Work knows- what a stress!!

[Andifyoudontfirstsucceed]

Told my boss on Monday and shared the news with others on the same day. Tuesday was a day on congratulations etc. Wednesday and today has all been about whose going to cover my role and what will happen to my department when I am gone and all the exam classes that I teach/ should be teaching. This has made me feel awful - I'm not going until November but feel that I am shafting everyone and not feeling very supported in this at all. My line manager is adding to this by not really supporting me by actually telling me wheat I in fact I need to organise - now wishing I kept it to myself for longer! Just wanted to share my happy news after 2 mcs last year!

Don't worry I felt the same. I was almost made to feel like I had let everyone in the company down! My line manager was trying to convince me only to have 3 months off otherwise they may have to get a new manager in to cover me, and then it would be very difficult for me to come back. So he was basically saying if I didn't come back within 3 months I wouldn't have my specific role to come back to!

After a phone call to HR to clarify my rights he realised he needed to back off and fast. Luckily I work for a big cooperate company and any comments or behaviour like that are taken very seriously.

I feel for you though

Hi,

Firstly huge congratulations!!

I had a bad experience at work similar to you but not in your profession. However, this time around (second pregnancy) in not letting it stress me out.

Things I learnt from first experience.....

1. We are ultra sensitive because of hormones and it may feel like people are being awkward etc at work when really they are just trying to get things planned and organised in advance as at the end of the day it is a business and they need to get themselves prepared. I think I personally took it a bit too sensitively.

2. Just go along with it and do what is required. I just did what I felt capable to do, didn't go out my way as not putting getting pressure on myself, be helpful and that's it. Raise concerns if needs be and don't do anything that you feel is too much or is added pressure.

3. Managers can be funny. They make out it's all congratulations etc at the start but ultimately they will end up with more work or have to put extra work in to get things organised or plans in place when you go. That's their job though, so at the end of the day they just have to get on with it! As long as they aren't rude etc, don't waste your time thinking they are aren't being very supportive etc (unless it's pure pregnancy related ie making you do unacceptable tasks or not being flexible for appointments) as they are a colleague/manager at the end of the day not your friend.

4. In my experience lots of work colleagues/manager was jealous I was going on mat leave. Just let them get on with it, don't take it personally and enjoy your pregnancy!

Best of luck and congratulations again!