Feeling like I'll be a spare part......

[Spice17]

Having a bit more of a reaction than I thought I would about my maternity cover.

She's starting on Monday, 6 weeks before I go and though I'm pleased she'll get a proper induction that frankly I can't really be arsed to do I feel like I'm going to be moribund by about 2 weeks in when it's mostly done and she's feeling more confident.

Do I just let go of everything and hang around watching her do my job? Or do I hold everything until I go? (which kind of means she'll be getting paid to observe for 6 weeks)

Trying to find exciting trips out for her to do and stuff but feeling a bit rubbish about it really. Can't go any earlier than I am either.

Is this a normal reaction? Does anyone else feel a bit odd about letting go of work? Maybe it just makes the baby coming along feel a bit more real!

I must say that seems like a very long time for a handover. Not much helpful advice to give, if that's the way it is, however - think you're just going to have to go with it, surf the net a lot and be there if she has any queries.

Having been in the position of someone covering maternity leave I've been in the position where I felt like a spare part because stuff wasn't given up, so know how challenging it can be. Now in the position where I'll be going on mat leave in 7 weeks I appreciate the other side!
Could you maybe see if there's a short 4 week project you could pick up? You could do 2 weeks handover, let go of everything 4 weeks before you go and work on the project so you don't feel like a spare part, and you're still around for any issues or questions?

That's quite a handover! Can you not share the work rather than holding it all back or giving it all to her, or is there anything you can collaborate on (not sure what kind of job you have, sorry)

Thanks all, I agree, I wanted the person to have a proper induction but 6 weeks - jeez!

Haggis, good idea, will ask if there's anything I can pick up on centrally or otherwise (though don't fancy commuting to central office in late pregnancy!)

Fluffy, I'm an Office Manager/dogsbody/supposed font of ALL knowledge for absolutely everything relating the the whole organisation! :)

Oops strikethough didn't work then use it too much anyway