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Has anyone switched jobs while on maternity leave?

Chelsea - posted on 09/10/2012 ( 2 moms have responded )

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I've been considering switching my current job while on maternity leave. I'll be taking a 12 week maternity leave and once I past my 6 week postpartum, I intend to start interviewing with other companies to see if I can get a better offer. Even though it is a business decision, I'm worried it will affect the relationship with my employer. I know that if I accept another offer, I will tell them immediately out of professional courtesy and not make them wait for the remainder of my leave time until I break the news.



My job hasn't been heading in the direction I want to go with my career and the pay I receive does not match my education. In addition, my company is intending to move another 40 miles away which adds up on commute time and gas - something to consider since I'll be a new single mom with no support system.



Trouble is my workplace has been pretty great to me that it makes me hesitant to leave. They have a wonderful benefits package and will cover mine and my dependent's health insurance. On a personal note, they threw me a fantastic baby shower and have really embraced and looked out for me during my pregnancy (although there were a few occasions of conflict, not connected).



Ultimately, my decision will depend on 4 things: closer to home, more pay, comparable benefits package and within my career path.



Has anyone switched and how did you handle it?

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2 Comments

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Bekah - posted on 09/13/2012

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40

I switched jobs while on maternity leave and just started back to work. My ex employer was very supportive of it actually because the person who covered my leave wanted to keep the job so it worked out well.

It doesn't hurt to look and if you find something then I would by all means take it.

Good luck!

Amy - posted on 09/13/2012

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I tried to find another job while I was on maternity leave with my first one but unfortunately I wasn't able to find something, I was absolutely miserable where I was working and had a 60 mile commute one way. My immediate manager had the higher ups believing that I was incompetent at my job, even though she was the problem and they actually posted and hired someone to fill my job. They obviously didn't want me back either, although I loved all the people who worked under me. I ended up going back and went back with the attitude that I was going to prove them all wrong since my immediate manager left while I was on maternity leave. I ended up being promoted later with the same company but I was still pretty bitter with the company and didn't like the direction the company went as far as work life balance so I ultimately left.



If you do find something while on maternity leave I would let your employer know asap, that way you don't burn any bridges when you leave if you want to leave that door open. Good luck.

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