Finding the Balance Between Work and Fertility Treatment

Depending on where you work, finding the balance between work and fertility treatment can be a bit tricky. Depending on who you are, striking that balance can be even trickier. Some of our clients have no problem sharing their infertility woes with the world, writing infertility blogs and filling their co-workers and managers in on every little detail. Others remain very private, often making up excuses because they don’t want to have to fill in all the details.

Some companies are incredibly strict about time off policies, which can make it even more stressful and energetically trying, especially if you feel your job status is at risk.

It certainly makes navigating the world of work schedules, IVF schedules, traveling to consultations, etc. a bit complicated.

Tips For Striking the Balance Between Work and Infertility

Here are some of our tips for striking the balance between your work life and the often demanding world of fertility treatments.

1. Find a managerial confidant.

   Is there anyone at the managerial level you can be honest with? The first round of IVF might be easy to fudge using a combination of sick and vacation days. If you require a second or third round, things will get a little sticky. If there is a manager, boss or maybe even a company owner who you feel at all safe in confiding in – swearing them to secrecy – this is the smoothest way towards getting time off when you need it.

2. Talk to HR.

   Review your HR policies and see how much time you are allowed to take off, and if that time rolls-over to the next calendar year. If so, it may be worth it to forgo a vacation this year to gain more days off next year when you plan to undergo treatment. You can also discuss other options with them – like more flexible working hours, banking work time now for the future or work-from-home options that can keep your hours coming in even if you need time off during business hours.

3. Be up front with your fertility clinic.

   If your workplace is playing hardball, let your fertility clinic know. We are in this business to help people become parents and we will do all we can to make that happen – being as flexible as we can, when we can.

4. Make work changes earlier than planned.

   What are your work plans after you become a mother? If you are planning on staying home for a while, or shifting to part-time work, now might be a good time to make that switch. If you have a condition that may require assisted reproductive technology down the road, budgeting for an extra several months or a year off- or with reduced pay – may be the best move to ensure you can enjoy more stress-free treatment cycles. Obviously, this is not an option for everyone and we realize the cost of fertility and IVF treatments already stretch the average couple’s budget. However, some of our clients have found a way to make it work – even if it meant making small career changes or finding a way to work from home.

It’s our goal to work closely with your schedule but to also optimize your best chances of a successful outcome. Have questions? We’re here to help. Just give us a call!