question about paid time off for new parents

[Anonymous]

I am newly entering back into the workforce after working for myself for 15+ years, and considering a position that allows 14 weeks fully paid time off for all new parents (bio, adopt, or foster). And I know this sounds petty, so am glad it is anonymous. But: for those past their childbearing years, for those who may choose to remain childless, or for those who already have children, is there any equivalent compensation?

[Anonymous]

Wut? No!

[Anonymous]

I mean- yes, the equivalent is you likely have access to family leave if you need to care for a sibling, parent, or partner. If that occurs, you can likely access some paid time off, and your job will be protected.

[Anonymous]

Do you mean FMLA or is this a small mom& pop company with its own set of leave rules?
Are you sure you understood "14 weeks at 100% paid" correctly? With no strings attached?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am newly entering back into the workforce after working for myself for 15+ years, and considering a position that allows 14 weeks fully paid time off for all new parents (bio, adopt, or foster). And I know this sounds petty, so am glad it is anonymous. But: for those past their childbearing years, for those who may choose to remain childless, or for those who already have children, is there any equivalent compensation?

No.

[Anonymous]

Sort of related question: I’m married to a military retiree, walk to work, and I have a terminal degree in my field. My employer offers health insurance, free parking, and tuition reimbursement. Is there equivalent compensation for me?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I mean- yes, the equivalent is you likely have access to family leave if you need to care for a sibling, parent, or partner. If that occurs, you can likely access some paid time off, and your job will be protected.

+1

Also - the kids being born now will one day be your doctor, your plumber, and your grocery shelf stocker. We're living in a society, which you benefit from in a variety of ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am newly entering back into the workforce after working for myself for 15+ years, and considering a position that allows 14 weeks fully paid time off for all new parents (bio, adopt, or foster). And I know this sounds petty, so am glad it is anonymous. But: for those past their childbearing years, for those who may choose to remain childless, or for those who already have children, is there any equivalent compensation?

You could birth, adopt, or foster a child, and then you too could get this benefit.

[Anonymous]

If I skip lunch and keep working, can I leave an hour early (I'm a wage employee)?

[Anonymous]

There is no direct equivalent, but if an employer is that generous then they will probably be a good and generous employer to you in other ways- time off to care for yourself and family as needed, flexible schedules, wfh options, or whatever.

Society only functions because people have children. You may have already had yours or will opt not to have any, but either way we need future children and anything that helps their parents care for them and raise them to be happy and healthy members of society serves you too. Someone has to pay your social security when you're old. It sucks that most American parents haven't seen that kind of employer support, but it's a good thing and we should all be grateful that perhaps future generations of parents will have it easier.

[Anonymous]

Ugh if you are focused on things like this and "is someone getting something I'm not," you sound like a nightmare and very behind the times in terms of where most polite workplace discussions are these days. Maybe you are out of touch from not being in a typical work setup for 15 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sort of related question: I’m married to a military retiree, walk to work, and I have a terminal degree in my field. My employer offers health insurance, free parking, and tuition reimbursement. Is there equivalent compensation for me?

Everything is negotiable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am newly entering back into the workforce after working for myself for 15+ years, and considering a position that allows 14 weeks fully paid time off for all new parents (bio, adopt, or foster). And I know this sounds petty, so am glad it is anonymous. But: for those past their childbearing years, for those who may choose to remain childless, or for those who already have children, is there any equivalent compensation?

Define what you mean by “compensation.” My guess is that you think it’s time to do whatever you want. That’s where you lose me. If you mean to ask if there is an equivalent compensation to care for a family member that is not a child, then we can talk. But it’s not a vacation to care for a baby.

[Anonymous]

No. I missed paid parental leave by 11 months. It sucks but that's progress, I guess.

[Anonymous]

No