Hi,
I am currently off work on the sick following my maternity leave. We have had an extremely stressful 18 months, following a list of catastrophic events in our life, some major things which I'll not go into but which have really affected my ability to cope and function properly and well, and which include one child having had a major operation at 5 months old and the other one having to attend hospital for tests for kidney problems.
After crumbling, the doctor suggested I have some time off and gave me some beta blockers as I was experiencing panic attacks. I haven't taken them as I'm worried it'll effect my ability to be a good mum(? any experiences would be gladly received.
Anyway, I returned to work in the summer, but had taken saved holiday and was therefor due to properly return at the end of August. I have been off since. My work keep emailing/phoning and writing to me to ask when I'll be back. Are they allowed to do this?
The main crux is that I don't want to go back. I do want to have a job, but would like to change my career route. I teach kids with emotional/behavioural difficulties and feel that I've got enough of my own to be able to give them what they need. I also don't feel supported by my manager who has been very unsuportive of any child related issues e.g childcare vouchers, children being unwell, me being pregnant etc.
The trouble is, I don't know where I stand in terms of my rights. Would I have to pay some of my maternity pay back, do I have to go back for any period of time?
I really feel very anxious about all this and I'm trying to be as proactive as possible, but it seems very difficult with one child quite ill and with work hassling me on an ongoing basis.
If anyone has any ideas or advice, I'd be so grateful. I just feel like I'm in a real mess. I know there'll be a way out and in my normal frame of mind I'm the first to offer help and support, but I just can't see the wood for the trees. Thank you.