Is there anything I can do about changes to my job on return from AML?

[AuntieBacterial]

Hello

I have just returned to work from 12 months maternity leave and was initially told I would be returning to exactly the same job, but 4 days into my return to work have now been told that one of my key responsibilities will not be returning to me. I'm pretty disappointed by this as this particular responsibility was the only reason I enjoyed my job and the only element that really used my skills and expertise.

The loss of this responsibility removes the profile I had as the main technical contact and spokesperson for the company with authorities across Europe. So I now become completely invisible to the authorities concerned and anyone outside the company generally, when I used to have a high profile.

I just feel that if they take this responsibility away, my role becomes totally administrative so the level is effectively reduced.

There's really no reason why the responsibility can't come back to me, my boss is just being difficult and he knows this will really upset me and might prompt me to resign.

I know there's probably not much I can do but would be grateful for any advice anyone might have on how to move forward.

if you were told it was the same,you should find out in writing from boss why it has changed
have you returned part time?

I have returned full time.

I didn't really get a reason why the responsibility won't come back to me, certainly nothing will be put in writing. I always did a good job and got extremely positive feedback in every appraisal I have ever had on my results with this responsibility. So it's really extremely gutting to lose the professional profile I worked so hard on and took such pride in.

I am about to go back to different job but same terms and conditions, pay etc because more than 26 weeks mat leave taken. It hurts like hell because I loved my job but spending the time with DD2 is more important.

cant you approach him or his boss and express surprise at being told one thing only to experience a new thing?
is job title still the same?

it sounds like you are slightly wary of your boss intentions, would he like for you to resign?
It might be worth approaching it professionally to find out, if the best part of my job has disappeared I would be gutted and want to know why..

Yes ArmyBarmy, I totally agree with you that taking the AML was an absolute must. I would have been miserable if I had forced myself back to work after 26 weeks just to be sure that my job remained the same. I didn't expect to walk into the same role, but certainly expected a role at the same level and with the same sort of use of my skills and profile. Ah well...

Aura, my boss is a total pig and a bully. He would love me to resign as he really doesn't think women should work and have children. He expects everyone to work 24 hours a day and that's not compatible with a healthy life not to mention being incompatible with picking up/dropping off kids. If I didn't have such a small child I would be looking for a new job.