Changing jobs after mat leave?

[Latecomer131]

Has anyone done this, and how did it work out? I am currently doing a casual job search while on mat leave. I don't hate my existing job, and even have a great line manager and friendly colleagues, but I am frustrated with the lack of opportunities for progression.

It feels like mat leave is a good opportunity to explore my options. However, I am aware that it might be stressful to be starting a new role and have a probation period hanging over me while my DC is so young (I am due to return when my DC is 11 months and they will be in nursery full time).

For anyone who has made a job switch after mat leave, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

I did, I work in the nhs and moved house and the commute was killing me so looked around during maternity. I found a job in the local hospital which suited me, although still not much progression.

My DD was ill every other week for 3 months when she started nursery but I was lucky my new manager was lovely and really flexible.

If it suits you and your family life I'd say go for it. It's the best thing I did, 3 years on I'm still there and still enjoying it.

I did, although it was slightly different as I went back to a different role within the same company so no probationary period to worry about.

Personally, I found that moving roles really helped me prepare mentally for going back to work, even though I liked my old job/colleagues. I suppose I felt like I'd have so much to catch up on and would feel really out of the loop, whereas going back to work and everything being new in a new role was somehow easier.

It's worked out really well for me, and in the 2.5 years since returning my career has really taken off, so in my case the move was a good one. I think sometimes having an extended break from the workplace, like you get with maternity leave, is a great opportunity to weigh up what you actually want to be doing at work, which is harder to do when you're just trying to get through each day.

My DD was ill every other week for 3 months when she started nursery but I was lucky my new manager was lovely and really flexible.

Ah yes, this is also true! DS was constantly I'll when he started at nursery and fortunately my manager was really understanding, but it's still an extra worry when you're starting in a brand new role.

You have given up 12 months of your career... get your parter to take up the slack for a few months when you return to work.. either by requesting flexible working for a short term, or simply letting work know that he had a child that he will be responsible for..

@GiltEdges That's interesting. I did have the suspicion that it's almost better to start again somewhere new after mat leave, due to being out of the loop and people treating you differently when you return.