Maternity Leave question - what would you do?

JimmysBride Posted: Apr 04, 2005 10:41 AM

Maternity Leave question - what would you do?

Okay - I'm trying to figure out what to do about my maternity leave. I can take pretty much as much time as I want, but it's all unpaid so I have to use my sick time and vacation time in order to get paid. We can't afford for me to take time without pay so it all lies in how much time I have.

But, here's the thing, of course I don't want to exhaust all my time either, because the baby could get sick and though I'll be off most of the summer, I don't exactly consider that a vacation. Sooo... what would you do? I have around 65 days total of time accrued. How much sick time would you leave yourself? How much vacation time would you leave yourself? For me to stay home 12 weeks with the baby would cost me 65 days. So it will have to be less than that.

I'm so spoiled... I'm so used to having plenty of time on the books and I despise the thought of losing it all.

JENHOS Posted: Apr 04, 2005 11:09 AM

Re: Maternity Leave question - what would you do?

I am going to leave myself about 10 days. I will be home from April (whenever this baby comes) till at least Sept but will be paid for the entire thing. I have very good Maternity. I figure the 10 days will be enough to take a vacation and have emergency days if I need them.

Curley999 Posted: Apr 04, 2005 11:24 AM

Re: Maternity Leave question - what would you do?

I came back to work March 7, and I have 10 sick days and 9 vacation for the year. I think it depends on whether or not you want to go away on vacation and what month you return to work. I think you need at least 5 days for emergency/sick days.

nrthshgrl Posted: Apr 04, 2005 02:38 PM

Re: Maternity Leave question - what would you do?

Regarding ' the baby could get sick' an important question to ask is who is watching the baby while you're working.

Daycare babies tend to get more often. My 2 are little petri dishes, which tend to get me sick. Ear infections, cox sackie, fevers, all fun & games. Don't get me wrong on the daycare - either they get sick now or when they hit elementary school.

If you're having a relative/nanny watch the baby, the baby will get sick a lot less, but then you're relying on one person.

I would leave at least 10 days for the year for daycare situations.

Best of luck!