

I had hassle recently with my client and their piss poor planning. Project slipped by months and they ended up having to shoehorn it in just before the birth. Then, apparently, I was the one that was awkward because I said I was unavailable for a week. In the end, I said, tough I told you about this, so not my problem.

Not as if I could change the date or anything.

[MPwannadecentincome]

Yep, should have mentioned I'm the father!

Good advice all, thanks.

Just make sure you handle baby "with care" ;-) good luck!

[TheFaQQer]

Just make sure you handle baby "with care" ;-) good luck!

And don't put baby in a corner.

Nobody does that.