Back to Work - What should i do??????

[RitaJS]

I work in sales and notified my company that i would be taking a full 6 mnths off work on maternity.

I spoke to my boss on Fri who told me the person doing my job whilst i'm off wasnt doing well and the figures had really dried up, he was concerned that when i come back in 2mnths i would not have any customers to come back too and we touched upon me returning to work early to salvage the situation. F/time, P/time or even few hrs a week - he told me to think about it.

My boss told me that he was unable to offer me any financial incentive to come back early as it was illegal, but if i did come back it would look good and show my commitment to the co. Ive been with the co 5yrs so i think that shows enough commitment!!!!

I'm torn, i love spending my time with my baby and would only consider going back early if they made it worth my while. I would have to put LO in a nursery and it would also hinder me breastfeeding. I don't konw what to do - should i demand he offer me a financial incentive to return, perhaps try and get them to pay for my childcare? I dread having to leave LO but whether i go back now or in 6mnths i will have too, is the sooner she gets into nursery the better????

I will be returning to high pressurised sales environment, i question whether i need this stress at this stage when i am not getting anything for it. i can spend the nxt 2mnths enjoying the company of my LO instead. But then again, our finances are now tight as i am/was the main breadwinner if i go back early i will be back on full pay + bonuses.

Anybody got any advice on what i should do????

 

[weenik]

This is a hard one but you need to do what's best for you and your baby. You can always work at getting new/returning customers upon your return (and should get more bonuses for doing so!). I think it's unfair that he is putting pressure on you to return early and you need to ask yourself if you would feel ok about it or if you would feel guilty (not that you should). I originally told my work I was taking 9 months but am returning a month early due to finances but my baby is older so it's not really the same. Personally, I would tell them that due to childcare and bonding with your baby that you don't want to return early - it's up to them to sort out any issues with staff & customers in your absence. Would it be an option to return on reduced hours, if that would help? x

 

[bunnymom1980]

It's not fair of your employer to try to blackmail you in this way.

But, it's your decision. Everyone's different so no one can tell what the right thing to do is. What feels right for you?

 

[kalia]

I didn't know that it was illegal for them to offer you financial incentive to come back. I do know however, that it is not illegal for them to raise your salary while you are on maternity leave (even if you don't actually get the money yet because you are on SMP). I will have 2 pay rises whil I am on maternity leave. So if they are trying to say you are extra valuable I don't think there is anything wrong with discussing a payrise.

The payrise would have to be from whenever you come back, it wouldn't be a condition of you going back. So talk to them about it and explain that since they have discovered that you are fantastic and irreplaceable you would like a payrise. This would be seperate from a discussion about return to work.

If you feel you would like to return, you can go in on 10 days without this affecting your SMP. You can be paid for these days. So you could negotiate a payrise, then arrange to come in one day a week for the next 2 months which would boost your income without stopping your maternity pay.

Do what feels right for you though. I assume from what you say there is a financial advantage to you personally if you have more sales. If not, don't go back early. If so, it's tricky but it's your call. Good luck

 

[RitaJS]

thanks guys for your comments.

I'm soooo torn, ideally i want to stop at home forever and look after LO but unless i win the lottery this isnt gonna happen!!!!!!!!!!

My heart is telling me to not think about the money and just enjoy the next few mnths of maternity stress-free, but my head is telling me that i am in a strong position now that the company knows my worth and i should be able to negotiate a good package so financially i would be foolish not to go back - hmmmm just dunno what to do.

will keep you posted on what i decide!