Can I still have a Career - Overworked and Going on Maternity Leave

Anonymous

January 17,2024 at 5:05PM UTC

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Can I still have a Career - Overworked and Going on Maternity Leave

I'm sure this is a common theme and people have great feedback for me.

I have been working my ass off the last five years as I changed my career to tech and was able to move my way up to a Product Management position, which was my goal and I love it!

I feel amazing that I am finally where I want to be in my career, but a multitude of changes happened this past year. My company was sold to a much larger company that doesn't have the same amazing culture as my previous one, my developers were laid-off and replaced with a team that is in an extremely hard time zone to work with. This compounded as it's hard to find daycare during odd working hours, and my husband is busy running his own business, and now I will have a second child.

I love my direct team that I work with, and have an amazing manager who is flexible and truly interested in my personal growth but I am not a fan of the company; we are severely understaffed, and the migration has been extremely difficult as everybody has left and no one knows the applications anymore or how anything works. And with the second child coming, I do not think I can work this crazy schedule anymore and support seven different applications.

I am trying not to let my scarcity mindset control the narrative in my life, but I am feeling a bit burnt out after two years of this environment and need to take a break from work and focus on my family. Continuing to work in this environment will only cause me and my family to suffer.

Of course, I worry as most women do... will it be difficult for me to get back in the workforce in a couple of years?

Are there things I can do besides taking online courses to keep myself fresh and relevant?

I don't want to let my already understaffed team down but what's the best timing for quitting? Before or after maternity leave?

Should I let my boss know I am quitting waaaaay in advance, or will this screw me over personally?

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and help a woman out <3

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Regina BrownJanuary 17,2024 at 5:58PM UTC
First of all, stop stressing! Not good for you nor the baby. BREATHE GIRL!!! You are giving birth to a future generation!
Second of all you wrote, "but I am feeling a bit burnt out after two years of this environment and need to take a break from work and focus on my family. Continuing to work in this environment will only cause me and my family to suffer", so it sounds sounds to me like you have just answered ALL of the questions you posted here...
Third and most importantly, take your maternity leave and take care of your family.
M Elizabeth IngramJanuary 17,2024 at 7:39PM UTC
You take care of you and your family.
I don't think it will be an issue to return in a couple years especially if you're keeping up with the industry (I'm a fan of reading industry articles or podcasts).
As far as when to let your boss and team know you're planning on leaving and when to leave: check your maternity policy, there may be benefits that have to be paid back if you leave directly afterwards. I would recommend telling your boss before letting your team know.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2024 at 7:39PM UTC
I find that trying to predict the future, creating stressful scenarios, and getting too far ahead of yourself is never wise.
Remember you can only control yourself in the present moment. So with that in mind, focus on your priorities in the here and now only and leave the future just where it is.
I second Regina's advice ....stress is horrible for you and the baby and kills the joy you should be experiencing. Breathe and try and stay centered (I use meditation). Everything can and will work out just fine. Make sure to understand your leave and impact on benefits to help you decide to your notice.
Take one day at a time. Stop and feel joy and gratitude for your blessings and trust that things will work out perfectly.
As for your ultimate notice, provide that when you feel the time is right. 2 weeks is sufficient unless you feel it will help YOU providing more time.
Remember, that spending precious energy creating worry and stress about what may happen in the future is a waste. Instead focus on your blessings today.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2024 at 10:04PM UTC
The big thing you have to think about, since I am assuming you are pregnant, is to wait until after the baby is born unless you have insurance through a source other than your employer. Once you quit, you will have to go on COBRA or switch insurance through the marketplace, which can get complicated while you are pregnant, especially if there are complications in the pregnancy. If this isn't an issue, the timeline is yours to decide. Do everything you can while on leave and after to keep your skills up through online classes and seminars. If they offer continuing education credits or certifications, make sure you spend the extra money to get them, as this documentation could be necessary.
AnonymousJanuary 18,2024 at 1:11AM UTC
I understand and have been in a similar position. One of the things I did is express how much I enjoyed the work but needed a reduced schedule and was able to go part time. I timed this conversation towards my end of leave to ensure I had my full benefits and pay that I had earned. Company was happy to have some of me vs none. Another thought would be after leave to return as a contract/freelancer employee working hours that best work for you but not having to worry about sick days, school stuff etc. this keeps you in the game but not overcommitted so when the time comes it is an easier transition to a FT role there or elsewhere.
AnonymousJanuary 18,2024 at 6:40PM UTC
No one goes to their grave wishing they worked one more day. Make the things in your life a priority and work work around that going forward. Sometimes the suit no longer fits and you have to shop for a new one. Once you have your second child take the time on your mat leave to assess what is out there and you can determine next steps from there.