Maternity Leave Etiquette

[Juliette]

Hi All,

I am currently on maternity leave, and plan on returning in June/July-ish. While I am away, someone else is acting in my position (which is a one-person state government office). This person was a friend of mine before she took on the contract. Up until recently she had been keeping me up to date with happenings at work, and as I'm still undertaking a research project while on leave (and not getting paid for it - but I wanted to see it through) I have been using my work laptop etc. on occasion. Anyhow, things have changed apparently, and she now doesn't want me near the place, saying that I'm on leave and it's none of my business. I am the incumbant, it is my job and my office as far as I am concerned. While on maternity leave I retain all my entitlements as an officer of the department, so why should i not have access to departmental resources if I so choose?

What do you think? What's the etiquette here? I know I've had a hard time "letting go" as such, but in all reality, I am going to have to pick up where she leaves off shortly, and as I see it, it's better for my clients if I'm not completely left out of the loop while I'm on leave. Do you think she is being unreasonable? Am I being unreasonable expecting to be kept in the loop? What are the rules here?????

Any ideas or comments would be greatly appreciated...

[Lulu]

Go straight over her head and speak to your old boss. Just to call and touch base?

GL!

[satya]

This is a little hard. Basically when on maternity leave your job is someone elses. Remember that we aren't even guaranteed to get our "own" job back when we return, just one of equal standing. Your situation is a little odd with you working whilst on leave so it's hard to comment on. I personally am going to completely turn off to what's going on whilst I'm off and am prepared to go back to whatever the situation is when the time comes. I just hope my replacement lasts as I have a complex position that has a history of people walking out of it. I will visit the office only to show bubs around the place. I think you need to try to just shut off work until you go back.

[Tobily]

Call me cyncical but does she have designs on your job?

Seems weird that she's suddenly trying to lock you out...especially if she's a friend. What possible motive could she have for that?

I had a year of maternity leave and I honestly walked out of there at 34 weeks pregnant and didn't give the place another thought until the day before I had to go back You're very committed

[Coralie]

Hi sweetie girl,

Yes I agree that you have every right to know what is going on. After all, you are the one who is going to have to clean up her mess. Maybe she didn't want you see how she had mucked the place up.

Let me know how you got on. You know who I am.

Love ya lots,

Coralie

[Juliette]

Cora's!!!!! OMG!!!! So good to see you here! How is your little bubba going?! I bet she is just beautiful...and busy. This is a cool age...watching them get into everything. Sammy's been sick (flu) but seems to be slowly getting back to his old self again now. Do you have a facebook page???? Great way to keep in touch...