https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 14 May 2026 09:15:33 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-685558 Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:26:39 +0000 reyorra 685558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm meeting with my manager and the boss tomorrow (a week before I return from maternity leave). I'm not sure what they have in mind for me. I know they want me back, and I know they're happy that I'm returning full time. When I went for a visit a month ago with my daughter, the boss said he "has plans for me". So we'll see tomorrow! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-682471 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:20:45 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 682471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got a promotion 2 days before I went on leave, so no. Suffice to say, I have an amazing boss. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-681849 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:35:45 +0000 littleveesmommy 681849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it did. I went back to my former company about 6 months before finding out I was pregnant (we were NTNP) and when I started back, I was working remotely and gearing to help them expand their business. They already had a lead and were looking into expanding and I had moved to the area that coincided with that expansion, and my original departure was due to relocating for family, so they contacted me. Well, the first day back after leave at 10am I was on conference call with my bosses and told I'd no longer be managing my projects but would "help as see fit". FYI I was PM for this company for 4 years before I relocated and managed all projects the whole time before leave, so it was a HUGE slap in the face. I cried when I got off the phone with them. The next four months consisted of me "helping" with menial tasks (I felt like a fresh graduate - if it helps place the situation) and meanwhile, hearing that this-and-that project was not meeting it's deadlines. My client (or, former) was NOT happy and they were shooting themselves in the foot. I got canned exactly 4 months after I returned from maternity leave. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-681401 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:40:33 +0000 ShootingStar 681401@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't experience myself so far, luckily. I just told my current boss I'm pregnant and she was super excited. She just had her second child within the last year so she is very supportive. She was even encouraging me to think about working 3 days/week instead of 5, like she does. </p> <p>But I've seen it happen to other women, unfortunately. A good friend of mine got "mommy tracked" after having her first, and she just had her 2nd and I think will miss the annual review (where they determine promotions and raises) and I think she's just SOL until next year.</p> <p>Also, my former boss had a baby last year and the month she returned to work she was included in a lay off. I'm not even sure how that's legal. FMLA guarantees you a job when you return, but I guess there's no guarantee for how long you have it? So shady. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-681341 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:03:21 +0000 looch 681341@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took 2 years off and have recently begun working again, full time. I was able to make a smooth re-entry into the workplace and so far, there are no signs that taking the time off has negatively impacted my career. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671577 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:56:29 +0000 Pirouette 671577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNYC: I hear you. i hate billing too. but it is amazing that you work with all women, there are almost none here! i really love my job though, i guess the question is do i love my boss's job and is it the job i want for the rest of my career? It's a tough call, and it's not entirely MY call! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671568 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:44:02 +0000 LindsayInNY 671568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pirouette: Mine's relatively flexible with hours - I've worked at firms where face time was everything. Didn't matter if you had a sick one. If you weren't in the office they basically treated you like you weren't working (aka out on sick/vacation time). I'm in our firms smallest office (all women attorneys too) which really helps things. But the billing has always been a struggle for me and I don't know if it will ever get better or easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671557 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:37:45 +0000 Pirouette 671557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNYC: I've been thinking about this a lot lately, obviously b/c of TTC. my job is way more flexible than most with hours/billables, so I can definitely make it work. I think i want to make partner here, it's always been the plan, but i'd be lying if i said i don't have dreams of having a nice flexible in-house job! especially the business development aspect, i mean what kind of working mom has time for that?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671549 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:30:23 +0000 LindsayInNY 671549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pirouette: Same here but honestly, I'm not interested in making partner. I hope to go in-house at some point for a little better work-life balance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671521 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:13:03 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 671521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: wow just wow. </p> <p>I only know one other coworker along time ago who left the position after returning from mat leave to become a SAHM. I need wish there were mamas on the job, so I I b would know X what to expect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671457 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:39:00 +0000 Lindsay05 671457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rubies: Does it make you strive to do more than you should? If you are truly a hard worker then you probably do and always want to do the best at your job. But the MANY who are in my area of work and protected by the union do just enough to get by and no more than that. We have no performance reviews which determine whether you have an increase in pay, a promotion or anything. If you get an increase in pay, the person who calls in sick once every two weeks gets that same increase in pay, and you are probably the one covering their butt. Sorry, I didn't mean to assume all are lazy in the union. Yes unions are wonderful for protecting the worker which in this day and age, is not a positive thing, IMO. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671449 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:34:40 +0000 Rubies 671449@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lindsay05: I am a part of a union and I think it has helped to protect my job while being on mat leave. While I can understand why you might think that unions promote laziness, it is also very helpful. Being a part of a union doesn't make me do my job any less than I normally would. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671342 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:39:22 +0000 Raindrop 671342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think mine def hurt me but I was told that it didn't when I tried to argue my last review. I think it depends. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671256 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:13:17 +0000 regberadaisy 671256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Seeing as how I was part of a group that god laid off half a year later I will say it def hurt me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671246 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:10:59 +0000 brownie 671246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: Interesting. Yeah, that doesn't sound legal but I totally understand. I felt exactly the same way and that is why I didn't pursue anything. Good luck in your future and getting away. Sometimes feeling like you can get away is all you need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671244 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:09:37 +0000 Pirouette 671244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: that's amazing! i'm very jealous. i don't think my firm has a fixed mat policy, but the only way to get promoted is to make partner, and i do think having a kid will hold me back a little in that department (how much remains to be seen!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671185 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:51:07 +0000 LindsayInNY 671185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: Now I'm curious what you do!! My firm is fairly generous compared to previous ones I've worked at (thank god!) but, as much as I like it, it's not a long term deal for me. I don't think the billables will be as manageable with a kid, unfortunately. =/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671169 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:44:24 +0000 lawbee11 671169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNYC: Oh I don't work at a firm! I have a more non-traditional legal job. I would imagine that firms that give that much maternity leave are few and far between! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-671030 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:08:27 +0000 LindsayInNY 671030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: Wow, what kind of firm do you work at?! That's awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670907 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:37:06 +0000 PrincessBaby 670907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had a not great first quarter last year after a merger gave me a totally new (larger) territory and I had to start from scratch... I got the numbers up for Q2 and by Q3 and Q 4 was doing pretty well, but they gave me my formal annual review when I got back from maternity leave, and they only based it on Q1-3, and averaged the 3 quarters together so my Q1 pulled my overall performance rating down. I was stunned that it was done that way, but like I said, there was a merger and this was my first annual review with the new company, and I wasnt aware they "averaged" it out that way. My husband and I discussed possibly meeting w/an employment attorney, but my company is a Fortune 100 company and has a ton of attorneys on retainer, and from what I understand any mention of getting legal involved forces them to immediately turn everything over to their attorneys, and a big headache ensues from there, and they make sure it all goes very slow. That combined with the fact that I am leaving anyway and just am exhausted and want to be done just made us decide to ride this out and then leave it alone. I dont feel like fighting for this job, especially not taking on attorney fees for something that's going to be tied up for ages with their inhouse legal team. </p> <p>They're just too big and I'n just too tired. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670902 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:35:54 +0000 Alivoo01 670902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: 5 months?! That's freakin awesome!!!!!!! Totally jealous!</p> <p>@Mrs. Champagne: Ugh! WTF! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670893 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:33:44 +0000 mamabolt 670893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think maternity leave hurt my career at all. I had my annual review a few weeks after coming back from 3 months off and got a favorable review. I do struggle personally because I can't work the extra hours I did before so I feel guilty that it takes me longer to respond to some things than it did before, but I've been assured I am still doing a good job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670888 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:32:39 +0000 Modern Daisy 670888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't get passed up for a promotion for going on maternity leave, but I know that it will be several years before I get promoted because there are people here who have been waiting much longer than me and are more senior. It's a really good company to work for so people never leave and only a few employees are promoted every year out of hundreds, so you literally have to wait your turn. I've counted before and in my immediate group there are about 8 people in my same exact position who are more senior and have been here longer so they will definitely go first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670864 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:24:25 +0000 Freckles 670864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: @prettylizy: That's awesome. I was also shocked when i got promoted before going on a 1 year mat leave. I think it only benefits the company in the long run if they are able to see the bigger picture. I know for sure that i'll be staying at this company for a long time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670860 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:21:17 +0000 Lindsay05 670860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: UGH! Punch in the face. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670858 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:20:58 +0000 lawbee11 670858@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't gone on maternity leave yet, but I requested 5 months off for mine and that time was approved. A week after telling them about the pregnancy they promoted me and said my mat leave wouldn't change--I could still take 5 months. So I feel very fortunate to work for a progressive, family-oriented company! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670851 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:18:16 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 670851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a LO yet, but it will hurt me as I'm in sales. I'm also in Canada so I will take a year off and then have to start things all over again. My boss has literally told other people that took mat leave "you'd be in a lot better position if you hadn't taken those years off..." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670848 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:16:36 +0000 Alivoo01 670848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: WTF kind of plan is that?! That’s absolutely horrible, and so not right!!</p> <p>@Lindsay05: what the crap?! So sorry girl!</p> <p>@prettylizy: Yay!! Good for your boss realizing your potential and capabilities and overlooking having a baby has a deterrent! Even after a year leave, that’s awesome!!</p> <p>I'm currently pregnant, but part 2 of our performance review is in November which would be when I return from maternity leave. No idea how this will affect my review which will affect my raise! I'm scared/nervous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670832 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:08:45 +0000 Lindsay05 670832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Freckles: I know. Unions suck. They promote laziness. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/did-going-on-mat-leave-hurt-your-careerjob#post-670828 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:07:44 +0000 Lindsay05 670828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: That is RIDICULOUS. How in this day and age that be even a consideration. </p> <p>For my situation I see it as a blessing in disguise. Maybe it means I was meant to stay at home with my LO. Family will always come first for me so if I ever have a boss who makes me decide, I will tell them to shove it. ( I obviously see the dilemma where the extra income is needed though. (That's Tough) </p>