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Original poster

If money was no object how long would you like maternity leave to last?

147 replies

Malaleche · 06/06/2007 14:54

If the gov. paid you 100% of your lost income while you were on maternity leave how many weeks or months or years would you take?

OP posts:
fransmom · 09/06/2007 22:33

are you mad xenia?

Original poster
Malaleche · 09/06/2007 22:43

.....[whispers - is no-one going to explain xenia to fransmom?]

OP posts:
Tortington · 09/06/2007 22:45

idont like work and i dont like kids either.

MadamePlatypus · 09/06/2007 22:48

4-5 years, then it would be great if I could have some more maternity leave at Christmas, Easter and in the Summer and the odd week here and there.

I would be prepared to do a few mornings here and there once the last child was in pre-school.

So, basically maternity leave to cover all times that they are not in school. Ooh and maybe the odd spa day on top of that.

fransmom · 09/06/2007 23:01

malaleche have met her on other threads before

Judy1234 · 09/06/2007 23:05

Some mothers like to work actually believe it or not in 2007 and some actually find 24/7 babycare deadly dull. Like many UK fathers we are keen to get back to work so don't tar us all with the female equals flexible working - all women because they have breasts want to be housewives thing. Many of us hate it. This is 2007 not 1950. Believe it or not many women choose to work and men even when they don't need the money.

fransmom · 09/06/2007 23:06

ok xenia x

Quattrocento · 09/06/2007 23:11

I'm with Xenia actually.

In my profession having a child sets you back years. You take years off as well? Then you are set back a double lot of years. Fact of life. It's a fast moving business and you lose touch.

But I didn't mind that. I would have been entirely useless and depressed staying at home for yonks. I reckon my children are happier when i am happier. And I am happier working. Even though I love my children with all my heart.

ThomCat · 09/06/2007 23:11

A year would be good I think. I like being a WOHM and don't think I could cope with more than a year esp now I have the 3rd on the way. Work is ME time!

Original poster
Malaleche · 09/06/2007 23:13

ok xenia - wasn't trying to wind you up i am a sahm at the moment although i have my own business which i am paying other people to run for me (just to make sure we really are on the breadline). If i could be in full-time work in a job i love (i hate mine) then i would do it tomorrow but i have chosen to drop out for a while and look after my DDs. i feel very fortunate to be able to choose.

OP posts:
youpeskykids · 09/06/2007 23:15

am being lazy here and not read whole thread so sorry if I am repeating anything, but this thread reminded me of a conversation I had at a kids party today.

My DS2 is 10 weeks old and a few of us mums were talking about work/jobs. I said, quite happily, that "I am really going to enjoy my maternity leave and make the most of it, but that I was looking forward to going back to work in January".

This comment fell on stony silence, until someone piped up "Really?!" (imagine really confused, disbelieving face whilst talking).

???????????????? Hey, my kids are my world, but I also happen to thoroughly enjoy my job, which I worked hard for to get where I am today. Anything wrong with that?! (referring to my conversation at party, NOT other threads/comments - am aware this is a very sensitive subject and hey, each to their own!)

Quattrocento · 09/06/2007 23:18

Sweated blood for many years for my career - it becomes part of who you are (or who I am anyway) so honestly couldn't leave it. Sorry.

Original poster
Malaleche · 09/06/2007 23:19

is 10 months standard maternity leave in the UK?

OP posts:
fransmom · 09/06/2007 23:20

i understand both viewpoints, i had mat leave for 6months (i hated going back to work at the time) but now, in sept, i will have been back 2years. i still not overly keen on it (the job as well ) but i do enjoy working. i still hate having to leave dd sometimes (esp when she off colour and would like mommy cuddles) but as i suspect is the case for so many others, we need the 2nd wage.

flibbertyjibbet · 09/06/2007 23:21

I'm with Xenia. Love my kids to bits but I do like my 'time out' working.
Perhaps some of it depends on what job you do - I have office job that involves lots of contact with people so its sociable as well as rewarding.

Original poster
Malaleche · 09/06/2007 23:22

i suppose if i had a career worth hanging on to it would be different, all i have to lose is income. i've always been self imployed so i feel its up to me to think up something more inspiring/financially viable to do once DDs are a bit bigger.

OP posts:
fransmom · 09/06/2007 23:22

no malaleche. it has only recently gone up to 9months paid leave. not sure about the extra unpaid mat leave.

before this year, it used to be 6months paid (first 6 weeks at full pay, then remainder at £109 or 90%of pay whichever was less), then a further 67months additional leave which was unpaid. not really sure what the situation is now after the 9 months up.

Original poster
Malaleche · 09/06/2007 23:24

is that 6, 7 or 67?

OP posts:
Original poster
Malaleche · 09/06/2007 23:25

so, everyone is entitled to 9 months?

OP posts:
unknownrebelbang · 09/06/2007 23:26

I was ready to go back after 6/7 months with my first, part-time though, shock horror!

If money was no object with the three of them, I'd be happy to stay at home, now they're all at school, lol.

Twinklemegan · 09/06/2007 23:26

A year would be ideal. Or six months on full pay and another six on half pay. Not everyone could take it I know, but better than being tantalised by another six months but only unpaid - as IF?!

fransmom · 09/06/2007 23:26

6

youpeskykids · 09/06/2007 23:27

Hey quattrocentro I'm with you on that one. With my first DS, I went back the 'ideal' 3 days a week (which actually cost me more in terms of travelling costs than going back full time). That was a nightmare for me as had very NONunderstanding boss who thought he was being very generous by allowing me the "privilege" of trying to squeeze a hectic full time job into only 3 days. Result? v.v.stressed mummy and god awful wife (poor DH). Solution? Went back to work full time, liked job again, much nicer mummy and wife, had more money to help with bills etc and went back to previous standard of living.

And now? Got headhunted and now work only 5 mins from home, earning more money than in City (London) and love the job, my team, and the industry I'm in. Certainly wouldn't give that up in a hurry.

fransmom · 09/06/2007 23:27

it is 9 months now yes

Original poster
Malaleche · 09/06/2007 23:30

right, well in Spain where i live you get 16 weeks so am

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