I am at the point where I need to let my school district know how I am going to "handle" maternity leave. I can use up any or all of my accrued sick time + family leave (a total of six weeks off, paid). Here's the thing, I work from home - I am a high school teacher. So my choices are:
1. Take the 6 weeks off paid and enjoy the time with baby
2. Take some time off for the live classes I have each week (this would come out to about a day a week off) and just answer email and complete the grading.
I am torn, at first I thought that option 2 was the way I would go, but now I am not so sure. Part of this uncertainty comes from knowing that I won't be at this same job next year anyway since we are moving back "home" to Colorado at the end of the school year - if I was staying then I would likely do option 2 - since I am not, I am leaning towards option 1. This shouldn't be this difficult of a decision. The part of me that knows that there is a VERY real chance that this is the only child we will have says to just take the time off (I haven't found a money tree to pay for another DE IVF cycle) and part of me wonders, and I know it is likely ridiculous, if I will be a little bored with no work to do....(I know, don't hate me, I know that babies are a lot of work, that is why I said it is ridiculous!)
So, I would like to know your thoughts - what would you do in this situation?
Also....do I work right up until baby is born or take off a few days/week before due date?
Decisions, decisions...
Hmmm.... These are good questions. I was 'lucky' enough to get pregnant with twins, and my doctor didn't want to let me work past 25 weeks. I ended up being allowed on disability so I collected that. I fully intended to return on a part time basis, but my department went belly up while I was gone and everyone but the two most senior employs were laid off. I got a letter in the mail with a big check for sick time, vacation, etc...but no more job. Being a teacher is so different because you have the summer off, but what if you don't have your baby in the summer? It seems confusing.
ReplyDeleteI say take the time. No use saving it up, enjoy the babe and don't worry about school!
ReplyDeleteI'd say take the time off. Six weeks - what a great opportunity to bond with baby!
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you!! I have been so stressed with all these decisions. I worked so hard to have the baby..that is all i thought about for so long, and now..at 19 weeks..almost 20 weeks...there are some major life changes coming at me and the decisions are so important. I am deciding to work until the baby is born..so I can spend as much time with the baby as possible. To rest..to take my time, and to bond with the baby. We deserve this right! 6 weeks is just not enough..at all!!! is should be 3 months really.
ReplyDeleteI am pondering the same kinds of questions about how to best handle my mat leave as well...My job and my boss are extremely flexible, so although I don't work at home, I know that there are a lot of options to choose from. My struggle is how to take the most time off before I have to return to work full time.
ReplyDeleteSix weeks seems like a minimum amount of time to just have with you and the new babe, so I'd say take it if you can swing it financially. I plan to work as long as I can in order to save up my time for after the baby gets here. Good luck - these are big choices!
I say take the time as well....enjoy all the time with your sweet baby! Since you're moving your hours won't transfer with you will they? I know a lot of teachers work up to their due date to get as much time as they can with their baby. 6 weeks isn't too long of a time...wish we got longer!! Good luck with your decision! And can't wait to hear what you are going to have!!! So exciting E!
ReplyDeleteI would go w/option 1. I think you will want to devote all your time and energy into your little one. (even if that just means staring at him/her for an hour)
ReplyDeleteThey are only little once!
I say, take the 6 wks off - and those 6 weeks will probably fly by before you even realize! You deserve to spend every possible minute with ur precios bubba.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I am planning to take my 12 week FMLA - who knows if and when i'll get to use it, so whats the point of saving up?