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Has anyone ever tried the Tracy Anderson method?
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I did - I was pregnant immediately after joining my firm - not planned. I was not eligible for FMLA but able to take advantage of the firm's attorney maternity leave (16 weeks). There is no good timing to have a baby.
I started my current in-house job when I was 4.5 months pregnant. I took an abbreviated leave, and wish I had had more time, but trading off the maternity leave for a better lifestyle overall — which has meant much more time with my child — was well worth it.
I don't think it hurts to start looking since you can't control the timeline for either the job search or pregnancy. A friend of mine started at a new firm 6 months pregnant and her firm still gave her paid leave.
Some employers require a new hire to be working for a certain time period before they are eligible for paid maternity leave under the policy. I’ve seen/heard 1-2 years at some firms, and sometimes 3 years at companies (if you were thinking in house). Nothing wrong with looking, and I’ve seen associates lateral to firms and go out on maternity leave within that first year (or shortly after they 1 year mark), just keep that in mind when considering any offers if you absolutely have to have a paid maternity leave. Ultimately, plan your family how you want to/can - you really can’t predict with great certainty how anything (job search or pregnancy) will ultimately pan out.
Pro
I know a woman who started the IVF process within 3 months of starting at our firm. We are eligible for parental benefits on day one. She was also eligible for reimbursement for IVF.
I did and negotiated for full leave. Find a mentor or sponsor to support you. If they don’t want you to leave they’ll give you what you want.
I was three months when I started. Told them when I was five months (2 months after starting). It has worked out well. Didn’t qualify for FMLA, and they had no maternity policy aside from ADA/FMLA, but they either forgot or just let me take 12 weeks anyway.
I just found out I'm pregnant and just started my job. I'll have full coverage even though I'll be going on leave before my first year. It was important to me and something I researched before accepting my role.
I switched firms when I was six months pregnant and negotiated full leave. My understanding for most big firms is that it’s fine to be there less than a year and take leave anyway.