Mumsnet Talk

I am going on 'maternity leave' from Jan to Oct. I've put it in quotes because I am self-employed and therefore I'm not taking leave from anyone! I don't get any maternity leave (I'll get an allowance from the gov). I want to start warning people in my email signature about my forthcoming leave, but it doesn't feel right using the words 'Maternity leave'; and I especially hate the term 'Career break' because it implies that my baby will some second to my career. Any advice?

just say maternity leave. No one needs to know who's paying you.

'parental leave' does that sound a bit better?

I will say maternity leave or would you prefer family time?

Call a spade a spade - it's maternity leave, this is a lot more understandable than anything else.

Yes, you are leaving work for maternal reasons so it's easier to say that - everyone will know what you mean. Plus, if you say 'parental leave' or 'career break' peeps might not realise what you are on about so you'd get less presents!!

Have decided on 'maternity break'. Thanks for all your posts.

Sabbatical?