Job WWYD

smilelari

So I took a big risk and switched jobs while PG.  Turned out to be a good move because I've gotten to do a lot of cool stuff and a large chunk of people were laid off at my old job.  But, alas, things are pretty shaky here now too.  We have no contract to charge to so we're being paid out of profit.  Seems like only a matter of time before they let us go unless we find a contract.  A challenge considering that we're government contractors and you all know what's happening with government funding.

I kind of feel like I should be looking for a job.  I also really don't want to switch jobs while I'm pumping.  I can't imagine trying to get set up with a pumping room and all that on day 1 of a new job.  Do I stick it out and wait for a miracle?  Or start looking?  I actually don't think finding a job will be that hard.  Even though contractor jobs seem to be drying up, my friends that have been laid off have found software jobs quickly.

goldenjes

How many times a day are you pumping, and for how long (usually)?

smilelari

goldenjes:

How many times a day are you pumping, and for how long (usually)?

3 times for about 20 minutes

goldenjes

If you have that gut feeling that you should be looking, I'd listen to it.

I think many bosses would feel more comfortable hiring a woman knowing she has to take a few breaks during the day, than one who is pregnant that they can't know for sure will return.

I wouldn't bring it up until you have an offer, but I would just let them know that you will need to find a room to use a few times per day, and are willing to adjust your start/end/lunch times to accommodate any extra breaks.

swinsto3

I agree with Jes. I started my last job when DD was 9 weeks, and was pumping 3 times a day. I lucked out for the first 10 months or so and had my own office, and they were fine with me putting up a curtain and bringing in a little fridge. I just told my boss on the first day that I was nursing and would need to pump - she told me about the nursing space they had until my office was ready, it was NBD. 

I didn't listen to my gut and got laid off. If you're hearing warning bells (even if they are only in your head), listen! 

RyanandManda

swinsto3:

I didn't listen to my gut and got laid off. If you're hearing warning bells (even if they are only in your head), listen! 

This.  I switched jobs while pregnant and was laid off 10 days after DD was born.  I should have stayed at my stable (but not as well-paying) job...  live and learn...

There's no harm in at least LOOKING for another job and exploring your options.  You'll be prepared either way.  Also, technically, isn't everyone entitled to 2 paid 15's and 1 unpaid 30 during an 8 hour shift?  (or something like that?)  I wouldn't worry about pumping at a new job.

Also, I'm jealous that you're in a profession where you know you'll find a job if you look!  Green with envy over here...  it's ugly ; ) 

smilelari

RyanandManda:

swinsto3:

I didn't listen to my gut and got laid off. If you're hearing warning bells (even if they are only in your head), listen! 

This.  I switched jobs while pregnant and was laid off 10 days after DD was born.  I should have stayed at my stable (but not as well-paying) job...  live and learn...

There's no harm in at least LOOKING for another job and exploring your options.  You'll be prepared either way.  Also, technically, isn't everyone entitled to 2 paid 15's and 1 unpaid 30 during an 8 hour shift?  (or something like that?)  I wouldn't worry about pumping at a new job.

Also, I'm jealous that you're in a profession where you know you'll find a job if you look!  Green with envy over here...  it's ugly ; ) 

In my world you don't get paid for any time you can't put to a charge number and pumping isn't charge-able.

And, I feel lucky that things seem to be holding up ok

Julia_JJ

What sort of software are we talking about? I might be able to tap my network.

uteandbuff

I'd start looking and see what you find.  No harm in looking and seeing what is out there.

I don't think the pumping is that big of a deal.   I'm pumping 3 times a day while at work and at different client sites.   I have just told them up front I need a space to pump and they all have been very understanding and accommodating, all while paying IT consultant rate for me. 

RyanandManda

smilelari:

RyanandManda:

swinsto3:

I didn't listen to my gut and got laid off. If you're hearing warning bells (even if they are only in your head), listen! 

This.  I switched jobs while pregnant and was laid off 10 days after DD was born.  I should have stayed at my stable (but not as well-paying) job...  live and learn...

There's no harm in at least LOOKING for another job and exploring your options.  You'll be prepared either way.  Also, technically, isn't everyone entitled to 2 paid 15's and 1 unpaid 30 during an 8 hour shift?  (or something like that?)  I wouldn't worry about pumping at a new job.

Also, I'm jealous that you're in a profession where you know you'll find a job if you look!  Green with envy over here...  it's ugly ; ) 

In my world you don't get paid for any time you can't put to a charge number and pumping isn't charge-able.

And, I feel lucky that things seem to be holding up ok

Boo for not getting any paid breaks!  : (   

smilelari

Julia_JJ:

What sort of software are we talking about? I might be able to tap my network.

I do mostly .NET.  My last job was c# windows form development.

This job I've done some .NET web development as well as mobile development for Android (Java) and some stuff for the GPU in Cuda.  I've also done a teeny, tiny bit of development for iPhone in Objective C.

So, I've been kind of all over the place, but am strongest in .NET

Julia_JJ

smilelari:

Julia_JJ:

What sort of software are we talking about? I might be able to tap my network.

I do mostly .NET.  My last job was c# windows form development.

This job I've done some .NET web development as well as mobile development for Android (Java) and some stuff for the GPU in Cuda.  I've also done a teeny, tiny bit of development for iPhone in Objective C.

So, I've been kind of all over the place, but am strongest in .NET

If you're interested in doing more Objective C and/or Android dev, I can connect you with some shops that are looking - everyone needs mobile developers right now!

Are you on the RMIUG jobs list? It seems like there's a TON of .NET C# stuff (and Java, for that matter) coming through there daily. I did a quick search of the list e-mails for the day, and five had .NET in the subject line (there are probably even more jobs where it's in the description and not the title).

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rmiug-jobs/

velocitygrl

I'd listen to your gut and start looking.  But, I don't think pumping is that big a deal for most employers.  My employee uses my office to pump, and it is NBD to either of us.  

slc2b

I guess I would start to look around.  But you are definitely right I think, I am a software girl too and I have been getting cold calls from recruiters wanting to know if I am looking (this is Denver area but I am sure it has to be similar down south).

slc2b

Julia_JJ:

smilelari:

Julia_JJ:

What sort of software are we talking about? I might be able to tap my network.

I do mostly .NET.  My last job was c# windows form development.

This job I've done some .NET web development as well as mobile development for Android (Java) and some stuff for the GPU in Cuda.  I've also done a teeny, tiny bit of development for iPhone in Objective C.

So, I've been kind of all over the place, but am strongest in .NET

If you're interested in doing more Objective C and/or Android dev, I can connect you with some shops that are looking - everyone needs mobile developers right now!

Are you on the RMIUG jobs list? It seems like there's a TON of .NET C# stuff (and Java, for that matter) coming through there daily. I did a quick search of the list e-mails for the day, and five had .NET in the subject line (there are probably even more jobs where it's in the description and not the title).

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rmiug-jobs/

Oh yeah I am on this list too.  I see quite a bit of .NET stuff on there quite often.

DownToEarthGirl

Do you feel like you're going down in a sinking ship or do you feel like you just need to hold on and more contracts will come through?  Can you ask your boss if they are worried or need help on proposals or anything? 

I guess I wouldn't jump ship unless I found a job that I liked even better and seemed very secure since you seem to like your new place so far.  However, it doesn't hurt to look around for that job and just don't disclose that you're pumping until you accept and arrive at a new job, shouldn't be a problem to incorporate into your day if you are still in consulting and only bill the time you actually work to your clients. 

smilelari

DownToEarthGirl:

Do you feel like you're going down in a sinking ship or do you feel like you just need to hold on and more contracts will come through?  Can you ask your boss if they are worried or need help on proposals or anything? 

I guess I wouldn't jump ship unless I found a job that I liked even better and seemed very secure since you seem to like your new place so far.  However, it doesn't hurt to look around for that job and just don't disclose that you're pumping until you accept and arrive at a new job, shouldn't be a problem to incorporate into your day if you are still in consulting and only bill the time you actually work to your clients. 

I know that my boss is worried.  He's pretty open about it and would probably help me find another job. The group is good and it's been a lot of fun.  I went in today and decided that my new role is to help us find a contract  

Thanks Julia_JJ for the link.  I'm not familiar with that group (yet).  I think I'm going to just make it through the trip to Mexico and then reassess.