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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU about being treated unfairly after maternity leave?

110 replies

CluelessToddlerMum · 16/11/2023 02:54

Before mat leave, I was at a high point in my career so far. I was high achieving and had a good reputation. Prior to returning from mat leave, it was agreed that I could return on 3 days per week in the same role (different team due to structural changes whilst I was off but still same sort’ve role) but my workload would be adjusted.

Upon returning, I had the same job title but was barely given any work to do - told that I could “settle back in”. After a few weeks, I raised concerns that I didn’t have enough work and that the remits of my role were confusing. My role felt like an after thought. Following a discussion with my manager, they reviewed my role remit and I was given a bit more responsibility. It’s been 3 months total now. During this time, I’ve had a fair bit of time off due to my child being unwell a lot because of unavoidable nursery bugs. Due to this and being 3 days per week, I’ve found it difficult settling back in as I’ve found it hard to get into the swing of it and I’m always playing catch up. It’s a very fast paced business. I’ve been open with my manager about this and a plan was agreed to help me catch up what I missed on my non-working days quicker. The following week, concerns were raised to me about the amount of time off I’ve had. The week after that, I’ve been told that it’s been decided it’s not possible to do my role in 3 days and I’m being moved to another role entirely.

I know they’re probably within their right to do what they’ve done, but I feel like I haven’t been given a fair opportunity to see if my role is possible in 3 days per week as for the first month, my role remit was unclear and then I’ve had no choice but to take time off to look after a sick child. Also a plan was agreed to help, but then only given a week to see if it would help before being moved on. I feel as though all the hard work I’ve put in over the last 10 years in my job has been forgotten, I feel undervalued and I feel as though I’m being managed out.

I don’t know what to do from here or what I want to happen. I also don’t know if I’m just being sensitive. AIBU? Does anyone have any advice?

OP posts:
Mammyloveswine · 16/11/2023 07:02

I think how much time you've had off in 3 months is relevant, particularly as you are working part time!

Aprilx · 16/11/2023 06:57

I agree with previous posters. You have not been treated unfairly, on the contrary your employer has been very accommodating. It also sounds like they are right about your suitability for your role.

What you have done in the previous ten years is irrelevant. Employers generally require performance on an ongoing basis.

poppitypop1 · 16/11/2023 05:33

Based on what you've said I can't see how you've been treated unfairly. Quite the opposite. I say this as someone that returned from mat leave this year.

PickledPurplePickle · 16/11/2023 05:32

For context how much time have you had off in 3 months?

From what you have said they have teen more than fair. Agreed part time, tried to help you settle back in and get up to speed, you didn’t want the help and have been unable to do this role in 3 days a week

You have had a massive life change but they still have a business to run and your colleagues to take into account

Pippa12 · 16/11/2023 03:32

How much time have you had off in a 3 month period?

Briefly, is it fair to say you highlighted you didn’t have enough work so they gave you more and for whatever reason it wasn’t completed by you? They’ve re-evaluated and decided to give you a new role?

If this is the case in all honesty I think they’re being very accommodating. Is you pay affected?

Spartak · 16/11/2023 03:19

So you they gave you time to settle back in, you didn't want that and asked for more work. When they gave it to you, you haven't been able to complete it and now feel you haven't had the time to settle in?

It sounds like the role doesn't work on a part time basis and it will be frustrating your colleagues that you've had lots of time off for child care responsibilities. Could you partner not cover some of that for a while to let you get back into the swing of things?

Otherwise, would the suggested role be more workable with your current circumstances?

Original poster
CluelessToddlerMum · 16/11/2023 03:15

@POTC My DH has also taken time off due to my child being unwell, my child has just been unwell a lot. I’ve taken a bit more of the time off as my child is very clingy with my when unwell and so I’ve wanted to care for him. But obviously to the detriment of my career.

@DNAwrangler I don’t disagree that they’ve been accommodating to a point. But I think it’s the short timeframe in which this has happened that feels unfair and not feeling like I’ve had much of an opportunity to try.

OP posts:
DNAwrangler · 16/11/2023 03:07

Sounds like work have been very reasonable and accommodating tbh. Consider whether, objectively, they are right - is the new role a better fit for you right now?

POTC · 16/11/2023 03:00

I guess the problem is that if you keep taking the time off how long would you expect them to give you to prove you can do it? Is there a reason that you're the one having to cover all sickness leave for your child?