Having Children

What is your firm’s parental leave policy? Check with your firm’s HR department to understand your firm’s policies regarding family and parental leave. It may be wise to read up on the Family Medical Leave Act. In short, leverage any and all opportunities available to you.

Does your firm offer other benefits that could be helpful? Does your firm offer any kind of day care or pretax dependent care plans? What about life insurance, long term disability, or other medical expense plans? You don’t need to act now; but when you’re ready, this is a good time to start thinking about what kind of long-term financial strategy your family will need.

How will having kids affect my day-to-day work schedule and my long-term career? Going to prenatal checkups and regular doctor’s visits, among the many other errands of preparing to have a baby and taking care of a newborn take a lot of time and energy. Does your firm allow for flexible, part-time, or remote work? Additionally, some parents like to work less when they have young kids. It’s important to be up front with your firm about your intentions. Sit down and review your accomplishments and go over all the value that you have delivered with your boss. See what’s possible. If you’re doing good work, your career should stay on track.