I'm torn, no idea what I should do.

[dusty]

Hi Devon

I am in two minds as I am not sure about the advice your manager is giving you. If you are pg and on a new 12 month contract (if you did sign another one) why can't you change your mind about returning to work after your 14 weeks paid leave and have the remaing period of your contract on unpaid maternity leave and then return if they wish to provide you with a new contract? I understood that under the Federal Law you are entitled to 12 months unpaid leave from a job. But perhaps that is for a permanent position?

On the other hand I have had several friends return to work part time 6-9 months after giving birth and they have loved being in back in a work environment a couple of days a week, especially if they have partners/parents to care for the bub during their hours of work. It has provided great bonding for their partner and child and their partners are so much more understanding of the pressures of being a stay at home carer. It is totally a personal decision for you to make but working in Gov't should (IMO) make them more flexible to your needs even if you are not permanent and on contract. (Aren't they finding it difficult to fill jobs over there like they are here in Canberra?)

I hear that you are not so interested in this current position but are there other areas of the Dept you would be interested in working in down the track that you may be better able to access if you maintain an ongoing association with the Dept?

There may be no ideal solution for you, but I think you have some good options to explore. Accessing the paid maternity leave is a minimum IMO.

Good luck with it all Devon.
xx

ETA: I think your idea of working from home should also be explored. I have seen it be successfully carried out in my Dept, in fact we have had some of the best results from those that do it as the mums and dads are so committed and glad of the opportunity. Also takes pressure off them for child care/caring for sick children etc. The technology is so simple now and relatively inexpensive once they do OH&S assessment of your home set up.