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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU? Leaving work

19 replies

PuPuPu · 08/07/2021 09:24

I am planning on not going back to work once my maternity is over.

My job is something I've wanted to get out of for a while now to be honest, I have been miserable in it for a while and have realised in recent years it is not the career for me. DH earns enough now for me not to need to and we've agreed I can pick up study again part time whilst DC is in nursery with a view to change career in the future.

I get no enhanced maternity pay so nothing to pay back.

Was talking to my Mum about it the other day who was shocked that I haven't yet told work I'm not planning on returning (they know I plan to take the full year and I'm not due back until end of this year) to give them time to find someone else.

My plan was to tell them when I give my notice in with the specified amount of time required by my contract (one month).

AIBU? It rather feels like shooting myself in the foot to tell them before I need to.

OP posts:
RickiTarr · 08/07/2021 09:26

Have you checked the T&Cs of your maternity pay?

Halo1234 · 08/07/2021 09:26

No your notice period is 4 weeks so tell them 4 weeks before you are due back. Things can change. So leave your options open for as long as possible.

dementedpixie · 08/07/2021 09:27

She already said she doesn't get enhanced pay

Original poster
PuPuPu · 08/07/2021 09:27

@RickiTarr

Have you checked the T&Cs of your maternity pay?
Yes, I only get SMP so nothing to pay back.
OP posts:
RickiTarr · 08/07/2021 09:28

I mean, normal notice is fine, but don’t even do that until you’ve checked whether you will have to repay maternity pay if you go ahead. Calculate holiday and add that to the end of your ML too.

Zarene · 08/07/2021 09:28

Don't tell them! It means you can change your mind if you need or want too, and that you can get holiday pay for the period you're off.

RickiTarr · 08/07/2021 09:29

X post. Well you’re fine then.

HR practice and ideas around maternity at work have changed a lot since your mum’s time, thank goodness. When I started my career it was a complete shitshow.

Megan2018 · 08/07/2021 09:29

Absolutely don’t tell them a minute earlier than you have to.
Life can change, your DH could lose his job or get ill (I mean I hope not obviously but you have to consider that things go wrong).
I manage people, I have had this happen-it’s fine, just part of my job.

Always, always, always keep your options open.

ChainJane · 08/07/2021 09:30

No, give them the minimum notice. That's all they would be likely to give you if they were going to get rid of you.

I don't understand why people feel they need to go above and beyond what their contract demands when it comes to notice periods. If your employer thinks you are that essential they'd give you a contract that has a longer notice period and pay you accordingly.

Rothko2929 · 08/07/2021 09:32

But why wouldn’t you tell them if you’re definite about leaving? Do you bear them a grudge?

Hankunamatata · 08/07/2021 09:33

Why wouldn't you resign now. You would still get your smp

maternityaction.org.uk/advice/resigning-from-your-job-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/

RickiTarr · 08/07/2021 09:33

@Rothko2929

But why wouldn’t you tell them if you’re definite about leaving? Do you bear them a grudge?
You don’t give them a chance to do something illegal, which unfortunately far more common than it should be.

Have a look at the “pregnant then screwed” website/

dementedpixie · 08/07/2021 09:33

Leave options open
Don't resign until you need to

Original poster
PuPuPu · 08/07/2021 09:34

[quote Hankunamatata]Why wouldn't you resign now. You would still get your smp

maternityaction.org.uk/advice/resigning-from-your-job-during-pregnancy-and-maternity-leave/[/quote]
Surely it's more like...why would I?

Anything could happen between now and then.

OP posts:
IMNOTSHOUTING · 08/07/2021 09:35

If you're 100% sure you're leaving then tell them now, it's just basic consideration. If there's a chance your plans could change then I can see why you'd hold off to be honest.

Original poster
PuPuPu · 08/07/2021 09:35

@Rothko2929

But why wouldn’t you tell them if you’re definite about leaving? Do you bear them a grudge?
No grudge but I am aware that things can go wrong and I'm unsure it's wise to leave myself vulnerable before I actually need to.
OP posts:
Original poster
PuPuPu · 08/07/2021 09:37

@IMNOTSHOUTING

If you're 100% sure you're leaving then tell them now, it's just basic consideration. If there's a chance your plans could change then I can see why you'd hold off to be honest.
Hindsight is a great thing though, how would I know that nothing is going to change between now and then?

If things are the same then as they are now then I will 100% leave. But I don't own a crystal ball.

OP posts:
TiredButDancing · 08/07/2021 10:13

I would propose a compromise. From memory, you have to confirm your return date 2 months before you return? That is the point at which I would tell them that in fact, you've decided you aren't coming back. That way you are giving them plenty of notice, they have more opportunity to consider their options and they don't waste a month planning for your return.

dementedpixie · 08/07/2021 10:19

You only need to give notice if you are returning early from mat leave

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