I'm currently one year into working an 18-month maternity cover. I love my job and I want to stay working there in the long term.
I've had excellent performance reviews and positive feedback over the past year. I've been told many times by my boss and other senior managers (including the CEO) that there will be a permanent job for me after my contract ends. I keep hearing that they love me and will find a way to keep me.
But I haven't told them that I'm almost three months pregnant, and due two weeks after my temporary contract finishes.
I'm pretty sure that once I tell them, the promise of a permanent role will just disappear. My manager has made disparaging comments in the past about women 'disappearing' off on maternity leave so I don't trust her to advocate for me when the end of my contract comes around.
A permanent role would guarantee I can come back to a workplace I love and would provide me with maternity top up pay, which would be really helpful for my financial situation. Seeing as my boss won't be able to formalise an offer until at least June – when I'll be six months pregnant – I'll need to tell her before then.
How and when should I tell my boss that I'm pregnant in order to best protect my chances of still being offered a permanent role?