Forum Pregnant and working

starting a new course in September (then 25 weeks pregnant)

3 replies

Sneeuwklokje
I'm currently five weeks pregnant and dealing with a tricky situation at work.

My company is looking for a new role for me because my old position is no longer suitable. I could take on a new role that I'm really interested in, but I'd probably need to follow a two-year part-time study program alongside work. The course starts in September, so by then I'd be about 25 weeks pregnant if everything goes well.

I have huge doubts about whether I can handle the heaviness of combining work and studying, and whether it's feasible to combine that with pregnancy, childbirth, and raising a child!

If I weren't pregnant and didn't have the desire to have a child in the next two years, I think I would have dared to take it on, even though it would be two intensive and busy years.

Does anyone have experience with a part-time study program and pregnancy?

Replies

  1. Ashley #2

    Hi, I'm also starting a 2-year course in September and we're currently busy with renovations. I know it won't be easy if I get pregnant, but I'll do my best.

    I can't really help you out, but I think if you give it your all and have the support and help of your partner, it'll work out!

    Xx: Ashley

  2. Iza #3

    Personally, I'd find it really tough and wouldn't consciously choose to do it. The tricky part is that during your pregnancy and with the arrival of your baby, you can't give 100% to your studies, even if you might want to. You really want to be there for your baby, but you also don't want to let your boss down and want to keep your job. Be prepared to spread your energy across many things, all demanding equal attention. I think it's going to be tough, but you'll only realize how it really feels when you're there. I think it's manageable during pregnancy, but once you've given birth and you're just getting used to your new life, adding studies on top will be hard.

    Good luck, and think about yourself and how you want to experience your baby's first period. Work and studying can maybe be put on hold for a bit, but you'll only experience your baby's first years once Try talking to your boss about it; maybe they're not keen on you studying either, and you could keep your current role part-time.

  3. Sneeuwklokje started this #4

    Thanks for your replies!

    I’ve weighed the options, but I’ve also done some more research into the training and its intensity. It turns out the program is quite manageable with 20 hours of work and one day of school per week, so that’s 3.5 days in total. I might even be able to work a bit less after giving birth. The program is small-scale, so it’s possible to make good personal arrangements for situations like this, including about missed hours and lessons during the final weeks, maternity leave, and adjusting to life with a baby. I’ve informed my future supervisor about my pregnancy, and they were very positive.

    If I don’t take this opportunity, I’d have to start applying again since my old job is no longer an option, and I’m not keen on job-hunting while pregnant. Fortunately, my husband can also reduce his working hours later on, so we can divide the care responsibilities well between us. We’re just going for it and will see what the future brings!

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