Maternity leave and feeling pressurised

[billybigballs]

Just after some advice. I'm nearly 30 weeks with my second, had a meeting with HR this week and they're asking constantly when I plan to return. I thought they weren't supposed to ask? I really don't know yet!

I would say "I intend to take 1 years leave, however, if I decide to return sooner I understand I need to give you a minimum of 8 weeks notice of this". This leaves all your options open, but shows you understand your responsibilities.

I had to hand in a form that said date I intended to start leave, date I intended to return. I worked out how many weeks unpaid I could afford, and wrote the date down.
I don't see what the big deal is? Do you want to take only the paid weeks, or all of the weeks? Decide, and tell them.

"I don't see what the big deal is? Do you want to take only the paid weeks, or all of the weeks? Decide, and tell them"

There's absolutely no reason the OP should decide now if she doesn't want to Frequently women who 'decide' very early on end up changing their minds anyway, so better not to IMO.

Do as Lonecat says OP, and if they still keep asking reiterate that and ask them to stop asking you as you don't know.

They are supposed to assume you will take the full year's leave, if you want to return earlier than that (or not return at all at the end of the year) then it's usually an 8 week notice period for either of those options.

Do you really not have an idea when you will go back though? Or is it just that you don't want to tell them.

I go to asked too, never bothered me. I knew they were just trying to plan. Yes they should expect you to take the full year but lots dont for financial reasons.

Thanks for the replies everyone. The 'big deal' is that what they'd actually like to know is whether I'm coming back at all, as they'd much rather hire someone who works a full 5 day week, rather than the 4 days I currently do, as have 1 dc already.

Say what Lonecat suggested and ask them firmly to stop hassling you about it.

Just tell them a year, don’t make any rash decisions now.

I had to fill a form in with a date on. If I wanted to come back earlier I'd have to give them 8 weeks notice. Just put the full year down and let them know in enough time if you change your mind.