Job Loss While Pregnant: Building Resilience and Planning for the Future
This week threw a big surprise my way—I was laid off. I’m now part of a large group feeling the sting of job losses in major tech companies. The week had begun just like any other, filled with meetings and the rush to get things done.
Rumors of layoffs had been spreading, kicked off by a Wall Street Journal article on Monday afternoon. Even though we’d heard whispers, there was no official word from the top.
My boss dropped hints in our chats and during a one-on-one, but I didn’t worry too much. I felt solid about my work and the difference I was making.
Word was that the layoffs would start Wednesday.
I think we all went to bed Tuesday night with the heavy thought of possibly losing our jobs the next day. I even checked my calendar for a dreaded HR meeting before turning it in.
When Wednesday morning rolled around, I woke up to a text from a friend at work. He was laid off and out of the job. Checking my laptop showed nothing at first. But then, sitting in the bathroom, I saw the email on my phone.
“You’re part of the layoff,” it said.
I couldn’t help but laugh, though it was more of a shock. Did they think my whole team was extra? Locked out of my work accounts, I called my manager, thinking this layoff was a group thing.
Turns out, it was just me. The only woman on a small team. That’s when the tears came. What was going on? My work had been good, feedback positive. And only my manager knew about my pregnancy.
The days that followed were a blur as I tried to make sense of the layoff and figure out what to do next. Every half hour, I’d panic about missing work or a report due.
In any other situation, I might have been okay with the job loss. The idea of a 16-week severance, spending holidays with family, and then looking for a new job sounded great.
But being 5 months pregnant changed everything. I had planned to start parental leave in March. And with the company’s policy, I would have been off work until September, which I was really looking forward to.
So, what now? Jumping into the job hunt meant I’d barely be settled before needing to leave again. And while companies shouldn’t discriminate because of pregnancy, we all know the reality.
The thought of going through job interviews while pregnant? No, thank you. So, do I pause the job search and stretch our savings as far as they can go while stepping into motherhood?
Thankfully, I have a backup. My partner has stable health insurance and a steady income. We’ve got some savings, so we won’t hit rock bottom. Staying healthy, both in body and mind, is my priority now.
It’s been tough, facing this fear of job loss every day. But I’m trying to stay positive.
Strategies for Navigating Job Loss During Pregnancy
Facing job loss during pregnancy is undoubtedly a challenging curveball, yet it’s also a pivotal moment for reinvention and resilience. As I grappled with the initial shock and uncertainty, I realized the importance of proactive steps in navigating this new reality. Here are a few strategies that I embraced to wrap my mind around the situation.
Though I knew the journey ahead wouldn’t be easy, a deep-seated belief in my ability to persevere gave me the strength to move forward. From nurturing emotional resilience to planning for the future, each strategy opened a path toward not just coping but thriving in the face of adversity.
Embrace Emotional Resilience: It’s vital to acknowledge your feelings about the job loss but also to maintain hope and positivity. Engaging in activities like journaling or joining support groups can offer emotional relief and foster resilience. Plus, utilizing these practices can help you stay mentally strong and positive, creating a nurturing environment as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.
Network with Purpose: Beyond just looking for jobs, networking can also provide social support and new ideas for managing your time. Reconnect with old friends or colleagues, not just for job opportunities but also for companionship and moral support. This can also be a great way to share experiences and gather tips on balancing life with a new baby, integrating your professional identity with your evolving role as a parent. Engaging with your network in this way helps maintain a sense of self and community as you navigate the new dynamics of family life.
Financial Audit and Budgeting: Review your finances to identify areas where you can cut back without sacrificing quality of life. This might also be a good time to explore financial assistance programs that can provide relief during this transitional period. Additionally, consider setting aside funds specifically for baby essentials. This will ensure you’re financially prepared for your new arrival without compromising your needs.
Explore Unemployment Benefits: Familiarize yourself with the unemployment benefits available to you. These benefits can provide a financial buffer, which is crucial for planning your budget in the coming months. Many regions offer extensions or additional support for expecting parents.
Researching these specific benefits can ensure you maximize the support you receive, allowing you to allocate funds for prenatal care, baby supplies, and other essentials for your new arrival.
Take Up a New Hobby or Volunteer: Engage in activities that fulfill you personally, whether that’s learning a new skill or hobby, or giving back through volunteer work. These activities can offer a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making this period one of growth and self-discovery.
Moreover, investing time in passions that resonate with your core identity—beyond your role as a parent—can enrich your sense of self, ensuring you maintain a balanced and enriched identity as you transition into parenthood.
Create a Home Project: Use this time to embark on home improvement projects you’ve been putting off. Whether gardening, redecorating, or organizing, focusing on creating a comforting home space can be therapeutic. This could also be the perfect opportunity to thoughtfully prepare the nursery, turning it into a haven for your baby and a reflection of the love and excitement you hold for their arrival. Further, personalize your home with touches that celebrate your upcoming role as a parent.
Prioritize Self-Care: Focus on your well-being by establishing a self-care routine. This can include exercise, healthy eating, meditation, or anything that helps you relax and recharge. Incorporating activities into this routine that resonate with your interests and identity beyond parenting—like pursuing a creative hobby, indulging in your favorite novels, or continuing a professional development course—ensures you nurture your personal growth and maintain your unique sense of self as you prepare for parenthood.
Read and Learn: Dive into books or online courses on a topic you’ve always found intriguing but never had the time to explore. Not only does this serve as a productive distraction, but it also helps you gain new knowledge or skills.
Integrating this learning into your routine not only enriches your personal development but also prepares you to share these interests and insights with your baby, fostering a rich environment for their growth while preserving your individuality.
Plan For the Future: Use this period to reflect on what you really want for your future. Setting long-term personal and professional goals now can give you a clearer direction once you’re ready to re-enter the workforce.
Additionally, consider how becoming a parent fits into these aspirations, ensuring your goals align with the life you envision for yourself and your baby. This holistic approach helps maintain a balance between your career ambitions and your identity as a new parent.
Stay Active and Connected: Keep physically active with walks, yoga, or online fitness classes. Staying socially connected with family and friends, even if it’s virtual, is crucial for maintaining mental health and feeling supported.
Engaging in these activities not only benefits your well-being but also sets a strong foundation for your baby, showing them the importance of health, community, and balance. This approach reinforces your identity beyond parenthood, highlighting the value of personal well-being in the tapestry of family life.
