Working Moms

maternity leave WWYD

so I posted something about this a few weeks ago and kind of got flamed, but I'd just like to know what others would do in my situation. 

I've taught in my district for 6 years.  The 1st middle school I worked in I was not happy with, and since I have left the administration has changed and now things are really miserable.  After coming back from maternity leave with DD I was transferred and I'm at a middle school I'm content with.  I don't love the district, but I prefer this middle school to the one I used to work at and I do not want to be in the high school.  I had planned to stay home with DS and DD until November.  Ideally I'll find a job in a new district and I know I'll have to start in September, but teaching jobs and very hard to come by.  My principal has told me she does not want to start the year with a sub.  I suggested I do a pull out or co-teach program, she said she will if she can, but she's not sure if she'll have the budget for the staffing.  She'd like to have me back in September, and she'd take me back in November if she can, but she's not sure if it's an option.  If she can not take me back in November I'll be in another school, either taking a class if someone is on leave, working as a co-teacher, or a building sub.

 

WWYD?

[Poll]
Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie First Birthday tickers Teterboro 5K 7/16/11 23:22 Tenafly 5K 6/5/11 26:48 1st in age group and stroller division Teterboro 5K 7/17/10 24:42 Lincoln Tunnel 5K 4/25/10 28:18 4 1/2 weeks pp Teterboro Airport 5K 7/18/09 22:35 3rd place age group 4 1/2 weeks pregnant Long Branch 1/2 5/3/09 1:51:07 Lincoln Tunnel 5K 4/26/09 22:22 NJEA 5K 11/7/08 22:30 2nd place age group Westchester 1/2 10/12/08 1:50:16 Teterboro Airport 5K 7/19/08 23:43 Long Branch 1/2 5/4/08 1:54:18 Giant Stadium 5K 4/26/08 error in timing Hackensack 5K 10/14/07 23:55 1st place in age group

Re: maternity leave WWYD

  • Honestly, many moms go back to work at 6 wks, 8 wks and, for me, 12 weeks. I didn't really have the luxury of a longer leave. I know it's hard to leave them when they are young, but they will be ok and in another 9 months, you'll have the entire summer with them.
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  • From what I remember from your previous post and looking at your ticker- you're due in late May.  If you go back in Sept, you'll still have 3 months at home.  For most, that's pretty much the standard about of ML.

    Yes, I would have loved to have had longer at home, but as 3 months is the norm - I voted for Sept. 

    "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
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  • imageEastCoastBride:

    From what I remember from your previous post and looking at your ticker- you're due in late May.  If you go back in Sept, you'll still have 3 months at home.  For most, that's pretty much the standard about of ML.

    Yes, I would have loved to have had longer at home, but as 3 months is the norm - I voted for Sept. 

    This. Three months is a standard and fair maternity leave. It will be harder to return after any amount of time if you don't like the job to which you are returning.

  • I vote November.  As long as you have a secure job in your district to go back to (even if it isn't your perfect job), I would want the extra time with my kids.  A job is a job and you will have a chance to make adjustments and advance over time; time with your children you can never get back.

    Just because other women take 6, 8 or 12 doesn't mean it is ideal for you.  

  • I disagree with the PP that "a job is a job". As you have experienced it can be difficult to find a job that you like with a management team that you like. If going back to work 2 months earlier meant I'd be happier and more fulfilled with my job, I'd most definitely go back early.

    Going back to work after maternity leave can be hard enough for some. Going back to a job you don't like is even worse. To me, those two extra months wouldn't be worth the potential of being unhappy at my job.

  • I voted September, because its more logical.  But, do what ya want.  However, if you take until November and then get moved to a different school...don't come back to this board and complain about how much you hate your job...
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  • how much time did you take with #1?  i voted september as well, i think ensuring your day to day happiness once you are back on the job is a better option for you and your children. 
  • imagezubenescamali:
    how much time did you take with #1?  i voted september as well, i think ensuring your day to day happiness once you are back on the job is a better option for you and your children. 

    DD was born in March so I took the rest of the school year which brought her to almost 6 months.  Now DH is pressuring me to stay out until November because it works out that between my sick pay and FML I'll be making a little more money being home then working and putting the kids in daycare.  Just to make things even more difficult. 

    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie First Birthday tickers Teterboro 5K 7/16/11 23:22 Tenafly 5K 6/5/11 26:48 1st in age group and stroller division Teterboro 5K 7/17/10 24:42 Lincoln Tunnel 5K 4/25/10 28:18 4 1/2 weeks pp Teterboro Airport 5K 7/18/09 22:35 3rd place age group 4 1/2 weeks pregnant Long Branch 1/2 5/3/09 1:51:07 Lincoln Tunnel 5K 4/26/09 22:22 NJEA 5K 11/7/08 22:30 2nd place age group Westchester 1/2 10/12/08 1:50:16 Teterboro Airport 5K 7/19/08 23:43 Long Branch 1/2 5/4/08 1:54:18 Giant Stadium 5K 4/26/08 error in timing Hackensack 5K 10/14/07 23:55 1st place in age group
  • 12 weeks / 3 months can go by so fast. That being said I voted for Sept. Sure more time with LO would be wonderful but is it worth risking going back to a job that makes you unhappy? I'm not in the best place with my job and I'm dreading going back. And I'm going to have to be careful not to bring the negativity home with me, I don't want it it interfere with my bond to DD. Happy mom is better for happy family.
    DD born January 2012 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker image image image
  • doesn't FMLA cover your same job?  If not, especially in that 1st year, I'd want the stability of my own classroom so I'd go back in Sept vs Nov.  It would be WAY too hard for me to have preps at different times and all sorts of random stuff (and the stress of taking over for a leave etc)  Besides, you don't want to be at the other schools so no way.
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