Help!

This is not about my MIL but about my Manager. 🙆‍♀️ I didn’t know which group to post in.. since this group is quite active and people respond so.. I had a very rough time with my manager, so much so that I had to start my Mat-leave around 6 months before my due date. She would intentionally make me work extra, make me stay till 8 when the time to leave is 5:30pm. Just overall trouble me unnecessarily. Would call a meeting if I took some extra minutes at lunch. (I wasn’t alone having my lunch,but with my 6 other colleagues and they were never called out). Just a series of bad events which led me to take that decision. Now I have to join back next month, I received an email asking if I’m going to join and when. I replied.. now my manager wants to meet me to discuss my work even though I’m at my leave. What should I do?
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I would look up your company’s policies for maternity leave and just send an email back stating those policies because if you are on leave then your manager should not be contacting you about working.

@Naomi Salas Unfortunately I don’t have access to that, because the handbook is in my work laptop which is in the office

You can say sorry I don’t have anyone to watch my little one yet. Can we meet over video call? 🥰

Sounds like a toxic job. If you were to leave are you confident you can find another job? If you can , leave.

I'd have contacted HR long ago about your unfair treatment. That's discrimination and bullying if you ask me. There's no way you should have had to go on maternity leave early. Are you in a union? Could any colleagues help you get access to policies?

I agree with Lesley it sounds awful! I would leave if I were you... Say to them I'm sorry I can't find childcare for my little one. Then leave. If you can afford it, be a SAHM for a little while or find a part time job that works around your child. Where you are sounds toxic and terrible for your mental wellbeing

I had contacted HR about it before leaving. She knows everything. Unfortunately she’s close friends with my manager. So she didn’t do much about it. I had told a few other managers as well and they were in support but they didn’t talk to my manager to make her understand. 😔 And now I’m worried when I return - A. Other employees are offered two days work from home, I’m not. B. She would not let me leave on time to be back home with my baby. But, how should I handle this situation- the email sent to me to meet?

What is it you do? I really think if that's the case I wouldn't even be contemplating going back!

I’m in Marketing. At this point of time I’m open to do any kind of work. It’s so hard to find work. 😔

Could you put your CV on some recruitment websites? I feel so bad that you are in such a rubbish situation with management. I really hope something better falls into place for you. My friend recently gave up a job with an airline to become a carer as the hours are more flexible now she has the little one. Such a big leap but she has no regrets. Depends what you can afford to do. Is your partner supportive of change?

I would personally get a sick note due to stress it is causing you and then look for another job. She clearly has some issues and I don't think she will be any nicer when you go back.

Assuming you're in the US, you may not work while on leave by law. I was asked for a return to work note after my mat leave as well so I would have your doctor write a note requiring no more than 8 hours of work per day or home by 6pm or whatever so that she cannot require absurd hours per your doctor's order. Is this a small company? Because if not I'd go above that HR person. There should also be a remote work policy and if it states you get 2 days then it is discrimination to not receive it if you meet requirements. I'd add that into your doctor's note that you should work from home 2-3 days per week 😉 that way you're compromising when you do 2

I would respond, "I am happy to meet you on this date (your return to work date) to discuss work. Until then, I am unavailable for anything work related. Thank you."

@Stephani 🌺 E will this sound rude? 🙈

I don't think it's rude, it's direct and she is bullying you plus taking advantage. You could simply leave it at I'm happy to meet you on this date or any date after that. Without the until then. If she asks for a date before that just tell her I am on maternity leave and recovering/ bonding until then

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