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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here.  I'm a federal employee so mat leave is saved sick and annual.  And I'm past the sick leave stage.  My concerns are 1.) starting new job with infant rather than easing back into routine 2.) possibly overreacting to budget concerns due to hormones and sleep deprivation 3.) finding childcare near new workplace 4.) abandoning my colleagues 5.) being found out and not getting a new job.  I'm just generally anxious I guess.[/quote]

I'm also a federal employee and did / am doing this (waiting on the offer now, probably won't hear back before I return from leave).  I think the only bad thing about leaving during maternity leave is that it's a bit of a cliche, but hey, cliches develop for a reason.

Looking at your concerns:

#1 is important and I have the same concern, but you can only speculate what the new workload, flexibility, etc. will be.  Maybe focus on support mechanisms (spouse, backup care, etc.) that will help you if the transition is tough?

#2 I'm not sure I understand: you'll be "last in" at the new job too.  This one is a wash in my mind, unless you have concrete information about your department closing or something.

#3 is important, but you can develop a plan, get on lists, etc.

#4 is a non-issue, and I say that as someone who loves her colleagues.  If you like them, you can see them on personal time.  But you earned your leave, and if you don't plan to work there forever then this is not a bad time to depart -- after all, they're already getting by without you.

#5 is extremely unlikely.  You can control their access to your boss, make them hold reference calls until you have a soft offer, etc.  Do not be tempted to tell colleagues you are looking.

Good luck![/quote]

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