Elaine B.

So here's the problem. I've been on Maternity leave since last April and I'm due to go back to work on April 28th. The problem is we plan to put the house up for sale at the start of May and move back to Northern Ireland in the summer (hopefully July).

My OH starts a new job on Wednesday which means that I really don't need to work plus other than a couple of days in May he won't be home until August. I don't now what to do for the best, should I go back to work for a few months or should I just resign now. I should also point out that I don't receive maternity benefits from my employer (I work for a real estate lawyer) and although I've worked in the office since 2003 I don't have an employment contract. Also I still haven't found daycare for my little girl.

Any thoughts?

Almost Canadian

I would just resign and let your employer know as quickly as possible so that they can sort out a replacement.

zalaben

agreed

Elaine B.

I was thinking that was probably the best way to go about it. I feel so guilty as they've kept my job for me all this time and now I'm turning around at the last minute and saying sorry I'm not coming back to work after all.

CurtNIR

Your coming back to N.I ?

Your madd!

Elaine B.

I'd rather use the term Clinically Insane

Jingle

Looking at it from the other side I had a job covering for someone on maternity leave and I dreaded the day that the original postholder would return as I loved the work. Long story short - after dragging out her return date for as long as possible .... she eventually decided not to come back and I got the job permanently ... maybe your replacement feels the same way and so at least you would be making one person happy (well two if you count you!)

Good luck with whatever you decide, J

Elaine B.

Just curious how did your bosses feel about being strung along?

Jingle

He was fairly relaxed about it but the most annoying thing for them was that she kept giving a provisional date when she would return and then delaying it. She was adamant before she went on maternity leave that she wanted to work after having the baby but then she changed her mind and kept umming and aahing about what she did really want. That didn't go down well .... and personally I was on tenterhooks as I didn't know if I would be leaving or staying.

Reflecting back I think the best thing for you to do is to be upfront and honest with your boss as soon as possible - thank him for keeping the job open, really appreciate it but your life is now taking a different direction with two young children, hubby working away, considering a move, whatever .... whatever ....

Not sure how much you have been in contact with your boss since going on maternity leave but he would probably appreciate being told asap so that he can move on and recruit a permanent replacement for you.

J

Elaine B.

Thanks Jingle. I think I better let them know ASAP. When I left work last year I never imagined things would have changed so much.

AlvicBC

Don't go back Elaine....you will need all the hours you can get to sort out moving back to Norn Iron, especially with that hubby of yours jetsetting around the world somewhere

Beastie

I think as long as you're upfront and honest your employer won't have a problem with you not returning. You certainly wouldn't be the first not to return from maternity leave.

With the house going on the market, hubby working away and a new baby to care for I'd suggest you're better off at home. In your shoes I certainly wouldn't be able to give an employer 100% and if I could afford to stay at home that's the option I'd take - enjoy the time with your baby - they don't stay little for long.

Lynne

Elaine B.

I'm only starting to realize that it's going to be impossible to organize everything and go to work. OH has just been home for a week and he leaves for LA on Wednesday. He'll be home for a couple of days in May and then he doesn't get home until August 3rd

Elaine B.

I think you're right I'm not exactly going to have my mind on my work and that's not doing anyone any favours.

Jingle

Best of luck - let us know how it goes - you sound as though you have quite enough on your plate without working as well ... J