Unpaid leave

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I tried to do this after a 4 month leave and it did not work out. It was frustrating and I definitely ran into some of the attitudes on this thread.

HOWEVER, after I quit my job, I wound up talking to someone in our HR department and she gave me a hard time for not pushing harder. Basically she told me I should have come to her and made the request formally through HR instead of just trying to work it out with my department. I had a director in my department who was VERY opposed to it and frankly angry with me for asking (not a parent, if you're wondering) and once I made the initial request, she was never going to change her mind. But my HR friend told me that there was actually blowback about the incident in the company because they view themselves as very family friendly and part of their hiring strategy is to hire people with a lot of experience who are looking for good work-life balance. So apparently people were upset with my director for, in their eyes, forcing me out by not being willing to compromise with a month or two of unpaid leave or some kind of offer to return gradually in a part time capacity.

Too late for me to benefit from this knowledge, but you still can! If you get pushback, talk to HR and also make sure you review all your company's leave policies very closely (my company had a policy of "up to a year" of leave, combining paid and unpaid, a the discretion of your manager, and I should have pushed a lot harder on that). If this matters to you, get what you can! Good luck!

You are either inexperienced, uneducated, or both. I am a mom, extremely pro family friendly policies, and own a small business. There’s zero chance I would survive if I had to hold open a job for every single mom I employ until an unspecified end date, paid or not. I offer generous leave but the deal is that you come back and do your job after it. What you are complaining about will lead to businesses just not hiring women of child-bearing age. Wow, what a women’s-rights activist you are!!

What an unnecessarily hostile response. Your situation is not true for a lot of big businesses. You are ridiculous.

No, but it is true of big business because hiring managers are people (like the mom/business owner above) and once they get burned by something like this it's unlikely they'll be up for getting burned again. Many companies have flat budgets in FY23 and FY24 and many departments don't have excess funds to cover more than 6+ months of maternity leave or employees who are willing to pick up the slack for moms who aren't ready to return after 6 months. And for those saying that there is something wrong with everyone responding, you get 6 months in Canada and many other countries..6 months is a very reasonable amount of time. It's not as generous as many European countries but then again we don't pay the same high taxes as many Europeans.

nonsense. They retained a senior employee for 15 years. They made out great. Frankly if they gave her another year of unpaid leave and hired a temp for a year and got her back for another 10 year that would great for the company. What you are saying makes no business sense. You just want to punish her for no reason I can see except maybe sour grapes.

You don’t hire “temps” for senior level roles. PP have you ever had a job?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Idk why I can’t quit this but I genuinely hope this will be my last time defending myself from this level of insanity. I wish I could high five the few people who I feel like live on the same planet as I do - thank you

OP, the terrible, here.

For my previous maternity leave with my fake first born, it was during the height of COVID. I went back after six months, cried most days for a long time and sucked it up because I still got to WFH as it was the height of the pandemic.

My employer no longer allows me to WFH and the answer to that request is a definite no. And after fighting to get myself from a very dark place after my first, I know there has to be a better way for me to go back.

So again, I was looking for experiences of those who extended any amount of leave. I am unsure where i said that my grand plan was to ask for an indefinite amount of time, but many have certainly taken that and run with it.

At this point anything I say is only pouring gasoline on this dumpster fire. This has definitely been an eye opening experience. I can see now why America is the way it is. So sad.

America wouldn’t be the successful country it is if people didn’t go to work. That’s the problem. You had a child and you also want to do both. Eventually you have to go back. Sure European countries offer longer leaves but you also don’t have the opportunities you have here. An extra 6 months of leave to make 30% less my entire career? No thanks. I get it’s frustrating that you want to be home and also have a rewarding career but something eventually has to give. Just own it that you want to be home and stay home for a while. Or don’t. But stop blaming it on your country. It’s a GOOD thing that you’ll miss out of opportunities at work by not going to work.

np here. In what ways is America more successful than Canada? I'm honestly curious. Canadians can currently take between 12 -18 months off with maternity leave. In the 90's we took 6 months maternity. My contract allowed an extra 2 months unpaid leave if we requested it one month before our 6 months was up. Most of us took the extra 2 months. We really see things differently. OP, this Canadian's advice is to ask for 2 months unpaid leave. I also went back part time for a couple months after my second baby. My replacement and I shared the job. Part time helped me get used to balancing home and work life, daycare, etc.

Now I'm in my 50's and own a busy business with my partner. We have 30 employees and they would all say we are very considerate of their families and time off.

Oh lord. If you don’t know why America is objectively a greater country than Canada…we don’t needjer input donchaknow . Visit America sometime!! You’ll find out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Idk why I can’t quit this but I genuinely hope this will be my last time defending myself from this level of insanity. I wish I could high five the few people who I feel like live on the same planet as I do - thank you

OP, the terrible, here.

For my previous maternity leave with my fake first born, it was during the height of COVID. I went back after six months, cried most days for a long time and sucked it up because I still got to WFH as it was the height of the pandemic.

My employer no longer allows me to WFH and the answer to that request is a definite no. And after fighting to get myself from a very dark place after my first, I know there has to be a better way for me to go back.

So again, I was looking for experiences of those who extended any amount of leave. I am unsure where i said that my grand plan was to ask for an indefinite amount of time, but many have certainly taken that and run with it.

At this point anything I say is only pouring gasoline on this dumpster fire. This has definitely been an eye opening experience. I can see now why America is the way it is. So sad.

America wouldn’t be the successful country it is if people didn’t go to work. That’s the problem. You had a child and you also want to do both. Eventually you have to go back. Sure European countries offer longer leaves but you also don’t have the opportunities you have here. An extra 6 months of leave to make 30% less my entire career? No thanks. I get it’s frustrating that you want to be home and also have a rewarding career but something eventually has to give. Just own it that you want to be home and stay home for a while. Or don’t. But stop blaming it on your country. It’s a GOOD thing that you’ll miss out of opportunities at work by not going to work.

np here. In what ways is America more successful than Canada? I'm honestly curious. Canadians can currently take between 12 -18 months off with maternity leave. In the 90's we took 6 months maternity. My contract allowed an extra 2 months unpaid leave if we requested it one month before our 6 months was up. Most of us took the extra 2 months. We really see things differently. OP, this Canadian's advice is to ask for 2 months unpaid leave. I also went back part time for a couple months after my second baby. My replacement and I shared the job. Part time helped me get used to balancing home and work life, daycare, etc.

Now I'm in my 50's and own a busy business with my partner. We have 30 employees and they would all say we are very considerate of their families and time off.

Our GDP for one

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Idk why I can’t quit this but I genuinely hope this will be my last time defending myself from this level of insanity. I wish I could high five the few people who I feel like live on the same planet as I do - thank you

OP, the terrible, here.

For my previous maternity leave with my fake first born, it was during the height of COVID. I went back after six months, cried most days for a long time and sucked it up because I still got to WFH as it was the height of the pandemic.

My employer no longer allows me to WFH and the answer to that request is a definite no. And after fighting to get myself from a very dark place after my first, I know there has to be a better way for me to go back.

So again, I was looking for experiences of those who extended any amount of leave. I am unsure where i said that my grand plan was to ask for an indefinite amount of time, but many have certainly taken that and run with it.

At this point anything I say is only pouring gasoline on this dumpster fire. This has definitely been an eye opening experience. I can see now why America is the way it is. So sad.

America wouldn’t be the successful country it is if people didn’t go to work. That’s the problem. You had a child and you also want to do both. Eventually you have to go back. Sure European countries offer longer leaves but you also don’t have the opportunities you have here. An extra 6 months of leave to make 30% less my entire career? No thanks. I get it’s frustrating that you want to be home and also have a rewarding career but something eventually has to give. Just own it that you want to be home and stay home for a while. Or don’t. But stop blaming it on your country. It’s a GOOD thing that you’ll miss out of opportunities at work by not going to work.

np here. In what ways is America more successful than Canada? I'm honestly curious. Canadians can currently take between 12 -18 months off with maternity leave. In the 90's we took 6 months maternity. My contract allowed an extra 2 months unpaid leave if we requested it one month before our 6 months was up. Most of us took the extra 2 months. We really see things differently. OP, this Canadian's advice is to ask for 2 months unpaid leave. I also went back part time for a couple months after my second baby. My replacement and I shared the job. Part time helped me get used to balancing home and work life, daycare, etc.

Now I'm in my 50's and own a busy business with my partner. We have 30 employees and they would all say we are very considerate of their families and time off.

Is this a joke? What products and innovation comes from Canada? Movies, music, literature, technology? What about the Canadian military and cinema? Do you know how much more expensive it is to live in Canada and how much lower salaries are?

Yes, you can take a long time off for parental leave in Canada but it’s around $500 a week USD. That’s great, but that’s hardly life changing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Idk why I can’t quit this but I genuinely hope this will be my last time defending myself from this level of insanity. I wish I could high five the few people who I feel like live on the same planet as I do - thank you

OP, the terrible, here.

For my previous maternity leave with my fake first born, it was during the height of COVID. I went back after six months, cried most days for a long time and sucked it up because I still got to WFH as it was the height of the pandemic.

My employer no longer allows me to WFH and the answer to that request is a definite no. And after fighting to get myself from a very dark place after my first, I know there has to be a better way for me to go back.

So again, I was looking for experiences of those who extended any amount of leave. I am unsure where i said that my grand plan was to ask for an indefinite amount of time, but many have certainly taken that and run with it.

At this point anything I say is only pouring gasoline on this dumpster fire. This has definitely been an eye opening experience. I can see now why America is the way it is. So sad.

America wouldn’t be the successful country it is if people didn’t go to work. That’s the problem. You had a child and you also want to do both. Eventually you have to go back. Sure European countries offer longer leaves but you also don’t have the opportunities you have here. An extra 6 months of leave to make 30% less my entire career? No thanks. I get it’s frustrating that you want to be home and also have a rewarding career but something eventually has to give. Just own it that you want to be home and stay home for a while. Or don’t. But stop blaming it on your country. It’s a GOOD thing that you’ll miss out of opportunities at work by not going to work.

np here. In what ways is America more successful than Canada? I'm honestly curious. Canadians can currently take between 12 -18 months off with maternity leave. In the 90's we took 6 months maternity. My contract allowed an extra 2 months unpaid leave if we requested it one month before our 6 months was up. Most of us took the extra 2 months. We really see things differently. OP, this Canadian's advice is to ask for 2 months unpaid leave. I also went back part time for a couple months after my second baby. My replacement and I shared the job. Part time helped me get used to balancing home and work life, daycare, etc.

Now I'm in my 50's and own a busy business with my partner. We have 30 employees and they would all say we are very considerate of their families and time off.

Is this a joke? What products and innovation comes from Canada? Movies, music, literature, technology? What about the Canadian military and cinema? Do you know how much more expensive it is to live in Canada and how much lower salaries are?

Yes, you can take a long time off for parental leave in Canada but it’s around $500 a week USD. That’s great, but that’s hardly life changing.

Um hello PP?! The Ryans are Canada’s best exports!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Idk why I can’t quit this but I genuinely hope this will be my last time defending myself from this level of insanity. I wish I could high five the few people who I feel like live on the same planet as I do - thank you

OP, the terrible, here.

For my previous maternity leave with my fake first born, it was during the height of COVID. I went back after six months, cried most days for a long time and sucked it up because I still got to WFH as it was the height of the pandemic.

My employer no longer allows me to WFH and the answer to that request is a definite no. And after fighting to get myself from a very dark place after my first, I know there has to be a better way for me to go back.

So again, I was looking for experiences of those who extended any amount of leave. I am unsure where i said that my grand plan was to ask for an indefinite amount of time, but many have certainly taken that and run with it.

At this point anything I say is only pouring gasoline on this dumpster fire. This has definitely been an eye opening experience. I can see now why America is the way it is. So sad.

America wouldn’t be the successful country it is if people didn’t go to work. That’s the problem. You had a child and you also want to do both. Eventually you have to go back. Sure European countries offer longer leaves but you also don’t have the opportunities you have here. An extra 6 months of leave to make 30% less my entire career? No thanks. I get it’s frustrating that you want to be home and also have a rewarding career but something eventually has to give. Just own it that you want to be home and stay home for a while. Or don’t. But stop blaming it on your country. It’s a GOOD thing that you’ll miss out of opportunities at work by not going to work.

np here. In what ways is America more successful than Canada? I'm honestly curious. Canadians can currently take between 12 -18 months off with maternity leave. In the 90's we took 6 months maternity. My contract allowed an extra 2 months unpaid leave if we requested it one month before our 6 months was up. Most of us took the extra 2 months. We really see things differently. OP, this Canadian's advice is to ask for 2 months unpaid leave. I also went back part time for a couple months after my second baby. My replacement and I shared the job. Part time helped me get used to balancing home and work life, daycare, etc.

Now I'm in my 50's and own a busy business with my partner. We have 30 employees and they would all say we are very considerate of their families and time off.

Is this a joke? What products and innovation comes from Canada? Movies, music, literature, technology? What about the Canadian military and cinema? Do you know how much more expensive it is to live in Canada and how much lower salaries are?

Yes, you can take a long time off for parental leave in Canada but it’s around $500 a week USD. That’s great, but that’s hardly life changing.

Um hello PP?! The Ryans are Canada’s best exports!

That’s depressing for Canada because I have no idea who the Ryann’s are. I would argue maple syrup…

[Anonymous]

As a new poster after 10 odd pages, I can’t say for certain but perhaps I’m the first who’s actually done what OP proposed? Maybe- anyway, at the very height of Covid I had 6 mos paid leave and then did a year additional unpaid. I work for an enormous company and staff was moved around as needed (it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons). When my kiddo was 18 mos, daycare’s mostly back open, my mental and physical health restored… I very happily returned to work. Would this have worked at another company or even at mine during non-Covid times? Probably not but doesn’t hurt to ask, although I will also add that my case was helped because I had had delivery complications that my employer was aware of. And I can report that I felt totally different about returning at 18 mos versus 6.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a new poster after 10 odd pages, I can’t say for certain but perhaps I’m the first who’s actually done what OP proposed? Maybe- anyway, at the very height of Covid I had 6 mos paid leave and then did a year additional unpaid. I work for an enormous company and staff was moved around as needed (it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons). When my kiddo was 18 mos, daycare’s mostly back open, my mental and physical health restored… I very happily returned to work. Would this have worked at another company or even at mine during non-Covid times? Probably not but doesn’t hurt to ask, although I will also add that my case was helped because I had had delivery complications that my employer was aware of. And I can report that I felt totally different about returning at 18 mos versus 6.

I’ve worked at multiple F500 companies and they would have told you that you needed to quit. No company wants to set this precedent even if someone does have complications - and I can’t think of any complications that would require 18 months of time off for a job that was remote.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Idk why I can’t quit this but I genuinely hope this will be my last time defending myself from this level of insanity. I wish I could high five the few people who I feel like live on the same planet as I do - thank you

OP, the terrible, here.

For my previous maternity leave with my fake first born, it was during the height of COVID. I went back after six months, cried most days for a long time and sucked it up because I still got to WFH as it was the height of the pandemic.

My employer no longer allows me to WFH and the answer to that request is a definite no. And after fighting to get myself from a very dark place after my first, I know there has to be a better way for me to go back.

So again, I was looking for experiences of those who extended any amount of leave. I am unsure where i said that my grand plan was to ask for an indefinite amount of time, but many have certainly taken that and run with it.

At this point anything I say is only pouring gasoline on this dumpster fire. This has definitely been an eye opening experience. I can see now why America is the way it is. So sad.

America wouldn’t be the successful country it is if people didn’t go to work. That’s the problem. You had a child and you also want to do both. Eventually you have to go back. Sure European countries offer longer leaves but you also don’t have the opportunities you have here. An extra 6 months of leave to make 30% less my entire career? No thanks. I get it’s frustrating that you want to be home and also have a rewarding career but something eventually has to give. Just own it that you want to be home and stay home for a while. Or don’t. But stop blaming it on your country. It’s a GOOD thing that you’ll miss out of opportunities at work by not going to work.

np here. In what ways is America more successful than Canada? I'm honestly curious. Canadians can currently take between 12 -18 months off with maternity leave. In the 90's we took 6 months maternity. My contract allowed an extra 2 months unpaid leave if we requested it one month before our 6 months was up. Most of us took the extra 2 months. We really see things differently. OP, this Canadian's advice is to ask for 2 months unpaid leave. I also went back part time for a couple months after my second baby. My replacement and I shared the job. Part time helped me get used to balancing home and work life, daycare, etc.

Now I'm in my 50's and own a busy business with my partner. We have 30 employees and they would all say we are very considerate of their families and time off.

Is this a joke? What products and innovation comes from Canada? Movies, music, literature, technology? What about the Canadian military and cinema? Do you know how much more expensive it is to live in Canada and how much lower salaries are?

Yes, you can take a long time off for parental leave in Canada but it’s around $500 a week USD. That’s great, but that’s hardly life changing.

Schitt’s Creek!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a new poster after 10 odd pages, I can’t say for certain but perhaps I’m the first who’s actually done what OP proposed? Maybe- anyway, at the very height of Covid I had 6 mos paid leave and then did a year additional unpaid. I work for an enormous company and staff was moved around as needed (it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons). When my kiddo was 18 mos, daycare’s mostly back open, my mental and physical health restored… I very happily returned to work. Would this have worked at another company or even at mine during non-Covid times? Probably not but doesn’t hurt to ask, although I will also add that my case was helped because I had had delivery complications that my employer was aware of. And I can report that I felt totally different about returning at 18 mos versus 6.

I’ve worked at multiple F500 companies and they would have told you that you needed to quit. No company wants to set this precedent even if someone does have complications - and I can’t think of any complications that would require 18 months of time off for a job that was remote.

Also curious about how your team handled your absence for 18 months? I would think your colleagues would feel very burnt out and taken advantage of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a new poster after 10 odd pages, I can’t say for certain but perhaps I’m the first who’s actually done what OP proposed? Maybe- anyway, at the very height of Covid I had 6 mos paid leave and then did a year additional unpaid. I work for an enormous company and staff was moved around as needed (it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons). When my kiddo was 18 mos, daycare’s mostly back open, my mental and physical health restored… I very happily returned to work. Would this have worked at another company or even at mine during non-Covid times? Probably not but doesn’t hurt to ask, although I will also add that my case was helped because I had had delivery complications that my employer was aware of. And I can report that I felt totally different about returning at 18 mos versus 6.

I’ve worked at multiple F500 companies and they would have told you that you needed to quit. No company wants to set this precedent even if someone does have complications - and I can’t think of any complications that would require 18 months of time off for a job that was remote.

“ it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Idk why I can’t quit this but I genuinely hope this will be my last time defending myself from this level of insanity. I wish I could high five the few people who I feel like live on the same planet as I do - thank you

OP, the terrible, here.

For my previous maternity leave with my fake first born, it was during the height of COVID. I went back after six months, cried most days for a long time and sucked it up because I still got to WFH as it was the height of the pandemic.

My employer no longer allows me to WFH and the answer to that request is a definite no. And after fighting to get myself from a very dark place after my first, I know there has to be a better way for me to go back.

So again, I was looking for experiences of those who extended any amount of leave. I am unsure where i said that my grand plan was to ask for an indefinite amount of time, but many have certainly taken that and run with it.

At this point anything I say is only pouring gasoline on this dumpster fire. This has definitely been an eye opening experience. I can see now why America is the way it is. So sad.

America wouldn’t be the successful country it is if people didn’t go to work. That’s the problem. You had a child and you also want to do both. Eventually you have to go back. Sure European countries offer longer leaves but you also don’t have the opportunities you have here. An extra 6 months of leave to make 30% less my entire career? No thanks. I get it’s frustrating that you want to be home and also have a rewarding career but something eventually has to give. Just own it that you want to be home and stay home for a while. Or don’t. But stop blaming it on your country. It’s a GOOD thing that you’ll miss out of opportunities at work by not going to work.

np here. In what ways is America more successful than Canada? I'm honestly curious. Canadians can currently take between 12 -18 months off with maternity leave. In the 90's we took 6 months maternity. My contract allowed an extra 2 months unpaid leave if we requested it one month before our 6 months was up. Most of us took the extra 2 months. We really see things differently. OP, this Canadian's advice is to ask for 2 months unpaid leave. I also went back part time for a couple months after my second baby. My replacement and I shared the job. Part time helped me get used to balancing home and work life, daycare, etc.

Now I'm in my 50's and own a busy business with my partner. We have 30 employees and they would all say we are very considerate of their families and time off.

Is this a joke? What products and innovation comes from Canada? Movies, music, literature, technology? What about the Canadian military and cinema? Do you know how much more expensive it is to live in Canada and how much lower salaries are?

Yes, you can take a long time off for parental leave in Canada but it’s around $500 a week USD. That’s great, but that’s hardly life changing.

Um hello PP?! The Ryans are Canada’s best exports!

That’s depressing for Canada because I have no idea who the Ryann’s are. I would argue maple syrup…

Ryan Gosling? The Ryan that Blake Lively married?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a new poster after 10 odd pages, I can’t say for certain but perhaps I’m the first who’s actually done what OP proposed? Maybe- anyway, at the very height of Covid I had 6 mos paid leave and then did a year additional unpaid. I work for an enormous company and staff was moved around as needed (it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons). When my kiddo was 18 mos, daycare’s mostly back open, my mental and physical health restored… I very happily returned to work. Would this have worked at another company or even at mine during non-Covid times? Probably not but doesn’t hurt to ask, although I will also add that my case was helped because I had had delivery complications that my employer was aware of. And I can report that I felt totally different about returning at 18 mos versus 6.

I’ve worked at multiple F500 companies and they would have told you that you needed to quit. No company wants to set this precedent even if someone does have complications - and I can’t think of any complications that would require 18 months of time off for a job that was remote.

“ it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons.”

Of course, but there was no one at my company that took 18 months off during the pandemic. You basically didn’t work during 75% of the pandemic. It’s so far outside the bounds of normal it’s useless to the OP and a bet your colleagues slogging away at their jobs and your job without childcare/while teaching their kids in school hated you. I would have hated you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a new poster after 10 odd pages, I can’t say for certain but perhaps I’m the first who’s actually done what OP proposed? Maybe- anyway, at the very height of Covid I had 6 mos paid leave and then did a year additional unpaid. I work for an enormous company and staff was moved around as needed (it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons). When my kiddo was 18 mos, daycare’s mostly back open, my mental and physical health restored… I very happily returned to work. Would this have worked at another company or even at mine during non-Covid times? Probably not but doesn’t hurt to ask, although I will also add that my case was helped because I had had delivery complications that my employer was aware of. And I can report that I felt totally different about returning at 18 mos versus 6.

I’ve worked at multiple F500 companies and they would have told you that you needed to quit. No company wants to set this precedent even if someone does have complications - and I can’t think of any complications that would require 18 months of time off for a job that was remote.

“ it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons.”

Of course, but there was no one at my company that took 18 months off during the pandemic. You basically didn’t work during 75% of the pandemic. It’s so far outside the bounds of normal it’s useless to the OP and a bet your colleagues slogging away at their jobs and your job without childcare/while teaching their kids in school hated you. I would have hated you.

But glad you came back 100% recharged! Good for you for taking advantage of the situation while everyone else on your team suffered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a new poster after 10 odd pages, I can’t say for certain but perhaps I’m the first who’s actually done what OP proposed? Maybe- anyway, at the very height of Covid I had 6 mos paid leave and then did a year additional unpaid. I work for an enormous company and staff was moved around as needed (it’s a 100% in-person job so during Covid lots of accommodations were made for many many different reasons). When my kiddo was 18 mos, daycare’s mostly back open, my mental and physical health restored… I very happily returned to work. Would this have worked at another company or even at mine during non-Covid times? Probably not but doesn’t hurt to ask, although I will also add that my case was helped because I had had delivery complications that my employer was aware of. And I can report that I felt totally different about returning at 18 mos versus 6.

OP. Thanks for sharing. Did you ask for a full year or did you extend in increments? Unfortunately I know this would not work at my company, but curious how you approached. Thank you!