I recently found myself navigating the complexities of unemployment while being 35 weeks pregnant. Since mid-April, I've been on unemployment and decided to apply for a part-time seasonal photography position, hoping to learn more about the field. I didn’t realize that interviewing for a job could jeopardize my unemployment benefits if I chose not to accept it. My background is in insurance and office work, so this was a new venture for me. During the interview, which took place when I was around 32 or 33 weeks pregnant, I learned that the job required early morning starts, driving longer distances than I anticipated, and lifting up to 40 pounds. Since it was a Zoom call and I was seated, the interviewer didn’t see my pregnancy. In hindsight, I regret not being more transparent about my condition, especially since I had previously mentioned needing time off due to a medical issue. After receiving the job offer, I reached out via email to inquire about possible accommodations for my pregnancy, but I never received a response. Eventually, I decided not to accept the position, citing the lack of communication regarding accommodations. I now have an interview scheduled with unemployment to discuss whether I can continue receiving benefits after turning down the job. I expressed that the physical demands of the role were not suitable for me, but I’m anxious about whether I made a mistake by even applying in the first place. Moving forward, I’m focusing on applying for office positions that align better with my current situation.