Devon,

Even on contract you should be able to negotiate having a full year off (I work from state govt, not contract but a lot of my staff were on contract), so between your boss and HR, that option should be given to you. You should call HR and check if this is the case, and if it is, then it's a fait accompli - your boss HAS to do it. I believe permanent employees have the option of taking the 2nd year off as well (I did) but as a contractor, you should be allowed a minimum one year unpaid.

Of course your boss would want you back asap, but don't be pressured into agreeing to anything you may regret. Find out what your rights are (for yourself, don't depend on anyone's second hand information) and then stick to your guns. As a contractor, life can be a bit more precarious, but there is a PSGA for a reason.

Just as background, I came back to work 4 days a week under the PSGA after having almost 2 years off when Charlie was born. I now have agreed to work full-time hours but on priviso that I work one day from home (though this is negotiable and I can make it more days if I wish). I also retained the right to return to part-time hours of my choice in the event working from home doesn't produce the kind of results my boss wants.

Either way I'm covered. And I made sure i was well-versed in all the inas and outs of the PGSA before I sat down with anyone to negotiate.

If you need to chat about it, I'll send you my work number, you can give me a bell.