New job/maternity leave

[nimfly]

I'm currently on maternity leave from job 1. I've done my 9 months paid leave and am now on my last 3 months of unpaid maternity. If I start a new job in this period, is it possible to work at job 2 whilst being on maternity leave from job 1 as I'm no longer receiving maternity pay or is this not acceptable?

Why would you not just tell your employer you want to leave? At what point do you intend to hand in your notice and what is your notice period?

I'm not able to leave as I need the money and job 2 is temporary so I would need to keep job 1 on for when I'm not able to get hours at the new job. If I'm not able to keep on maternity leave then I'm planning on going back just one day a week. Just the thought of going back to job 1 fills me with dread, I'm so anxious about going back but know I need the money so realistically can't just quit

Why not just go back to your normal job?

I don’t really understand but I don’t think you should be working while on mat leave.

You either need to go back to job 1 now or give your notice and leave and start a new job

@AliceRR I thought that was likely the case but wasn't 100% sure as I'm not longer being paid maternity so wasn't sure if it would have changed. Thanks.

@rotavixsucks I'm really struggling with the idea of going back. I'm totally undermined and undervalued and one of my coworkers has turned nasty to me and has been spreading lies around work and I'm just dreading the idea of going back to such a negative place. I'm just getting to grips with managing my PND these past few weeks so it seems terrifying to go back into such a negative place.

You would have to go back at the end of your mat leave though OP so you cannot put off the inevitable unless you find a new job permanently

I’m sure you know that and sorry you are in this posy

position

I don't see the issue if it's in the period when you're not getting any maternity pay. Unless your contract with your company states that you're not allowed to work for another company when you're employed by them. Plenty of people work more than one job.

@AliceRR yes that's true. Thank you

@winterwonderly that's why I'm unsure. My contract doesn't say anything about a second job in a different field (which this is) and a few others have second jobs which is okay. My manager is aware I was applying for another job and provided my references etc but just not sure how it works with start dates etc.

@nimfly
Sorry to hear of your shitty situation, I've been there and it's crap.

Slightly different but I have 2 jobs (1full time-1 part time) and returned to the part time one a lot earlier than the other one.

As previous posters have said I wouldn't see an issue if it's in the period of you being unpaid.

I hope you get something sorted and to where you want to be.