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AIBU?

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Original poster

Shorter maternity leave???

108 replies

Sausagedog101 · 11/06/2024 16:19

Has anyone here taken a shorter mat leave (less than a year)???

I am taking 8 months which is the right decision for us as a family (my MH is in tatters and work help keeps it at bay!) but I get a lot of surprised/shocked comments from people who say they can't believe I'm not taking the year, or people saying I'm not making the most of the 'full allowance'.

I would argue quality over quantity is more important but I am feeling abnormal for wanting/needing to work when everyone seems to love mat leave and never want to go back. I keep busy with my boys and always out and about but my mind craves stimulation or else I end up in a dark place.

Anyone else???

OP posts:
SouthLondonMum22 · 11/06/2024 16:55

I took 3 months with DS and I’m going back after 3 months this time too.

More than enough time for me.

WelshNerd · 11/06/2024 16:55

8 months with my first. 3 months with my second as I was offered a great opportunity.

I think a year is too long but I know most disagree.

SpongeBob2022 · 11/06/2024 16:52

I took 6 months plus a month A/L. Partly financial but that definitely wasnt the only reason. Never thought of it as particularly unusual at my workplace. Went back full time.

By sheer luck, the fact I went back 'early' actually led me to find a more suitable job opportunity for my circumstances elsewhere, which wouldn't have happened if I'd taken off longer. In the long term, this new role has enabled me to progress, but also given me the choice to reduce my hours around school times (several years later) so it worked out perfectly as a long-term arrangement for my family.

ToastonEggs · 11/06/2024 16:39

I took 9 months and my husband took 3 months, it was what was right for our family. I didn’t enjoy my maternity leave with my first child and was desperate to go back to work, I just don’t like the baby phase. In some countries taking 12 months off is unheard of, don’t let their comments bother you too much.

AverageJoan · 11/06/2024 16:39

I took 9 months with my first as my husband took the last three months as shared parental leave, I'd made sense financially for us and helped my transition back

Bearbookagainandagain · 11/06/2024 16:36

I took 6 months and 8 months. Couldn't afford to take more as SMP wouldn't cover the bills.

MollyRover · 11/06/2024 16:35

First baby 16 weeks, was way too short but the norm where I am. Second baby we saved up and I took 6 months. Didn't go back ft because we had to wait for a place at nursery. Returned to normal hours after 8 months.

Batgin · 11/06/2024 16:23

Last baby I took 12 weeks as that's all I got full pay for from my work. This time I am taking 4.5 months as I only get 16 weeks full pay, and the other two weeks will be holiday.

I don't see how I could survive on statutory maternity pay! We'd be thousands down a month!

I also enjoy my job and feel working gives more more patience when I'm at home with the kids as I'm not constantly burnt out with them!