Return to work dread

[Kirova]

I am university PS staff, mainly working on regs and appeals. Anyone who has contact with Higher Education will know that it has been a bit of a relentless time lately!

I'm 15 weeks pregnant and last week I got sick with a kidney infection and ended up in hospital on IV for a couple of days. I'm much better now, but ended up taking a whole week off work.

I know this is ridiculous because it's only Saturday - but I already feel anxious about the backlog! It was obviously unplanned leave and I don't think anyone has been able to pick up my work. So I know there's going to be a huge backlog and a lot of very unhappy and distressed students...

The thought of going back is filling me with dread - and I usually enjoy my work! Please tell me that I'm being ridiculous so that I get some motivation to pull myself together!

Obviously being ridiculous 😀 I've managed to get over it now, somewhat!

You're not been ridiculous and I hope you're feeling better! The only wisdom I can offer is 9/10 once you've been back an hour it feels like you never went away. Sending

You're pregnant and getting over an infection. Your health comes first. You will likely feel more stressed and under pressure thanks to your hormones, so your work place has a duty of care to protect expectant mothers. Have you filled out a risk assessment form with HR or anyone yet?

I haven't actually told work I'm pregnant yet - I was actually planning to during this week, but then ended up being off sick. So I haven't done an assessment yet, but to be honest, my role is desk-based / student-facing, so there aren't any obvious risks.

My doctor's note gave me 2 weeks (this week and next) but to be honest, I'm okay now and can't really justify taking another week off! And nobody seems to care about me returning before the date stated on the note.

Haha, it feels like that after holidays too - only less of a positive in that situation!

If it helps I have a 2 week old new born and I'm already dreading going back to work next May and I like my job 😂🤣🤣🤣

@justanothermanicmonday1 hopefully you'll feel a bit differently by the time it gets to May!

I like my job too. I just don't love it at this precise moment!

And I'm definitely getting Sunday night dread. I already feel tired - I have to not allow myself to go down the road of "maybe I'm not fully recovered yet and should delay going back", etc. 😆

Not sure what your sickness or maternity policies are, but just be advised that depending on the policies you are soon entering your “qualifying” period for maternity pay, meaning it will be calculated based on your earnings over that period. Therefore, it’s best you find out what the qualifying period is and if you don’t receive sick pay then try not to take any sick leave in that period if it can be helped. If you also receive overtime pay, try to work some overtime to maximise your earnings in that period. It all very much depends on your specific workplace policies but always better to know.
And congratulations btw!