Reply to: Looking for work, wife up the duff; should I tell agents?

[pedroPM]

Ok folks, thanks for responses...I'm convinced. Gonna say nowt unless asked.

Cheers

[Archangel]

Just wanted to resurrect this thread to see if anyone else has an opinion on it, there seems to be a few different posters around this month...

I am in the same boat as the OP, except i've been benched for 6 months and to say i'm getting a bit nervous with the little fellas impending arrival and no money coming in would be an understatement. Baby's due end of March and I've got an interview Mon which i'm pretty confident about (ever the optimist).

So what do you say, keep schtum or tell client in interview?

schtum. What's the worst that can happen? If they terminate at least you've had some dosh coming in. I think they are unlikely to can you though, just work manically before the sprog comes and make it clear your time off will not affect the project timescales.

[expat]

When speaking to agents, I *haven't* mentioned the fact that I'll probably want a week off at the time; I've also had 2 interviews and not mentioned the fact either.

My question is would any of you out there mention this fact during an interview with a client or a chat with an agent? I know a pregnant partner should not influence a job application, but in practise, I firmly believe it would be an "un-said" influence.

I'm certain you're right. Welcome to a little taste of the unsaid discrimination that women have always faced.

For me, you did the right thing. Especially since you you'll want a "few days" so they don't expect 100% 24/7 etc etc; OK it's 5 days but if they can handle "a few" then they can handle 5, especially if you do your best to make it OK.

Just have an answer ready if someone asks you in March if you didn't already know about this

[rootsnall]

Keep stum unless asked. I had a similar scenario with my second, I think I slipped it into conversation at the end of week 1 of the contract. The baby came early in week 2 or 3 of contract and my Mrs had to stay in hospital for a week. I ended up taking over a week off in the end but got away with it and was there for the best part of a year. They've got to be real bar stewards to can you for it ie. the sympathy card talked about earlier

[Sockpuppet]

Why don't you ask Sayara Beg she seems to have first hand experience of these matters.

Just make sure you sell your two small BTL properties first!

[Board Game Geek]

NN matey !

[Churchill]

Well, apart from telling everyone, is it really that obvious ?

Surely it's impossible to tell on a text-based forum ?

As for real life, I've only met you the once, and I let you do most of the talking

Thanks very much!

iirc, I spent more time talking with Mrs BGG.

Does it really matter what people assume about each other? Leave people to their blissful ignorance.

On that note I'll bid you good night.

[Board Game Geek]

Grandmaster Level 40 Tauren Wizard Churchill posted :No f**king sh!t Sherlock

Well, apart from telling everyone, is it really that obvious ?

Surely it's impossible to tell on a text-based forum ?

As for real life, I've only met you the once, and I let you do most of the talking

[Churchill]

A difficult choice indeed.

I'd err on the side of caution and not mention it.

If asked, then be honest ofc.

The reason I advise not mentioning it, is because if it was me interviewing, I'd take it as an subvert emotional blackmail signal.

Some wouldn't, but I'm naturally suspicious/curious of other people's motivations and hidden subtexts.

No f**king sh!t Sherlock!

[Board Game Geek]

So what do you say, keep schtum or tell client in interview?

A difficult choice indeed.

I'd err on the side of caution and not mention it.

If asked, then be honest ofc.

The reason I advise not mentioning it, is because if it was me interviewing, I'd take it as an subvert emotional blackmail signal.

Some wouldn't, but I'm naturally suspicious/curious of other people's motivations and hidden subtexts.

[Churchill]

Looking for work, wife up the duff; should I tell agents?

Why, do you think the baby might be theirs?

[pedroPM]

me too!

Just wanted to resurrect this thread to see if anyone else has an opinion on it, there seems to be a few different posters around this month...

I am in the same boat as the OP, except i've been benched for 6 months and to say i'm getting a bit nervous with the little fellas impending arrival and no money coming in would be an understatement. Baby's due end of March and I've got an interview Mon which i'm pretty confident about (ever the optimist).

So what do you say, keep schtum or tell client in interview?

[Ivor Bigun]

"Are you planning on having kids?" is an excellent way to get yourself sued - even in the current climate.

Is this still the same for contractors operating through a LTD company?

[EternalOptimist]

As contractors aren't we above that kind of PC tulip?

...Or PC daffodils. Or Lillies!

daffodils ?

did someone mention daffodils ?

[VectraMan]

most clients will be fine with a week off with some notice time, but what if they are not

Then you lose the contract half way through. Much better than not getting the contract in the first place.

No good can come from telling agents the truth. I might be more inclined to tell the client upfront, but I probably still wouldn't and would wait until I'd established myself in the role. As long as you give them fair warning they can't really complain, and every manager ought to realise that even contractors take time off.