TTC & want to quit my NHS job after 4 years

[BeachYogi]

I feel like I've started so many threads lately so apologies to anyone who is sick of hearing from me. I do find the advice and support on here really helpful, hence posting a lot!

So, here goes...I work for the NHS and have done for the past 4 years. I used to like it but lately with cuts it's just feeling unbearable there. I constantly feel undervalued by my manager and am isolated from colleagues much of the time. I work in an emotionally taxing field too & the combination of it all is making me really unhappy. I'm currently signed off with depression and work stress.

My dream is to work for myself (private work with patients) and there are options for me to do this but no guarantees that I would be able to bring in enough £ to pay my half of the mortgage and other commitments/debts. I panic about losing our house!

If I wasn't TTC I would leave my NHS job in a heart beat. But I feel dependent on my employer for the "benefits" I have accrued in my years of service, primarily maternity pay. I don't know how we would cope financially if I were to leave to start my own private work and then need to take time off for maternity leave.

I'm really struggling to work out what to do. There are no guarantees I'll even get pregnant and I'm 35 already. Do I leave and take a chance? Or hang in there a bit longer? I'm feeling so miserable and it's taking a toll on my mental health.

Anyone been in a similar situation?

(Also, before anyone says it, I am not taking advantage of the NHS, I work hard and did not start my job for the benefits of maternity pay. But with a mortgage and debts I do need to think about the disadvantages/risks to leaving.)

Hi, I worked for the NHS and left last September, I did go back after a year's maternity leave but like yourself there were cuts so basically the job I was doing was still there but they only wanted 3 full time equivalents, all had to interview again, I was unsuccessful and I felt I was at a disadvantage cause I had been off for a year, so anyway they offered redeployment which I didn't enjoy in the slightest, really affected my mental health, suffer from anxiety and it sent me to have anxiety attacks all started from when I lost my brother suddenly, then got married, then got pregnant, had a missed miscarriage then few months later got pregnant again. I knew I couldn't continue in that environment anymore cause I know things would have for sure got a hell of a lot worse and it just wasn't worth it. Financially things have got a bit tight but I feel so much better now I've taken myself out of that situation. Sorry for the long story just wanted to say I know where you're coming from. Xx

Normally I would say hang in there as NHS maternity pay is actually quite good, but you really do need to think about your mental health as well. Even if you got pregnant immediately, you would still be there for a minimum of 29 weeks before maternity leave can start, then you would have to return for 3 months after your maternity leave so you didn't have to pay back your occupational maternity pay. If you get signed off while pregnant, That would likely affect the amount of occupational pay you get anyway as it's based on your earnings.

Only you know how much of an impact it will have if you stay, but If you're signed off it must be bad. Is there any way of moving departments? Or even a different role within the nhs?

Would if be an option for you to join a private clinic instead?

Could you go part time and then start seeing private patients on your off days? I don’t know whether this would be feasible but if so it would mean you could test the water with the new business and still have some of the maternity benefits.

Hold on for the maternity pay!

Friend of mine gave up tic after losses, left NHS, got pregnant and not been in new job long enough to get any pay from new employer so SMP only.

@Lauraliverpool Thank you for sharing your own experience, it sounds like you went through an awful time. I'm glad that leaving helped in the end. Xx

@Bambamber Yeah, when you lay out the logistics of it all that is a long time to stay in that unhelpful environment. Especially if pregnant & I have a 1hr+ drive each way to work too.

hadn't thought of how being signed off might affect maternity pay either! I guess I assumed sick pay would count as earnings but probably not!

Thanks so much - given me lots to think about.

@Bambamber Unfortunately there are not any other posts that are suitable for me at the moment so no chance of moving department.

If you get a different NHS job then you keep your maternity benefits - what about going part time closer to home and then doing your business as well?

@OutyMcOutface @Speedy85 Those are really good suggestions and ones I have entertained in my mind briefly! Maybe I should actively start looking into these options rather than being stuck like a deer in the headlights waiting for something to drop out of the sky! Thanks!

@coffeemugged I keep thinking I'll leave and then find out I'm pregnant a week later or something!

@Wowzel I haven't seen any closer to home unfortunately - I live in a rural area and the only other posts available right now are 50+ miles away. Something might come up though, I keep checking NHS jobs. I think what you suggest is definitely a good idea in theory, thanks

You're welcome, I went through a really bad time, but have come out the other end, have got my little boy who keeps me occupied. Xx