to feel under pressure to make a decision now?

[Newmummytobe79]

I'm nearly 7 months into my maternity leave.

My boss has asked what my future working plans are as time is flying by.

Do I need to make a decision now?

Totally understand from the companys point of view, the earlier they know the better, but I'm still in doubt as what to do?

I do think (and I think they expect it too) that I'll be handing in my notice and looking for a less stressful, part-time, and closer to home job. But ... I am feeling very panicky about broaching this subject.

My DH, friends and family agree this would be the best option for me and baby but I still have my concerns. I just think it's taking the leap that scares me.

What if our lifestyle changes dramatically in the next 5 months and I need to go back full time?

Or do I just bite the bullet, tell them, and get looking for something more suitable now?

Always say you're intention is to return full time - you cannot be held to that if you change your mind.

However, if it is a very small business, then I think you should be reasonably upfront - small business carry a lot of burden with staffing that larger ones can spread about.

You don't have to tell them now.

If you were planning to go back you might want to think about keeping them sweet by making plans now, but you are under no obligation to do so.

Of course, they're under no obligation to keep your old job open, so you might be closing off options for what you would be doing when you go back. If you liked your old job and wouldn't fancy being moved to another one, maybe worth having a chat.

Also, have you looked for this nice, cushy part-time job?

It might not be that easy to come by.

Wait until you feel sure one way or the other - it's not right for him to pressure you if you are honestly undecided. But when you have made the decision, it's only fair to tell him with as much notice as possible.

I would never ask one of my employee's their intentions at this time and you don't need to tell them. But agree I am always a bit shocked when women decide not to return without trying to negotiate a part time position - I think it's short sighted especially in the current climate.

It was really hard for me to hand in my notice so I do understand where you're coming from!

Have you seen a job that is more suitable? Jobs are few and far between these days. I think you should keep your options open, unless you have the finances to cover incase a suitable job isn't available.

Have you thought about chatting with your boss about going part-time? or a phased return, perhaps a job share? I suppose this all depends on what you work as.

IMO you should have let them know before you went on maternity leave.

I can understand you not being sure but YABU not to see it from their point of view a bit too. It is well worth asking if you can return part time if you enjoy the job. They have to consider flexible working arrangements for you but make sure you let them know you are making your request under that directive.

I am not sure how a business is supposed to function if it doesn't know what you are planning to do. They have to keep you job open so they can't recruit to replace you unless you confirm you are not returning and it takes time to recruit people.

Link here for your rights on flexible working

7 months in? So 2 months until the presumed return date? Yes, now is the time to tell them your plans. The last 3 months unpaid are optional, employers don't assume anyone will take it. 8 weeks is the standard notice period for returning to work after maternity leave so at this point it would be reasonable to tell them if you plan to take it or not. Remember you can return earlier than you indicated by giving 8 weeks notice.

Thanks for the advice - I will get in touch with the company asap. I thought the 52 weeks were expected and it was up to you to let them know if you want to return earlier?

Catgirl1976 - I am still undecided now, so to have made a decision as an emotional wreck, wobbling, heavily pregnant employee would have been too much for me!

:) It is hard. But if you like the job go for flexible working or a phased return and see what you think - it might help you to make up your mind wihtout making a decision first IYSWIM

Good luck :)

I work in payroll, and at my place you get 52 weeks off, but only 39 weeks are paid (which is why most of us go back after 39 weeks!)
but if you do go back after 39 weeks you have to give 56 days written notice, as you are technically returning early (as before 52 weeks) iyswim!
maybe thats why they are asking you now after 7 months? because if you were going back after 39wks you'd be giving them notification about now?
but if you were not returning you just need to give whatever notice is on your contract usually min 4wks.

if you are giving notice make sure its not going to be up before the end of your mat leave though or your mat pay will stop!

Thanks Catgirl :)

Sleepsforwinps - thanks so much for the advice. I don't get mat pay from work as such, just SMP - would that stop too?

Dare I even ask you if I'd get any holiday pay?

It's so confusing!

your smp would stop if you dont work for them anymore! thats why your notice period should take you past that point.

you accrue hols the whole time your off on mat leave, and these should be paid as part of your final wage. (so depending on your leaving date, you should have at least 3/4 of your full yearly entitlement due)