Worried about my job while on maternity leave...

[dzneprincess]

I know I know, I guess I just have to worry about something. But for some reason, I am so scared that htey are going to figure out they don't need me. There are only 2 of us, and my co-worker has called me everyday since Monday to tell me how swamped he is :-( I am just worried because this is only the 1st week of my absence, and sooner or later they are going to figure out a way to get by without me........I am planning on staying out til the 2nd week in July roughly 12 weeks............has anyone felt like this before? tell me Im cuckoo and to stop worrying please! LOL

 

[Belle1962]

If it's just a matter of figuring out they 'don't need you"--relax--a task can be done by almost anyone but a loyal employee is hard to find and most employers recognize this. If you had a good relationship with them prior to your leave, then I'm sure they are missing YOU--not just the job you did. I would recommend keepingin touch too--not just with your coworker but the "boss" too. A visit or phone call here and there just to be visible.

If you're worried they might think they can do away with you/your job altogether; read up on the Family Medical and Leave Act:

http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/
Synopsis of Law: Covered employers must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons: for the birth and care of the newborn child of the employee; for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care; to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or
to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition. There's rules about company size and stuff but it might be worth knowing about.


When I went out on maternity leave (over 20 years ago) I found adjusting to staying home was hard--I missed the interaction with my coworkers and just getting up and knowing I had a plan for the day (even it was just going to work). And after my son was born---I didn't want to return to work wheteher they needed me or not .

 

[Mskanga]

I'd say relax and enjoy this time.
Please also think that NOBODY has a secure job anymore, how many people go to work and the same day they are told today is your last day without any kind of warning.
With that being said, if you are laid off in the future, cross the bridge when you get there. I got laid off a week before we closed on our house, and to be honest it was for the better.
Sit back, relax and enjoy this time!

 

[December99]

I am thinking that given it's a small business, you may not have an option to apply for FMLA but I would check into it if you haven't. That protects you and your job while you are on medical leave for yourself, a family member, or adoption leave.

 

[s&k'smom]

First take every second of your 12 weeks. 2nd put your answering machine on. You need your rest and this time with your little one is so precious. When I took my leave almost two years ago my office called me 30 times in 6 weeks. yes I counted. Suddenly they stopped. Someone in the office had finally figured out they weren't leaving me alone. On top of all that my then 5 year old son (mildy autistic) was in crisis so a restful leave I did not have. This is such a wonderful time for you with your new child so please enjoy. Just keep Dising!

 

[dzneprincess]

I work for a rather large corporation, so I do get FMLA, however said organziation just had a surplus for this quarter and expecting another surplus for next quarter. I guess that is what has me in a tizzy. I know that they can not get rid of my job while I am away, but they can get a replacement, and put me somewhere else at the same rate of pay. Also FMLA does not protect you (as I understand it) if a surplus is declared. I've got about 2 1/2 weeks till my baby is born, so I guess I need to just step back and breath. If I get surplussed it would happen whether or not I was working or on leave. Nothing better to do than worry I suppose LOL