Interviewing with a few companies and if I do get an offer, I will start in early January 2022. My wife and I are expecting our first child at the end of May. When would it be a good time to bring up that my wife is pregnant once I’m on a team? How long should I take off?
Depending on the company’s policy, I am aware that I may only have a week or two off… Open to taking unpaid leave as well. Deloitte PwC Gartner Boston Consulting Group
1) Don't bring it up until you onboard. 2) Take the maximum amount of time they allow.
If you’re working for a regular company, then telling them during onboarding is a bad look if I was your manager. I had these plans for your 30/60/90 days and you’re already out. It’s not terribly bad but it’s not great either.
If it’s a consulting company, then sure during onboarding is fine.
As to your question on “how much”, I definitely agree to take the full time allowed — all parents should do so! But that doesn’t mean you have to take it all in May. I think it works best (in hetero couples where the mom gives birth) when the dad stays home for two weeks at first to help out the mom, then take the rest of parental leave when the mom goes back to work. Everyone’s set up and preference will be different though.
Depends on the firm. Gartner is pretty flexible. Feel free to tell us when you join. Most people are human here, and understand your needs. The recruiter won’t have much impact on your leave. Leave is earned after 30 days of work per our policy. I believe up to 8 weeks for primary caregivers + 6 weeks for those giving birth. So after 30 days, you’re eligible for 8 weeks as a new dad. Congrats!
Tell them after you get offer and sign contract, not when you are actually onboarding. Give them enough headsup to plan accordingly. They’re not going to rescind your offer because of it – think of it as giving the recruiter/hiring manager heads up about preplanned vacation. I do this all the time and there are no problems.
Thank you! It hasn’t hit me yet but very excited!