Am I doing the right thing asking to go on leave early?

[Aimz]

Hmm I think they have to give you back an equal position to what you had prior to going on mat leave. They're not allowed to penalise you for taking mat leave.

I wouldn't worry. Take the leave and finish up without the stress.

[LaDeeDa]

Thanks for the support wonderful ones!!!
I'll have a think about it tonight and let you know what I decide tomorrow

[AnyDream]

DD, if taking assertive action really is going to come back on you in a negative way, then perhaps it's time to move on to another organisation. 2 years is plenty of time to find another, more woman-friendly job!!

Don't worry about all that now, management could change in that time, your job could be restructured, etc, the future will take care of itself. You just need to do what's right for You right Now!

[nelly]

DD - I understand your concerns with what will happen when you come back but realistically how many of them will still be there in 2 years time, and if you are stressed and it is making you sick then take the week sick leave. To relieve the "blow" for them you could request a meeting w your manager for this week to do a performance review and development plan so they can see that you are being pro-active and still being a "company" person IYKWIM.
(For what it's worth when I was due to go back to my mgmt role in a large retail organisaton after 2 yrs ML there were very few in that location who still knew me. The decisions were going to be based on my performance reviews for the 12mths prior to my leave, but I actually resigned prior to the plans being implemented.)

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

TBH, it sounds like they're trying to get you to quit so they don't hafta worry about ML! I would just keep reminding them that the things you're being accused of are not your area, and that in the 2 years you've been there they've had no problem - why would you suddenly start doing half a job?!

[LaDeeDa]

SG - Thats my point exactly!
I'm taking 12 mths mat leave and i have the option to take a further 12mths career break after that so everyone is right half the ppl there who might cause me dramas won't be there when or if I come back anyhow.

just so sad and disappointed that ppl carry on like this

[Aimz]

Unfortunately it happens in most work places - there are always people waiting to kick you in the teeth! At the end of the day, nomatter how good you are at your job, you are ALWAYS dispensible. I've certainly learned that in the three years I've been in my job!