We get 8 weeks paid and can take an additional 4 unpaid under FMLA...but during those 8 weeks they concurrently take any of your sick and vacation time. So essentially I will be using my 8 weeks of accrued sick leave as my maternity leave and then when I come back I will have absolutely 0 available time off! YAY!
Ugh I hate that! They are making me use all future pto and sick time for the rest of the year so I'll come back in late aug/ early September with no time available until Jan 1!
For once the military is ahead of the times! Just this year the navy started offering 4 months of paid maternity leave. Im extremely happy with that. I only got 6 with DS1 a year ago.
I hate that women can't stay with their babies for longer. I stay at home since day care cost would be way too much, especially with baby 3 on the way. Hopefully the U.S. Will wise up soon. Families are important. They need to be taken care of. Moms or a Dad needs to be with a little baby, but shouldn't have to sacrifice the hard work they've done for a career once that child is older.
I'm luck that DH works for a very family friendly company and is granted paid paternity leave. He only took a few days last time, but it was there if he needed it. They also allowed him to adjust his hours as I needed him.
Every time I read these threads I get angry. For a country who is considered a world leader is so many ways - the way women are treated is unbelievable. Hearing all your stories makes me think this thread is from forty years ago.
I'm from Canada and I'm sure you're all familiar with how much better our maternity leave is - so I won't blab about it. I just hope when it comes time to elect your new president that person understands how important this issue is to you and your kids, and society in general.
I don't think any mom, who doesn't want to, should have to leave their 6 week old baby to go back to work or risk losing their job. Grrr. So angry.
Linsbinshuskypuppy14 I just logged into my HR portal and I see short term disability there as an option. Do I have to opt into it during the enrollment period or can I sign up for it when I need it? I can't go to HR just yet, because being such a small company the CEO is actually the one that handles all HR related stuff. I've been here a little over a month and trying to put off telling them while I establish myself as valuable to the company.
That being said, as a new company, it's possible that whatever decisions we make will affect the long term policies and practices of the company as it grows. So that could be kind of exciting/interesting.
Linsbinshuskypuppy14 I just logged into my HR portal and I see short term disability there as an option. Do I have to opt into it during the enrollment period or can I sign up for it when I need it? I can't go to HR just yet, because being such a small company the CEO is actually the one that handles all HR related stuff. I've been here a little over a month and trying to put off telling them while I establish myself as valuable to the company.
That being said, as a new company, it's possible that whatever decisions we make will affect the long term policies and practices of the company as it grows. So that could be kind of exciting/interesting.
Is there anything in your handbook that talks about short term disability? There are so many rules to this stuff. For FMLA, you have to be full time and work for the company for 12 months in a full time position before you are able to apply to take FMLA. Short term disability is often something you need to have signed up for before hand, but sometimes it's not. If this information is not in your handbook, do you have a coworker you can confide in who might know about this?
I get you not wanting to tell HR/CEO about it. I'm getting a raise that is ultimately up to our CEO. he's very sexist and doesn't like when pregnant employees take leave. So, I will wait as long a can until I get my raise. It's three months overdue but I was promised it would happen before we get bonuses this year since bonus amounts are based on salary. My coworkers don't see me since I telecommute, so I don't have the issue of hiding my pregnancy from anyone.
That fully sucks. I thought I had it bad. I can take 12 calendar weeks with half paid (using my sicktime, which I will none left) and half unpaid. Luckily I applied for STD last year so I have that to fall back on. However being a teacher, if I go late I will have no real maternity just summer vacation.
TTC since Jan. 2010 DX Unexplained infertility
3 IUI's w/Clomid & Ovidrel=all BFNs 3 IVF (2 Fresh, 1 frozen) =BFN Jan 2012 New RE & Fresh Cycle =BFP!
I actually don't think that chart speaks for itself. What's the source? When it says "paid leave" is that paid by who? Is it full pay? And what is the employment rate and salary range for women in those countries? By all means, this is a discussion worth having but, I think most of us can say we'd rather be living in the US with no paid leave than in a 3rd world country where they barely have basic necessities. I have to imagine I make way, way more than my counter part in Africa.
There's no question we are way behind other developed nations. But I just find the comparison to "third world countries" to be completely disingenuous.
@copperlane we are a small tech startup and being that I recently joined the company I don't have that closeness yet with anyone, most of the folks here were here when the company was founded. My CEO is a delight, and I believe I'll have nothing but support from my team. The upside of startups is they tend to be pretty laid back about a lot. For example, we have unlimited vacation. Yep. As long as you get your work done and it doesn't put a burden on other staff. We have a 'don't be a hero/ine' sick day policy. If you feel like shit, don't be a hero by trekking into the office to infect the rest of us. Work from home if you can.
But the other side of startup life is that the company is just figuring things out on its own. They make policies as needed, the same way we develop our software. So when the time comes, I believe I'll have to present a cohesive plan for what I want, and they'll probably go to their advisors and discuss among the cofounders and decide the company policy. They are all men.
But w/r/t STD, I don't want to be a dummy and hide my pregnancy and then announce like week after I'm able to enroll and it's too late! I'm not participating in their paid health insurance, not sure if that is a factor here too.
I work for a not to be named nonprofit that advocates that all pregnant women get 12 weeks paid maternity leave. Guess how many we are guaranteed as staff? 6!!!! Granted I can use my banked sick and vacation time for the other other 6 and since I've been there 10+ years, I will have no issues this pregnancy. However women who haven't banked the sick time because they've had to use to it to take care of sick kids or they used it for their last pregnancy are screwed.
I'm lucky and I'm not complaining, but the hypocrisy is appalling. It was brought to our CEOs attention and the response was "we have a very generous family leave policy". Do as I say not as I do, I guess.
That is shameful. Thanks for the solidarity, ladies. I wasn't sure if I was feeling sorry myself unnecessarily. Clearly something in this country needs to change...
We get 8 weeks paid and can take an additional 4 unpaid under FMLA...but during those 8 weeks they concurrently take any of your sick and vacation time. So essentially I will be using my 8 weeks of accrued sick leave as my maternity leave and then when I come back I will have absolutely 0 available time off! YAY!
Ugh I hate that! They are making me use all future pto and sick time for the rest of the year so I'll come back in late aug/ early September with no time available until Jan 1!
right? because small children never get sick. new parents needs some PTO balance after we return to work, whether to take care of our children or mental health/sickness days for ourselves!
We get 8 weeks paid and can take an additional 4 unpaid under FMLA...but during those 8 weeks they concurrently take any of your sick and vacation time. So essentially I will be using my 8 weeks of accrued sick leave as my maternity leave and then when I come back I will have absolutely 0 available time off! YAY!
Ugh I hate that! They are making me use all future pto and sick time for the rest of the year so I'll come back in late aug/ early September with no time available until Jan 1!
right? because small children never get sick. new parents needs some PTO balance after we return to work, whether to take care of our children or mental health/sickness days for ourselves!
My PPD kicked in when I went back to work. It was so bad I was almost hospitalized at a behavioral health place. (I'm good now no worries) but they wouldn't even let me skip my lunchtime to leave early to go to conselouling. I couldn't keep using sick time (I was running out) so I just quit going to therapy.
I'm in a similar boat...I found out that while I get FMLA, it will be completely unpaid and in our benefit sign ups, the company buried short-term disability under list of items/coverage didn't need (but would have to pay for out of pocket) now I also have no short term give me any sort of pay. My direct boss is willing work with me, but ugh! For now, it's save, save, save then potential part time work from home after baby comes if I need the money..
I am right there with all of you ladies. My current employer does not offer any paid maternity leave. The really crappy part is that I am getting laid off at the end of this year. By the time I land a new job, I will not have been with a new employer long enough to even qualify for FMLA. I think it states that you have to be employed for a minimum of 12 months to be eligible.
I think my only hope in this situation is saving a shitload of extra money for when the time comes to take leave, seeing what I can get through short term disability, and negotiating whatever I can with a new employer.
I can definitely commiserate with you ladies! Our maternity leave is considered unpaid...you have to use banked sick and vacation time which means I will have zero time off when I return. We also have short term disability which pays 60% of my salary after a 30 day waiting period. We have a very generous sick leave policy so I'm thankful for that and a lot of flexibility so I should be fine for the remainder of 2016 until my sick leave reboots on 1/1. I will qualify for FMLA so my job is secure for 12 weeks but STD may only last 6 weeks (depends on how the birth goes and whether I'm "disabled" for additional time). I figure, worst case scenario, I will have 8 weeks paid at 100% when I run out of STD, sick and vacation time. DH and I are saving money to cover a minimum of 4 weeks of my salary for this possibility.
Additionally, under Washington state law, I have 12 more weeks protected time off. It is similar to FMLA in that your employer has to keep your job (or a similar job) open for you but not only are you not paid but your benefits are put on hold so you have to pay COBRA rates which are a lot. So, if we could swing it financially, I could potentially take 24 weeks off with baby.
Sadly, it sounds like my employer has one of the better policies. Maternity leave in the US is pathetic.
I currently hate my job and was looking for a new one while TTC (really thought it would take longer than it did). I wouldn't look at any positions at companies with less than 50 employees so that I would at least have FMLA and was really hoping to find another position in New Jersey (one of 2 of the best states for Mat Leave laws). Unfortunately most of the available positions were in NYC which would have dropped my paid leave from 12 weeks (NJ) to only 8 or 9 weeks (NYC).
It's crazy and sad that we have to pick between careers and families still today.
I actually don't think that chart speaks for itself. What's the source? When it says "paid leave" is that paid by who? Is it full pay? And what is the employment rate and salary range for women in those countries? By all means, this is a discussion worth having but, I think most of us can say we'd rather be living in the US with no paid leave than in a 3rd world country where they barely have basic necessities. I have to imagine I make way, way more than my counter part in Africa.
There's no question we are way behind other developed nations. But I just find the comparison to "third world countries" to be completely disingenuous.
I actually don't think that chart speaks for itself. What's the source? When it says "paid leave" is that paid by who? Is it full pay? And what is the employment rate and salary range for women in those countries? By all means, this is a discussion worth having but, I think most of us can say we'd rather be living in the US with no paid leave than in a 3rd world country where they barely have basic necessities. I have to imagine I make way, way more than my counter part in Africa.
There's no question we are way behind other developed nations. But I just find the comparison to "third world countries" to be completely disingenuous.
I actually don't think that chart speaks for itself. What's the source? When it says "paid leave" is that paid by who? Is it full pay? And what is the employment rate and salary range for women in those countries? By all means, this is a discussion worth having but, I think most of us can say we'd rather be living in the US with no paid leave than in a 3rd world country where they barely have basic necessities. I have to imagine I make way, way more than my counter part in Africa.
There's no question we are way behind other developed nations. But I just find the comparison to "third world countries" to be completely disingenuous.
1. Africa is a continent
2. Africa consists of 54 countries. It is NOT a country.
You realize that not everyone in Africa is a walking unicef ad right? There may very well be people there (ie/ your counterparts) who make more than you AND have better mat leave.
I actually don't think that chart speaks for itself. What's the source? When it says "paid leave" is that paid by who? Is it full pay? And what is the employment rate and salary range for women in those countries? By all means, this is a discussion worth having but, I think most of us can say we'd rather be living in the US with no paid leave than in a 3rd world country where they barely have basic necessities. I have to imagine I make way, way more than my counter part in Africa.
There's no question we are way behind other developed nations. But I just find the comparison to "third world countries" to be completely disingenuous.
1. Africa is a continent
2. Africa consists of 54 countries. It is NOT a country.
You realize that not everyone in Africa is a walking unicef ad right? There may very well be people there (ie/ your counterparts) who make more than you AND have better mat leave.
Personally I will not be eligible for FMLA. Just 2 months shy or so yay unplanned pregnancy. My job pays for short term disability at 60%. I pay $6.60/check to bump up to 80%. I'm trying to be on my best behavior b/c I will be taking 12 weeks whether they like it or not. And hoping to come back part time if they'll let me. My contract states full time for 2 years or I owe a crap ton of money for the training they put me through. We'll see :-/
My advice: next november vote for people who will make paid maternity leave happen. I have a sneaking suspicion that won't be the candidate who once characterized breastfeeding as "disgusting"
I can't post on this subject without getting angry. Maternity leave in the U.S. sucks. I wish more corporations (ESPECIALLY the ones that tout that they are ever-so "family oriented"....*cough, BS, cough*) would grow up already and realize that women aren't stay-at-home wives/mothers like they used to be a long time ago. Then again, most corporations here are run by 60+ year old white men who (surprise, surprise) were raised by stay-at-home mothers so they probably think "everything is the way it should be". Its appalling, truly.
Wow....for once I am speechless. This is just unbelievable! I feel for you ladies. Crazy you have to struggle to get 'Disability'. We get the option of 39 weeks minimum in the UK. You are paid 90% of your salary for 6 weeks and then £139 ($210) per week for 33 weeks. Its not a lot but that is the very most basic state requirement. Sorry but America sucks for Maternity and Health care.
@RMLandy No disrespect, but I emphatically disagree. Africa not your bag... Ok, some stereotyping there, but fine. Let's say youre right about the power purchasing parity not being equitable. Too big a trade off for you. Ok. What about, oh I don't know, any other country on any other continent on the planet?? Take your pick, 100% offer better options than the US does. Like Europe? Asia? Or why go far? North America offers lots of options and I can't recall the quality of life in Canada going in the toilet due to state mandated family support.
Yes, I love my country, that doesn't mean it's perfect and when I have to give up my 75 cents on the dollar just Bc I dared to bring in the next generation, you bet I'm gonna be damn pissed, not grateful. It's ridiculous, wrong, and archaic. End of story. #hellyesivote
You can get angry all you want but trying to pick a fight with someone who agrees with you on the issue we are talking about here - the poor state of maternity leave in the US - may not be the best use of your time. But rant and hangtag away! I enjoy reading it. And thank you to those who posted links to articles with further information. From what I could tell they address mostly developed nations but they were informative and I appreciate it.
Edit to add: Yes. Even with the many, many problems we have, I'm happy to live and plan to remain in the US while voting for those I believe will help make the changes needed to make us even better. I would not trade.
Linsbinshuskypuppy14 I just logged into my HR portal and I see short term disability there as an option. Do I have to opt into it during the enrollment period or can I sign up for it when I need it? I can't go to HR just yet, because being such a small company the CEO is actually the one that handles all HR related stuff. I've been here a little over a month and trying to put off telling them while I establish myself as valuable to the company.
That being said, as a new company, it's possible that whatever decisions we make will affect the long term policies and practices of the company as it grows. So that could be kind of exciting/interesting.
You have to opt in before pregnancy in California. Check your state laws ASAP- you may be able to still get in. I know in a couple states though, you have to have the policy for a year before you can use it.
Hi! I am so sorry! This sucks! There is a telemedicine company called Maven (www.mavenclinic.com) where you can work from home as a nurse practitioner. Try that? America needs to change.
I am late to the discussion because my company has no handbook, no HR department, and only two women that have had children in the last 10 years so I had to announce my pregnancy in order to get any feedback. I am in Texas working for a company that does not meet FMLA requirements and found out today that we get 6 weeks unpaid maternity leave less any PTO we have earned. It is my understanding that our company pays for us to have a STD policy that can cover 60% of salary for up to 13 weeks but I have not been able to get confirmation. Are there any STD plans that do not cover pregnancy? If so, it would just my luck that our plan would be that way too
My husband and I both work full time and have been looking for a way financially that I could stay home for 6 months but it doesn't seem feasible. We have even discussed me taking a new job closer to home after baby since with commute I am gone 12-13 hours a day but I know it would be a pay cut and I wouldn't be able to find anything nearby in my line of work.
I am not sure what my company policy is. But I have been trying for 3 years now to get on the short term disability. Every time my cardiologist turns my paper work in late. I was going to try again during open enrollment and our little surprise happened in September. What candidates what paid maternity leave? and will we be grandfathered in? haha. We really can not afford for me to be unpaid that long. Maybe I'll be searching work from home jobs soon. I can do my job at home but i'm not sure how my employers would go for that. I'm the little guy not an essential employee. I also get 2 weeks vacation and 1 week sick time. i'll earn maybe 1/2 by my due date of June 18th. so 1.5 weeks paid not sure how this will work.
As an independent contractual worker I get no paid time off, no sick leave, and no other benefits. I am already figuring that I will need to go back pretty quickly after giving birth, but am trying to keep my schedule flexible so I can do a little here, do a little there. Since I can do evenings and weekends, we are trying to plan on me working when my husband is home so we don't have any childcare expenses. And hopefully he will get some paternity leave or can use some of his PTO to cover if we need a little extra help. He is also moving his schedule at work around to go in earlier and get off earlier. Plus I work from home on a different contract job. Just need to make enough money to pay on student loans each month (which is a shameful amount of money).
@June2016BabyW Just so you know on the student loan you can actually defer payments for a few months. You just explain that money will be tight for a few months. The downfall is you still have interest and you add the few months to the end of your loan. Not sure if that helps.
I am waiting in my 12 week ultrasound tomorrow the will probably tell work in the next few weeks. They have nothing in place for maternity leave so I am trying to find out the best way to pitch them something that will work on both sides.
@jmohio I've got deferments as a back up plan and am just hoping to save enough money between now and when the baby comes to feasibly cover three months of payments if I need to take additional time off. But I can definitely do deferments as a worst case scenario. (Or some kind billionaire could just pay them off for me. Or the government could just forgive them all....)
I am very lucky that I absolutely love my job, love the colleagues I work with, and love the people I work with. I don't know that I would want to be away from it for an extended period of time. But I also know I won't know how I am going to feel until baby gets here.
Re: F-U "maternity leave"
I'm luck that DH works for a very family friendly company and is granted paid paternity leave. He only took a few days last time, but it was there if he needed it. They also allowed him to adjust his hours as I needed him.
Every time I read these threads I get angry. For a country who is considered a world leader is so many ways - the way women are treated is unbelievable. Hearing all your stories makes me think this thread is from forty years ago.
I'm from Canada and I'm sure you're all familiar with how much better our maternity leave is - so I won't blab about it. I just hope when it comes time to elect your new president that person understands how important this issue is to you and your kids, and society in general.
I don't think any mom, who doesn't want to, should have to leave their 6 week old baby to go back to work or risk losing their job. Grrr. So angry.
I get you not wanting to tell HR/CEO about it. I'm getting a raise that is ultimately up to our CEO. he's very sexist and doesn't like when pregnant employees take leave. So, I will wait as long a can until I get my raise. It's three months overdue but I was promised it would happen before we get bonuses this year since bonus amounts are based on salary. My coworkers don't see me since I telecommute, so I don't have the issue of hiding my pregnancy from anyone.
3 IUI's w/Clomid & Ovidrel=all BFNs
3 IVF (2 Fresh, 1 frozen) =BFN
Jan 2012 New RE & Fresh Cycle =BFP!
There's no question we are way behind other developed nations. But I just find the comparison to "third world countries" to be completely disingenuous.
My PPD kicked in when I went back to work. It was so bad I was almost hospitalized at a behavioral health place. (I'm good now no worries) but they wouldn't even let me skip my lunchtime to leave early to go to conselouling. I couldn't keep using sick time (I was running out) so I just quit going to therapy.
I think my only hope in this situation is saving a shitload of extra money for when the time comes to take leave, seeing what I can get through short term disability, and negotiating whatever I can with a new employer.
BFP#4- 9/26 edd 6/5/18
1. Africa is a continent
2. Africa consists of 54 countries. It is NOT a country.
You realize that not everyone in Africa is a walking unicef ad right? There may very well be people there (ie/ your counterparts) who make more than you AND have better mat leave.
So, why is the comparison disingenuous?
1. Africa is a continent
2. Africa consists of 54 countries. It is NOT a country.
You realize that not everyone in Africa is a walking unicef ad right? There may very well be people there (ie/ your counterparts) who make more than you AND have better mat leave.
So, why is the comparison disingenuous?
@CourtJack you just gave me a girl crush.
Here's a lovely picture for anyone too lazy to click through the links.
Yes, I love my country, that doesn't mean it's perfect and when I have to give up my 75 cents on the dollar just Bc I dared to bring in the next generation, you bet I'm gonna be damn pissed, not grateful. It's ridiculous, wrong, and archaic. End of story. #hellyesivote
Edit to add: Yes. Even with the many, many problems we have, I'm happy to live and plan to remain in the US while voting for those I believe will help make the changes needed to make us even better. I would not trade.
https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/paid-parental-leave-us
I am waiting in my 12 week ultrasound tomorrow the will probably tell work in the next few weeks. They have nothing in place for maternity leave so I am trying to find out the best way to pitch them something that will work on both sides.
But I can definitely do deferments as a worst case scenario. (Or some kind billionaire could just pay them off for me. Or the government could just forgive them all....)
I am very lucky that I absolutely love my job, love the colleagues I work with, and love the people I work with. I don't know that I would want to be away from it for an extended period of time. But I also know I won't know how I am going to feel until baby gets here.