Dream Job Snatched: Nigerian Woman Recounts How Pregnancy Cost Her a Life-Changing Opportunity

A Nigerian woman has sparked a wave of conversations online after sharing a heartbreaking story of how she lost a coveted job opportunity simply because she was pregnant. The woman, identified as Sapphire on X (formerly Twitter), detailed how what was supposed to be one of the happiest seasons of her life became a painful reminder of the discrimination many expectant mothers still face in the workplace.

According to her account, she had applied for a position at a multinational company and successfully scaled the selection process without her pregnancy becoming a factor. The interviews were conducted virtually, and at five months pregnant—without showing any visible signs—she made it through each stage effortlessly, proving her competence, experience and readiness for the role. She noted that she never had a noticeable baby bump until the seventh month, and since the entire process took place online, her physical state was never in question.

Then came the moment that made everything feel real: she received her offer letter. The company had officially hired her, the pay was impressive—over ₦500,000 monthly—and the position offered a hybrid structure with two days on-site and three days working from home. For many professionals in Nigeria, especially women striving to balance career and family, such an opportunity represents both stability and a chance to thrive. For Sapphire, it felt like the beginning of a new chapter she had waited years for.

But the excitement didn’t last long.

In what she described as an honest act of integrity, she decided to call the HR representative to disclose that she was pregnant. Her intention was to ensure transparency from the onset and avoid any surprises after resumption. The response she received immediately unsettled her. According to her, the HR officer asked her to “hold on” while they reviewed the situation and promised to get back to her.

Four long days passed.

Those days, she said, were filled with anxiety, overthinking and silent prayers. She hoped the company would see beyond her pregnancy and focus on her abilities. But instead, the message that came shattered her. When HR finally reached out, it wasn’t to welcome her aboard—it was to inform her that the company would no longer continue with her employment. No genuine explanation, no alternative, just a blunt withdrawal of her offer.

“I cried so hard because the job was a dream come true,” she wrote, capturing the pain of a moment that many women can relate to but often stay silent about. Her story quickly gained attention online as thousands weighed in on the harsh realities faced by pregnant women in the workforce. Many users expressed outrage, calling the company’s action discriminatory and unethical. Others shared similar experiences, painting an even broader picture of how motherhood—one of the most natural parts of life—can become a barrier to professional growth.

In a country where women are still fighting for workplace equality, Sapphire’s story highlights an ongoing systemic issue. Although Nigerian labour laws protect pregnant women from termination due to pregnancy, the reality is that discrimination often occurs silently, concealed under “internal policies” or vague hiring decisions. Employers sometimes view pregnancy as an inconvenience rather than a normal phase that should be supported, especially in modern workplaces claiming to value inclusivity.

Her case also raises critical questions about transparency, ethics and fairness. If a candidate qualifies for a role solely based on merit, should her pregnancy automatically disqualify her? Shouldn’t companies design systems that support women—particularly in hybrid or flexible roles—rather than penalize them? With remote and hybrid work becoming more common, many argue that there is no valid justification for rejecting a fully competent professional who can perform her duties effectively.

For Sapphire, the rejection was not just financial but deeply emotional. Losing a ₦500k-plus job in today’s economy is a significant blow. Beyond the paycheck, it was the loss of a milestone she had dreamed about and worked tirelessly toward. It was the loss of a chance to secure a better future for herself and her unborn child. It was the loss of dignity that comes when life-changing opportunities slip away because of a reality women do not choose but embrace with courage.

As her story spreads, it continues to spotlight the quiet battles many women face behind the scenes. Some commenters advised expectant mothers to avoid disclosing pregnancies until absolutely necessary, while others argued that women shouldn’t have to hide a natural condition to earn respect in the workplace. Many called for stronger enforcement of labour laws and greater corporate accountability.

Her post has now become more than a personal heartbreak—it is a reflection of a broader conversation about gender inequality, corporate hypocrisy and the urgent need for compassionate workplace policies. It invites Nigerians to rethink how society views working mothers and demands that employers prioritize fairness over outdated biases.

Despite her pain, Sapphire’s courage in sharing her story is prompting discussions that may help protect others in the future. In the end, her experience serves as a powerful reminder of how much work still needs to be done to create truly inclusive and supportive work environments for women across the country.

As she continues to recover from the disappointment, her story stands as both a warning and a call for change—one that many hope will someday ensure that no woman has to choose between honesty and opportunity, or between motherhood and her dreams.