Career vs maternity leave

[babychange12]

Just before I went on maternity leave, I was chasing a huge contract at work- think 10m and above. We were very close to signing but I went to have a baby. I've just got news that we've won it. It's a bit bittersweet for me as I'm very happy for the team to win it but equally sad I'm not getting the credit for months of chasing this. I have nothing to show for months of effort

I'm just trying to console myself that on my deathbed I won't be thinking about this but rather my children. But it hurts as it's such a career defining moment. I'm almost tempted to go back to work.

Anyone else been in this situation?

Don't go back to work because of that!

I'd maybe send an email to my manager saying you'd heard 'we've won the contract. All that chasing paid off', to let them know you know the part you played

Do you performance reviews/annual reviews at work? If so, I'd look at it from the point of view that it will come up when your progress/work done is raised at these reviews and it will in that way push your experience and career forward. I'd try for that angle, but I can see why it's frustrating.

What credit would you usually get? How do you know your team aren't crediting you for the legwork? I felt the same when on maternity leave, I really enjoy work and although I loved the time off with my son, I honestly did have pangs of missing out when things happened, or projects I had been working on came to fruition and I wasnt there to see them. However, since going back I realise there's plenty more, and I was acknowledged for the things I had been working on that weren't completed before I took the time off. I know it's really hard and not minimising how you feel, but please try to not let it consume you. Is there anyone at work you can speak to just to keep a foot in the door? Maybe take a KIT day?

Thank you all for replying, I think I just needed a pep talk

I definitely won't be going back to work, I do really enjoy being with DS

I checked on our CRM tool and saw I didn't get the sales credit so maybe I should be a bit thick faced and ask for them to add me on it.

If you are on maternity leave, doesn't this mean you haven't completely left your career, but are just at home now caring for your baby. But that doesn't mean your career is over (unless you never plan to go back to work ever). Lots of things carry on while you take time out, but if you plan to come back, you'll jump back in. I would follow up and make sure you do get credited in some way, even if on annual review. But really make the most of the time you do have at home now. At the same time, children grow and change and there will very likely be a time when you are eager to through yourself back in, and will hopefully get credit for all that future hard work.

I checked on our CRM tool and saw I didn't get the sales credit so maybe I should be a bit thick faced and ask for them to add me on to it

Yes! Normally I wouldn't advocate engaging in work when you are off, but in this case I think it's absolutely fair to do so- you presumably have 'evidence' so they can't deny that your input was invaluable. Unfortunately people do sometimes fall off of the radar on maternity leave, but it by no means when you go back your career will be affected. Please do get yourself added.