[Serious] Women who smoke/d

I am currently expecting, and while I am overjoyed about this new chapter in my life, I've also been facing some unique challenges in balancing my personal and professional responsibilities. I believe that some of you have been through similar experiences, and your insights would mean the world to me. I had a few questions on: 1. When and how did you choose to disclose your pregnancy to your colleagues and superiors? 2. How did you handle any potential changes in workload or responsibilities? 3. How do you stay energized and focused during the workday, especially in the later stages of pregnancy? I understand that everyone's experiences are unique, but I believe your advice and insights can provide valuable guidance during this exciting but sometimes challenging time. Please feel free to share some stories that you're comfortable with.

Am I the asshole? After a few months clear to me an employee was taking company for a ride. Average a few days a week in the office, otherwise sick/on errands, delivered no work. CTC 55L. Before I could fire her, she announced she was taking Maternity leave a few months into the job. Well crap guess I need to pay her for 6 more months more because of laws I don't understand. Rip my bank account. She returns, same issues. I put her on a pip & she resigned telling me I'm sexist and it will be hard to find a new job now. I say sorry, performance was bad, she can do pip and stay if things are better. She askes for 2 months salary and i agree. A lawyer calls telling me I need to pay more or they will file a case. Said I discriminated to her, and it's not legal. I think this person is a bully/psycho/self entitled. But am I the asshole?

[Borderline LinkedIn Cringe] Does everything have to be done with the intention of proving men wrong? Is this the message you want to send as a CEO? (Glad there are women disagreeing with her in the OP though)

I met one of my college friends yesterday at a bar. She got married last year and was laying down the struggle of finding a new job. Now, apparently in many interviews when she reached the final few rounds, the HR or the Hiring Manager enquires about marital status and whether she has any children. When she mentions that she recently got married and that she does not have any kids, the company stops responding to her. She elaborated that although they might have found another fit for the role but she is a T-1 grad who did her Masters from an Ivy League college and has worked for 4-5 years in both NA+EMEA and India. It is becoming more apparent to her that, HRs and Hiring Managers have a strong bias because they are definitely presuming that since she recently got married and will likely have a child soon, that she will use up her maternity privileges leading to significant productivity drop. Meaning, that the company will likely have to hire someone else to make up for productivity loss. She does not plan to have kids for another 3-4 years but getting married is proving really hard for her. Especially in the Series B+ startups that she is applying to.

I never really understood this. What makes you enjoy smoking? Not trying to judge, just trying to understand your perspective. I know that you know it’s bad.

What is a humane time period for which women should get paid leave during pregnancy? Currently most companies give 6 months paid maternity leave. Does it make sense to increase that to 1 year? If yes then why do governments not enforce this?