So I (33F) found out this week that I’m getting laid off from my software job. Bonus is, I’m 14 weeks pregnant. I’ve been able to negotiate a 4 month severance so I have the time and energy to devote to the job hunt (and file for unemployment, etc.). But the timing of this means that I could be at least 5 more months without a job (let’s be honest – in this job market, who is gonna hire a pregnant woman?). I’m based in the U.S. for further context.
I haven’t signed anything yet and am consulting some law professionals on this to see if there is more I can do to protect my family. If there isn’t (or if it would require too much of my energy), I’m curious if there is anything I can do with my severance now to save up some extra money for those last five months in case I can’t get a job. One thought is putting it in my high yield savings account, but that won’t add too much in this short(ish) period of time. Any advice you might have would be very appreciated.
Posted by hubereg
14 Comments
Sucks that you’re getting laid off! We need a more complete financial picture. Household income (partner, spouse?), assets, expenses, etc. As for what this severance can do for you, not much. Without knowing the additional details its best place is parked in an HYSA until you need it.
I don’t have advice, just wanted to say I’m sorry this is happening and I hope you land on your feet and enjoy becoming a parent.
You may have a case if they knew you were pregnant and they are laying you off. Check with your lawyer.
Health insurance might be a higher priority than anything, but I’m not sure what the right answer is for that for you. Look cat cobra and the marketplace, and if there’s an ability to negotiate with the severence I’d fight for longer insurance coverage.
You will qualify for unemployment. Make sure you look into how to file for that and what info you need.
I had this exact situation happen to me and I also was 14 weeks. I’m so sorry this is happening to you and I understand how rattling this situation feels. I put my severance into a HYSA and immediately started to apply for jobs.
Given the limitation of being pregnant and having to go on leave, my plan of action was try to find a job before I was 22 weeks since i had a 40 week deadline lol If that didn’t happen I planned to file for state unemployment to tie me over. Look into your states unemployment policies and check with your severance documents to make sure there isn’t an overlap on when you can start that.
I know it feels no one will hire you but that’s not true! I found a job and although my leave was 2 months (this was tough) I WAS employed and making a higher salary then my previous job. I will say in the interviews I did not disclose I was pregnant but asked general leave questions during the offer period. I had two offers and chose the job I felt would be most accepting once I told them the news and thankfully when I told my boss after I was hired she was totally fine.
Wishing you the best in your job search and I hope you have a smooth pregnancy and delivery!
>I’m curious if there is anything I can do with my severance now to save up some extra money for those last five months in case I can’t get a job. One thought is putting it in my high yield savings account, but that won’t add too much in this short(ish) period of time.
Just commenting on this part: There is nothing better to do to save up ‘extra’ *from the severance sum* that will be risk-free enough in your situation (unless you’ve got some other back up source of funds, in which case… good!). Anything beyond HYSA will basically be gambling – sure, you could hit it big on crypto or try to game the market in order to add “more” – but you could also lose it all, and then you won’t even get the “not too much” amount. Do not gamble your severance on get-rich-quick schemes, even ones that look “legitimate”.
If you want to top up your money, find some side work, sell some of your things in the secondhand market, start borrowing more from your community rather than buying rarely-used items, maybe downsize your house if renting, look at buy-nothing / freecycle groups, etc. But by and large – spend your time searching for work, even things you don’t love.
In a short period of time it doesn’t make sense to put your money in anything risky. Put it in a high yield savings account.
Meanwhile cut expenses and conserve cash. Delay discretionary spending.
File for unemployment benefits.
Had you formally notified your employer of your impending maternity before being laid off?
Sorry.
Just some encouragement, I was hired 6 months pregnant and negotiated 8 week unpaid leave (you don’t qualify for FMLA as a new hire). My colleague last year was hired late pregnancy too and was able to qualify for paid leave, not sure if she negotiated or what (different employer from my experience being hired while pregnant).
Not all employers will do the right thing but some will plus in tech we’re usually virtually hiring anyway. Don’t disclose the pregnancy until it’s time to negotiate their offer.
What is a software job?
Congratulations on becoming a parent! I cant comment on the job situation, but as a retired NICU RN, manage your stress, embrace the prenatal care and get excited! I hope you have a joyous birth!
One minor change you can do is adjust your W9 to show 9 dependents. Taxes withheld will be reduced. Should be closer to what you’ll owe, as you’ll earn less this year
Go freelance/start consulting ASAP
Outside of money, I’m concerned about access to healthcare. See if Cobra is good for you or apply for state insurance and SNAP. Prenatal care is vital.