Silly work comments.......Retorts

[lightsandshapes]

I chaired a high powered board meeting today. I am 21 weeks pregnant. At the end of the meeting an out of town colleague announced to the entire board 'so, I hear that you're about to display a lack of commitment. What cover has been arranged?' not necessary!!! Then later on, 'so how long are you taking off?' to which I replied 'a year'. To which he responded 'and just popping back to pick up your pension?' surely there are laws against those kind of comments.

Another clueless colleague tried to convince me that as my cover is 0.4, my boss was trying to see if the job could be done in half the time. I politely reminded him thats what employment tribunals are for!

Another said, 'makes sure u use all your keep in touch day's.' like I'm gonna give a shit once I'm on leave!!!

I'm reminded of something my mother always said to me.

If you've nothing nice to say...

Therefore I think I will refrain from responding to the negativity expressed above.

Lightsandshapes - good luck at work. I hope you dont have to deal with any more nonsense from your guests. It must be something about working in education - we've had a few in my place of work too. Not related to pregnancy but an astonishing lack of understanding all the same.

Kelli10 - thank - good luck to you too! It's a funny old game we're in. Generally as a sector it's pretty family friendly luckily (those few niggles aside). I reckon us being away will make 'em appreciate us all the more ;)

No negativity, just facts.

But I agree with you - life's too short - let's move on.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy op.

just reply to any other commects "I dont think thats very funny/professional what you said to me" leave it at that they will soon stop.

My first day back after mat leave 3 and I sit next to a young woman in a meeting and she tells me it's her first day. I said something similar and she asked if I'd been off on holiday. I said no it was mat leave - 'oh so you have been on holiday then!' was her response. I told her I'd come back to work for a holiday. Just give her 10 years.... Was seriously pissed off at the tine though.

Keep in touch days are voluntary on the part of the person on mat leave though aren't they, they company can't make you take them is my understanding? I understand where you are coming from, I'm on maternity at the moment too and the branch is in a right old mess as another colleague is also on maternity and someone else has gone off on long term sick. I do feel bad for my remaining collegues for having to deal with the fallout but at the end of the day the company knew about my upcoming mat leave and failed to take on and train a replacement so its their problem not mine, I'm still taking my full year's leave.

my boss told me that when I am on maternity leave I "shouldn't give a shit about work, there is no need for you to worry or stress about things whilst you are not here". and yes, he does want me to come back!

also, having a baby is the BIGGEST commitment you can ever have! and to do that on top of a career, I would love to see men have to cope with all of this pregnancy lark.

How about "when I want your opinion I will beat it out of you - and get away with it due to the increased hormones!"
You go lightsand shapes - I'm quite shocked at seeing some of the comments you have recieved! Some people (not just men) are completely insensitve to pregnancy and all the extra hormones and feelings that go with it! I have been in a similar position where the depupty head of the school I was in phoned me up to ask for photographic eveidence and my scheme of work file (all of which were left on the premises but mislaid by the cover teacher and deleted from my computer even though it was in my own personal files). I couldnt beleive it! That was nothing to the attitude when I returned to work from the headteacher - no children - who thought nothing of expecting me to stay for meetings that ran until 6.30pm> Thankfully she has retired now!
You are also right to not want to think about work when you are off! You will have a whole new wonderful life to care for and to get to know! You enjoy every last minute you spend with your child and dnt you dare let narrow minded people make you feel otherwise! Hope everything goes well for you!