Maternity pay dilemma...!!

[BoogieBean]

Hi all

I was hoping some of you could give me some advice as I am in two minds at the moment. I am also going to post this on the pregnancy thread...

I am currently 23 weeks pregnant and I am really unhappy where I work. I work as a receptionist, however this is not your standard receptionist role (on my feet a lot of the time making teas/coffees, clearing up after the whole office washing up, loading/unloading dishwasher etc, constantly doing extra hours as supervisor is always on holiday). I feel more like an assistant rather than a receptionist.

I brought my maternity leave forward 1 month as I am so unhappy and struggling being on my feet all the time. I was signed off in Feb for a couple weeks for stress/anxiety relating to my job. Now, my dilemma...I do not want to go back to my current job after maternity leave but will do if I cannot find another job whilst on leave. My employer offers Enhanced Maternity Pay, where they pay 50% of your salary for 9 months with the incentive that you return to work for 6 months otherwise it will have to be repaid. I know this money would help me a hell of a lot, especially as this is my second child but I really do not want to go back for 6 months.

I'm stuck in two minds, I really don't know what to do. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[DragonWithAGirlTattoo]

6 months isn't long and will give you time.to look for something else?

[KingOfTheStupids]

that 6 mths will fly by, especially if you use your accrued annual leave before you return.

[EBearhug]

Go back for the 6 months, and use the time to fine-tune your CV, brush up any skills which might be a bit weak, and apply for other jobs. It will go by quickly enough.

[BoogieBean]

Thank you for your replies EBearhug / Dragon that's a good idea. I'm working 3 days a week but things have gotten so bad since I started (nearly a year ago) and it looks like it's going to get even worse. King I get 12 days annual leave so I'll try and see how that works out