Married: 11/2011
DS-9/2012
DD-7/2015
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September 2012 Moms
BarefootContessa
member
Really really crappy timing... (maternity leave)
BarefootContessa
member
So..I am set to take the full 12 weeks of FMLA. I work in an office of approximately 6 people. 3 of us technically fulfill the same role, though one person is only part time (35+ hours a week). I work in higher education so with the school year starting up, our jobs are growing increasingly busy. I already had anxiety telling my boss I was due in September knowing I'd be out the majority of the fall semester.
I should give background that the other full time person on my "team" is being groomed to take over a higher position within our office. She will do this after I return from maternity leave as she will be sharing my responsibilities with the part time person while I'm out. The whole office is aware of this and this has been the plan for months now.
Part time worker came to me in confidence yesterday saying she got a full time job else where and will be leaving in two weeks. I'm happy for her as the new job offers her benefits that she desperately needs as a single mom. But part of me is really aggravated/frustrated that she's doing this 3 weeks out from my due date. This means it leaves 1 person in our office to take on the tasks of 3 jobs while trying to train someone new. I feel beyond guilty for said coworker.
SO If you made it through all of that-- would you feel guilty for still taking 12 weeks FMLA in this situation? I'm really struggling with feeling like I need to fulfill an obligation to my boss and coworkers but damnit-- this is my time. I've been here for five years and filled in while other had huge life events. It's likely the ONLY amount of time I'll have home with little man and I won't get that back. DH says take the time and don't give it a second thought...but I just feel SO guilty.
Sweet Angel Boy born too soon 12/17/17
EDD-4/2019
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Really really crappy timing... (maternity leave)
I am in a similar situation. September - December is the one of the busiest times of year for my program, and my staff is really going to have to step it up when I'm out. My agency does not put temps in when a director is out on maternity leave, so they will have to make do without me, and I feel badly because they'll get no additional compensation or anything for their extra work. It's just "expected" that they step up and pick up the slack.
That being said, I am a little worried about it but I wouldn't say I feel guilty. Maybe I would if I find out they're having a hard time with something while I'm gone. But my family is my #1 priority and I wouldn't trade the time at home with my new baby for anything. I also think that once our LO's come, the stress and guilt will fade away because we just won't care as much about work!
Trust me - work will be the LAST thing on your mind when you're at home.
It's amazing how that child changes your priorities.
I would take the 12 weeks and enjoy them because before you know it, you'll be going back to work, sobbing like a over dramatic movie star and wishing you had more time.
(At least that's what I did...)
They'll figure it out, they're "big kids" and it'll all work out. Enjoy YOUR time with YOUR family. Let them worry about the mess.
Listen to your DH. You should try not to feel guilty and definitely shouldn't change your plans for leave.
Fall is our busiest time as well, and my team is going to have to step-up and take over my work-load. I not only feel guilty but am worried that they won't get the support from management that they need (recent re-org changes have a bunch of directors/VPs in new positions & don't have as much time availble).
You should do everything you can to make sure you can help before you leave, but when you're out, you should enjoy your LO and take care of yourself. (I am reminding myself of this daily so that I'll keep my laptop off when I'm home!)
Big Kid Jan 2010
Littlest Man Sept 2012
You may feel like its crappy timing but life happens. Don't take a second thought because this is time you won't get back. The other person should understand and everyone in the office should rally with your left behind co-worker to get the job done. In the long run, 3 months is a short time lapse. Don't waste it thinking about work.
Harper Grace 08.31.12 Sibling Expected 08.30.15
Aug 2015 - January Siggy Challenge - Fav mean girl from TV/Film
Ellie from CougarTown
This is not far off from where I am now. I also work in higher ed, and this is also our busiest time of year. Our office has 5 professional staff positions, 2 of which are currently vacant (searches have already started, but HR moves slowly). SO, when I leave next month, there will only be 2 professional staff members, one of which isn't qualified to do most of my job.
I felt terrible about it for a long time, but they've also had plenty of time to prepare for it. They both know it will be super busy, and fortunately, our VP is understanding and used to be director of our office, so she can help out if it's totally necessary. That being said, I have huge amounts of anxiety about going into labor early and leaving them right as the semester starts (as it is now, I would leave about a month into the semester, when it starts to slightly slow down).
At this point, I am over feeling guilty. When I got pregnant we were fully staffed, and at this point, I have absolutely no control over the situation. I say listen to your DH and take your full time without the guilt. In the grand scheme, it's only 12 weeks and you will be back. But I totally feel you.
I'm only taking eight weeks, but I'm going to take them and not try to come back early. Your H is right; you need to take this time to be with LO, so take it. I get feeling anxious about it, but don't feel guilty. Family first.
DS-9/2012
DD-7/2015