TTC - Get a new job or stay at the job I'm at now????

Question

Hubby and I have been TTC our first child for 2.5 years. I've been at my job for 7 years and I have enough sick and vacation time saved up to be able to fully pay for a 12 week maternity leave when that time comes (sigh, IF it ever happens!). The thing is, I'm in the mental health field, and my job is VERY mentally stressful, and it's taking a horrible toll on me. I found another job I'm interested in. I'll probably have less stress, work less hours, and make more money. The problem is, if I switch jobs, I'll have to work there for one year before I can be eligible for the 12 maternity leave (under the FMLA law). So, that means I'll have to put TTC off for one year. I desperately want a baby and it's been so hard trying for 2.5 years. I don't know if I can wait. But then on the other hand, we've been trying for so long, what's another year? And who's to say it'll even happen in a year? Sigh I don't know what to do! What would you do? Any advice welcome!

Answer 1

Since you have been TTC for 2.5 yrs I have to ask.....are you seeing a fertility specialist?  

I would probably stay at the current job.  Do you have good health insurance there?  If so, that combined with all the time off you have saved up would be enough for me to stay until I got pregnant and had the baby.

But if you are really unhappy and feel as though the stress there is just too much then that could be hindering your TTC too.  If the new job has a nice health plan and you think you can wait one more year (or can make due if you become pregnant sooner) then look into it.

I guess i am not much help huh?  It all depends on how unhappy you are at the current job.

Answer 2

I think I would take the new job. If you start the new job and get pregnant in three months, then by the time you deliver you would have met the one year requirement for FMLA.

I am in a similar situation- and I have decided that I can't put my life on hold because I "might" get pregnant. We have been trying for 16 months and we are seeing an RE and still nothing. If you'd asked me a year ago, I would have thought we would have a baby by now, but I can't even get pregnant. I can run my life as though I am already pregnant, since I don't know when it's going to happen.

Good luck, whatever you decide