Work Dilemma
So I have a dilemma at work. When do I tell my coworkers and my supervisor I am expecting. However there is a twist. I was told about 3 or 4 weeks ago that my business unit is not doing very well, we are in the real estate and development industry…need I say more. So there are going to be some layoffs. Well, I just recently found out that either my co-worker “P” or I will be cut. “P” told our supervisor it makes more sense that she be the one that is let go. Why? She explained that I do more of the day to day work and that she would be lost doing what I do. Plus she said that she would not work for that new manager. She is not currently looking, but she is waiting to be laid off and receive a good severance package. Which she most likely would with having been at the company for 15 years. She is also bored and ready to move on. She more so enjoys property management accounting and not the real estate accounting that we do now. With me expecting that makes me feel better and that she is not only saying that because I’m pregnant. Yet, I do not know if I say something now or later when the risk of miscarriage goes down, in like 8 weeks. Boy that is a very long time to wait and it is so hard. I didn’t say anything all week and was on the brink twice and held my breath and said wait. When should I tell? I’m so confused.
Melany (Supermom) said,
20 October 2007 at 11:42 am
SO difficult this one. If you don’t say and they lay off the other lady, they will feel you ‘lied’ when they find out. You obviously have no obligation to tell them now either. Difficult one…good luck with making your decision
tobeconfirmed said,
20 October 2007 at 5:51 pm
You should say nothing and angle for the layoff yourself. You are going to take maternity leave in a few months anyway, so why not do it with a big pay off and save yourself the stress of having to go to work each day. Don’t know how long you have been there, but if you are in line for a big severance, then start making the noises that you want out and secure your financial future for 12 months or so if you can
OneOfMany said,
22 October 2007 at 10:05 am
I don’t believe you would get a big severance because you haven’t been there long enough. “P” will get the bigger severance due to her tenure. Melany has a great point, though, with that if you tell later, they’ll think you kept it a secret on purpose. Not good. However, if you tell them and they lay you off because of the pregnancy, that is discrimination and against the law. You’d have a huge lawsuit and they know it. So, I don’t think they’d lay you off. Confused?! I am!
Calling Him Out said,
22 October 2007 at 11:07 am
Yes, I am so confused. I did tell “P” today and “T”. So they are happy. “P” still thinks it should be her that’s gets laid off, she said they would be stupid to let me go. I’m thinking she really wants it to be her too. So, I think I will tell my supervisor tomorrow when they get back in the office. Then from there everyone can hear the great news.
Amy said,
22 October 2007 at 6:30 pm
I didn’t read all of these lengthy (but worthy) comments, so I apologize if I repeat anything that’s been said. Having not had a child myself, take everything I say with a grain of salt, but I would think that waiting a few more weeks is a lot easier than explaining over and over again what happened, should something actually happen (God forbid!). I hope that makes sense.