I think I got myself into a pickle by saying that I would be available and be able to do some work from home during maternity leave. I didn't mean that I would be able to still handle almost my whole work load. When on maternity leave with Elsie it wasn't this bad. Just a few e-mails and some simple tasks.
I even went into the office today with Ian and worked for almost 2 hours on monthly billings and other lose ends and am working again checking e-mails and such from home.
It's ridiculous that when I asked someone else if they could help finish up something for me they are too busy so I am going to end up doing the work from home or going into the office next week to finish it. And something that someone else is supposed to be handling hasn't gotten done in the 2 weeks I've been gone, the contractor is starting to get impatient.
I've cried just about everyday, stupid hormones. I don't know how to approach my boss and tell him that I am supposed to be on maternity leave and can't handle all of it like I thought I could (or like I did with newborn Elsie) and a newborn. I need to get the balls and talk to him on Monday. What do I say? I am afraid that he is going to be disappointed that I can't handle it. I am a hard worker and really have a hard time giving other people my responsibilities, but I need to get over this. I am also afraid that this will hurt my position with the company. (FYI- we are FMLA approved).
I am seriously stressing here at home with not getting my work done and taking care of a newborn, something's got to give and I don't think it should be me.
Re: Maternity Leave vent
I'm really really sorry Steph. Is calling in and giving them the date you'll be back not an option? Like, do not call me...I'll be back Aug __.
I understand you wanting to help out and it's very sweet of you but time off for maternity leave is important. It's not fair to you or your family that you're feeling so stressed.
Btw, you're right., something has to give and it shouldn't be you.
((hugs))
love is for every her, love is for every him, love is for everyone
Sorry this is happening to you. Take care if yourself & your family.
Agree with the above, unless they are paying your for your time when you go in or extending your maternity you should in no way be working or going into the office. They can cover or hire a temp. That's what has happened in the other jobs I worked when someone had a baby. This is your time to heal (um you just a baby), regroup, and rest as much as possible (I say that with a bunch of winks as I'm 6 months in and still trying to catch up on sleep). While maternity leave isn't a vacation for the mom in a sense it is like that for the job you are away so they shouldn't be bugging you unless it's a simple question here or there that they can't figure out and would take 1 minute on the phone. Look at it this way, what if you were on vacation up in the mountains with no phone or computer, what would they do? Plus, you don't want to become bitter towards you job because if I recall you do like it.
I know you can talk to the boss. You are super sweet but you have a tough side.ditto all the pp.
Get your big girl boots on steph, tell your boss you will be back ___day, and dont take one single phone call from work until then.
Its not your life at that office. Your life is at home, with your newborn and E. They need ya!
Married the love of my life 6/3/06
Became a family of three 8/25/09
Not sure what your maternity policy is, but it *may* be illegal for you to work while on paid leave (if it's paid). I know at Mutual (obviously a much bigger organization), they can get in trouble if someone on short-term disability/maternity leave is working actively.
I'm sorry, bad situation. You need to put your foot down!