Quitting after maternity leave

[NurtureGrow]

Hello all,

I’m due to return to work from maternity leave in October (after 1 year.)

I’m hoping anyone who left their job or industry at the end of maternity leave, or shortly after, can share their experience.

Ive worked in my industry for 15 years +. It’s a hard industry, but I’ve managed to progress. Problem is, I now find my role doesn’t feel that worthwhile, I’m working remotely in this country (rest of the operation closed) when I’m sociable and the biggest issue: I’ve never really felt I belonged. I didn’t realise before I went in this direction that indeed my industry is very class based and I’m not from this background. No matter what I’ve done I’ve never really seemed to fit. I’m much more down to earth, outdoors kind of person.

There are a few areas I’m thinking of transitioning too, planning to have conversations with others to get a better sense. Of course it’s a bit scary, feels like such a big move to change industry.

My question! Those who left their role or industry after maternity leave and went back for a couple of months before handing in their notice. Are you glad you did? Or do you wish you never went back?

I don’t seem to have a clause in my contract that stipulates I work a certain time otherwise I have to have to pay back maternity pay… but I am keen to receive my holiday pay and knowing my company their may try not to pay it if they know I am leaving. I’m worried to go back and feel down after 1 year of being away from the madness. If I go back, I may work 4 weeks, hand in my notice, leave by Christmas. There is the added pressure of trying to find a new role before October if I leave before, and I’m still trying to decide what to do.

My husband will start a business in October/November so will need my income, we don’t have lots of savings.

Thank you!

Sorry I can’t comment on quitting as I went back part time to a career I love.
But picking up on your last sentence I just wanted to warn you the job market is very tricky at the moment. I know 4 people in different industries all made redundant over the past year and 2 of them have not been able to find other work yet despite having years of experience behind them

@GalantMiner thank you, that’s v helpful to know!

I quit just before I went back as I wanted to stay home for a while longer. Unfortunately, my husband got made redundant a few months later and I had to find a job just in case he couldn’t find anything (I have a well established career so was able to find something quickly). As the person above mentioned, the job market is very tricky at the moment. I have lots of friends who are struggling to find anything, again, well established in their careers and in the same industry as me.

Maybe wait until your husbands business is stable before quitting.

I went back for about 8 months but I spent most of that time finding a new role which was a career change albeit using some of my transferable skills. I found it helpful to go back into an environment that I was familiar with and where I was respected enough to have some flexibility straight off while I settled DS into nursery etc.

I might be wrong but if it’s just SMP you’ve received, it’s statutory and you won’t need to pay it back. Enhanced maternity pay is a different story and you will. Holiday pay - if you’ve accrued it, they will have to pay it to you. You could ask to tag whatever you’ve accrued onto the end of your maternity leave, so you get a period of full pay but in effect you’re on holiday. What’s your notice period? You may have to work that. ACAS are a good (and free) starting point to get answers to these questions. Once you have them, you can make a more informed decision.

Also to add, a year off feels like a long time. Going back to a job you know may help ease you back into working and find your feet with your new addition

I would go back but not leave till I had a new job particularly with your husband's income being uncertain. You will also keep your childcare in place if you work without a break. If you have a period of unemployment you may not be able to afford childcare and then not get a place when you get a new job.

You might not need to pay pack enhanced pay. At my company you don’t.

I would work out if you are going to be relying on childcare top ups from the government (tax free and 15/30 funded hours) and what sort of eligibility criteria they need you to keep.

Hi OP. I had worked in my industry for 20 years when I went on maternity leave - & I handed in my notice toward the end of my maternity leave. Slightly different circ as I’d also relocated to a different county.
I then found a job in the same industry in my new location - but left after less than a year as it solidified the fact for me that I didn’t want to be in that industry anymore, and I didn’t like the particular company I was working for. I then took a total career change which did involve a short period of no work and starting on 2 hours a week, which I appreciate is not practical for you with your husband’s current position.

3 years on I’m in a position I’d always wanted to be since having my child (which for me has meant more autonomy at work, part time hours and WFH). I don’t regret it at all. A change is as good as a rest rings true for me!
So as a PP said, you’re probably best to go back just until your husband is sorted - but I don’t think if you leave after that that you’ll look back, even if it takes you a while to get something more suitable.

I would anticipate you would need to repay some of your maternity pay if you don’t return or stay for the minimum stipulated period. It wouldn’t seem the best time for your husband to set up his own business if your employment is not reliable. Too risky. If he is proceeding with a new business I think you should return to your previous role for a time to give the family stability.

If I had a job right now I wouldn’t quit, it’s terrible out there for jobs across so many industries unless you are in healthcare or public sector I’d sit tight while looking for new roles.