Work & pregnancy

[MrsJamieLWeir]

I feel so guilty writing this post as I’m lucky I still have a full time job after such uncertain times and I’ve only been back at work but I’m really really struggling. I’m an estate agent and working 5/6 days week 8:30-5:30 and the tiredness is so bad. I spend the weekend when I’m off just sleeping and asleep by 8 most nights, I spend my morning in tears with the thought of having to go to work again.
I’m thinking of asking if I can go part time, do you think that’s selfish of me? I’m trying to stay positive and not stress too much and count down to maternity but just don’t think I can do this for another 3/4 months. Xx

Yep know that feeling. Tiredness has massively varied for me so you might start feeling better soon.

Personally I'd talk to my manager and be really honest and see what they say, maybe they can change some of the things you're doing or maybe you could work from home occasionally and do some admin. Depends on your relationship with them though.

Could you take some annual leave? A day every week maybe or a few days off in one go to recover?

If you're thinking about going down to part time make sure you check out what the impact would be on your maternity leave pay first.

Hope you feel better soon.

You can speak to your doctor and they can recommend you only work a certain amount of hours rather than taking time off sick

May pay is based on your salary between weeks 17 and 25. If you drop your hours/reduce income by going sick during these weeks it will impact your mat pay. The suggestion of using annual leave is best.

Hi OP,

I work in conveyancing, so I have some idea of how incredibly stressful being an estate agent is. I don't believe it's selfish at all for you to take a set back in your role. It's clearly affecting you.

I'm in the same boat in terms of weekends and evenings, and I feel completely unproductive in my free time.

I'd speak with your manager and your doctor/midwife/antenatal mental health specialist. As a pregnant woman, you should get dibs on any services offered.

Do you have any annual leave booked? Could you no longer work 6 days a week?

Dont cut your hours!!!!

Call hr/ occy health and ask for reasonable adjustments. I got a drs note to back me up aswell.

I was fit to work but due to SPD dr said it was only if they reduced my hours or id have to be signed off

I had 2 hours skimmed off per shift and it made the world of difference and i stayed on full pay

The OP has no legal right to reduced hours without reduced pay.

Im not sure what her work place offers. I was merely explaining what my work place did for me, and it may be the case that hers can offer the same. Its always worth a chat with hr or occy health

I’ve only spent 20 years in HR.........

Thank you guys :) I was anticipating a cut in pay if I reduced my hours, but not sure what to do.. think I was just highly emotional and tired yesterday, hormones hey! I think work are going to give me one day off in the week which I hope will help :)