Hellobee Boards

I have paid maternity leave, so right now my plan is to tell work once the paid portion of my leave is up (probably 8 weeks after the birth). On one hand I do feel a little bit bad not telling them ahead of time (though, I did train the people doing my maternity cover so someone knows how to do most of what I do). But on the other, you do have to watch out for yourself. You have to consider things like, what if your DH loses his job? Or, what if something goes wrong and the baby is in the hospital for months and months or something or worse? My friend's very practical and kind of blunt dad pointed that out but it makes sense. So in your situation, I would probably wait until the baby is born and let them know a few weeks after-- no need to drag it out the full 12 weeks though.

@Foodnerd81: My two cents about your plan - be careful. I've heard of scenarios where an employee who doesn't return has to repay their employer for any insurance (particularly if your employer subsidizes a portion of your benefits) and/or leave paid on their behalf during that time. Does your employer have a handbook or anything?

@LindsayInNY: I checked with HR because I heard that on here too. She just said to tell them when I decide but that off the record, she would wait until the paid part was done then tell.

ETA: But yes, good point that people should think about!

I didnt want to risk anything happening with my insurance (and I got 6 weeks STD) so I waited and told them after baby arrived. I felt a little shady, but I needed to keep my insurance!

Technically our handbook states that I would need to pay back a portion of insurance but they didnt apply that towards me.