When to stop?

[UselessEmployee]

There's a lengthy backstory to this, which I won't go into here.

But essentially, I'm 28 weeks pregnant and disabled with a young toddler and I'm very, very tired. This pregnancy has been dogged by work trying to get rid of me by insidious means, sour grapes retaliations from middle management who failed to get rid of me, and bungling incompetence from senior management 'only trying to help' - all set against a backdrop of public sector cuts and uncertainties.

I'm tired, and in so much pain.

Legally, I know that they couldn't get rid of me for going off sick until the start of my maternity leave (planned for 35 weeks), nor for bringing my maternity leave forward. At the same time, though, I want to retain my integrity and not mess them around by leaving early without good reason.

I know there's no simple or easy formula to this, but at what point do I just decide that enough is enough and leave for sick leave/maternity?

You know what? In your case given how they've treated you I'd be inclined to get signed off sick now until your maternity leave is due to start.

Thanks. Am so tempted. On the verge of doing just that.

Do it. Please please don't feel guilty after the way they've behaved, seriously, just think of your own well-being and put that first.

OK. I do have a few 'loose end' type tasks and jobs which I need to explain/delegate to colleagues but then certainly I think I will go. As much as I don't want to admit this to myself, I know that I've reached a level of stress that isn't good for the baby or me (or of course DC1 or DH!). If the worst happens and my job vanishes whilst I'm away, at least I will enjoy the solidarity and companionship of thousands across the UK.

But on a practical level, how much notice do I need to provide to bring my maternity leave forward? I'm already over my sick leave entitlement, so there's not much point in taking sick leave until the original start date.