I went from full time to part time after I had DD1 (now 10). I have two other children and have worked for the same employer for about 15 years. My job involves shift work, we are a 24/7 service. Each time I have returned form maternity leave I have had to fight for reasonable shifts - my employer tries to bully mothers returning part time into working only Friday and Saturday night shifts. I was successful in getting the approval of the shifts I wanted with DD1. I had to work shifts which were exceptionally difficult in terms of both child care and my health after having DS - I was working a 14 hour night shift, coming home to care for two children (ie. no sleep) and backing up for a second 14 hour night shift. These were the only hours my manager at the time would approve. I was not safe to perform my role and my health suffered, as did my family. Ultimately, with my doctor's support I achieved a better roster. After DD2, I had my preferred roster approved - but not without a fight! I now work 12 hour 'afternoon' shifts one week day and weekend 10 hour day shifts.

My employer is not family friendly and it has caused untold stress for many women returning from maternity leave. There have been plenty of women who have been left with no choice but to resign. My employer is the only provider of this service in the state, so to resign means to walk away from an entire career. My employer only offers part time employment until my youngest child is school aged, at which time I will have to return to a full time roster. This will not be at all possible given the shift work (hours change each week) and the specific hours of the shifts. I cannot fathom why my employer thinks that my five year old child will be capable of getting herself up in the morning, preparing and eating her own breakfast, getting herself ready for school and then finding her own way there. My DH leaves for work any time between 4.30 and 6am. My dayshift starts at 7am, which is the same time a night shift ends. There is no possible way we can facilitate me working a full time roster. My employer does not care - which is ironic, given we are in the business of caring for others.

My employer does not allow for the career advancement of part time employees. I have been offered a multitude of opportunities over the years - on the condition I return to full time. Not one of them has been available to me on a part time basis, although many would have been absolutely suitable for part time hours.

Sorry, you hit on a raw nerve!