How do you feel about those who take a paid maternity leave then quit?

[Anonymous]

I did it. Though in my case I actually tried to come back but (1) they changed the WFH policy to make it less flexible while I was on leave, and (2) I asked if I could either take some unpaid leave or return on a part time basis for a while, and they said no.

I did not realize where I would be mentally after having a baby and it turned out that just hopping right back to work after my leave didn’t feel possible. I actually felt very guilty about it at the time but now, years later, I’m fine with it and thing it was probably best for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three chicks do this in my career. One as a coworker, two who worked for me.

In all three cases, Slainte!

One of the latter two was actually really bad for because she crushed it. But whatever. Life is way bigger than a job, and I have zero objection to an employee leveraging the rules to their advantage. Like every Corp in the world or law firm partnership wouldn’t absolutely f$ck you if needed, within the parameters of the relationship. (We would.)

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think women who do this hurt other women -- it gives bosses reasons to cut parental benefits. But so many have shifted into an "I only need to care about me" attitude that it's not a surprise when someone does it.

Except that if it were easier to be a parent in this country, LESS parents would do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think women who do this hurt other women -- it gives bosses reasons to cut parental benefits. But so many have shifted into an "I only need to care about me" attitude that it's not a surprise when someone does it.

Most employers only care about the bottom line and loyalty works two way. Employers who will have a round of layoffs if they miss quarterly projections shouldn't be surprised if employees maximize their benefits without caring about their employer

[Anonymous]

Just another example of women wanting to have it both ways and then playing the man hating/blaming woman card when they’re called out.

I really like the “men abuse paternity leave worse” post. That’s a first. Guys just can’t win.

[Anonymous]

Good on them

[Anonymous]

As other posters have said, the maternity leave was earned/available to them. As long as they are not breaking any policies or contracts, they are fully entitled to quit whenever they want regardless of whether they just took sick time or maternity leave or vacation or personal time or anything else they earned and used.

And +1000 to the corp/firms f-ing the employees when it suits them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three chicks do this in my career. One as a coworker, two who worked for me.

In all three cases, Slainte!

One of the latter two was actually really bad for because she crushed it. But whatever. Life is way bigger than a job, and I have zero objection to an employee leveraging the rules to their advantage. Like every Corp in the world or law firm partnership wouldn’t absolutely f$ck you if needed, within the parameters of the relationship. (We would.)

+100

[Anonymous]

Or we could have leave banks for a year for at least first time moms since they dont know if they will have ppd or how they would feel post baby. If they all took a year off, companies could plan, you could have a slew of maternity leave coverage people rotating around the country (for some jobs) and staffing agengies to support that concept.

[Anonymous]

What do you mean by "paid".

I used up all of my accrues PTO & sick, then the 6 weeks of Short Term Disability that I'd paid into, then put in notice and 3 weeks WFH to transition workload.

Would you resent me? What if I had not done those 3 weeks WFH to transition to the temp that replaced me?

[Anonymous]

I’m planning to do this. Why would I quit first and forfeit that mat leave benefits I earned over the many years I’ve worked for my company? It’s not ideal for my coworkers but I’m not going to give up 4 months of paid benefits so they are less inconvenienced, and I wouldn’t expect them to do it for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had three chicks do this in my career. One as a coworker, two who worked for me.

In all three cases, Slainte!

One of the latter two was actually really bad for because she crushed it. But whatever. Life is way bigger than a job, and I have zero objection to an employee leveraging the rules to their advantage. Like every Corp in the world or law firm partnership wouldn’t absolutely f$ck you if needed, within the parameters of the relationship. (We would.)

Exactly

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just another example of women wanting to have it both ways and then playing the man hating/blaming woman card when they’re called out.

I really like the “men abuse paternity leave worse” post. That’s a first. Guys just can’t win.

I can't tell if you mean for this to be an ironic post or not...

[Anonymous]

The US has horrible family care policies. Seriously bad. Ya do what ya gotta do.

[Anonymous]

I’ve seen women hide their pregnancy as long as possible to be sure they are considered for promotions/raises, career advancement in general, then they surprise the company with the wonderful news. Some came back with a hybrid schedule, some juggle child care and a career, some resign.