Finding a new job while on maternity leave

[SophiaLawrence]

I'd be interested in experiences of this, if anybody's willing to share.

Basically we are planning when to TTC. We've just moved house and both now have long commutes - out of the house 7-7 at a minimum - and while it's not a massive problem now, once we have a baby one of us will have to get a job closer to home. That has to be me as there is no work in DH's industry closer to home. I'm trying to decide whether I resign before getting pregnant, or wait and start a new job on my return from maternity leave. My cynical suspicion is that the latter will make it hard to find a decent position, but am I being too pessimistic? I'm a fairly senior finance professional.

No personale experience but I think it'd be crazy to resign before getting pregnant!

It could take a year to fall pregnant - 18 moths - two years.

If you're working when you become pregnant and carry on through your pregnancy you will get statutory maternity pay - which is worth having.

It is much, much easier to find work without a big gap in your work history.

Sorry, I don't mean randomly resign - I couldn't leave a job without another one to go to, it would terrify me!

One thought - if you don't return to your original employer after mat leave, you might be required to pay back any maternity pay that employer gave you.

Good point Wigeon, thanks. I think current employer pays SMP only but will look into it.

Oh I see!

I see no harm looking now then - except making sure that falling pregnant and starting any new job tie in so that you qualify for smp with your new employer.