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Um. I don't know why you're hesitating? LOL this new position sounds like a dream. You will have flex hours, which is SO important with children. You can work one day from home which is a trade off with working 5 days versus 4 days. You get better benefits.
I know losing 4 weeks of mat leave sounds awful right now. But in the big scheme of things, it's four weeks. Since it's the same company I assume all your vacation / PtO hours will go with you? You can always use those on top of maternity leave if your company will allow it? And I'm not sure if you were able to take 16 before why they will ask you to take 12 the second time around? And why will it make a difference if it's the same company?

I would go for it!

Honestly, the flex hours make the decision for me. I would take the new job. I wouldn't say anything about maternity leave. Just leave that alone and deal with it when the time comes. It sounds like they are a good company to work for which means they probably respect working moms. Being able to work hours that work for you is SO HUGE (says someone who has set hours, as well and I despise my company for it)

Go for it!!! It sounds awesome and will make your future happiness so much more than your current job!!

I returned to work after 12 weeks with both my kids. It sucks, but it's easier the second time, so I think you'll be okay on that front. And having flexibility when you have kids is CRUCIAL. And the option to work from home! DO IT!

@JoJoGirl: ooooh but will it be a full time permanent position? How much vacation time and PtO do you get? Do you know when those kick in? Accrue or at point of hire? I went back at 7 weeks....it sucked but I wouldn't pass up an opportunity because of it!
When we had our first we had no help, whatsoever around us. DH did all drop off and pick ups. When she got sick we alternated taking time off. It's hard and brutal but plenty of parents do it without help. When dd1 starts kindergarten we'll have to look into aftercare as well even though we have family nearby. They're not interested in helping. it's not the end of the word, you'll make do. I would still take the opportunity if it was me!

It's definitely much easier the second time around. Being able to work from home is huge. It means you can make up hours taken for sick children versus just taking PTO! Among many other great benefits.

Congrats! I would totally take the new job. It sucks that you'll lose the day at home but all of the other perks will make up for it. And the flex hours are awesome, too!

@JoJoGirl: Ok I got it...sorry I was confused. I still say a hands down yes. And fwiw I am working for the first time for a woman who has two children (albeit her husband stays home with them) and it is amazing. She gets it - both when I need to leave and when I stay but am sad to be missing time with DD. Just a very pleasant work environment. Also - even tho you are giving up a month of leave (which to means seems to be the only real negative) they will likely be willing to work with you...perhaps letting working from home 2-3 days a week as you transition back to work after LO#2. Just my thoughts!

Heck yes take this job!!

Sure you'll miss a day, but that will just make your family that much more special. Besides as your kids mature you'll have a similar trajectory in a growth industry.

Did you ask HR about the mat leave? I would. It sounds like a great opportunity!
I WOH 5 days a week, 40+ hours (plus 2hrs commuting each day), I'm due with LO #2 on Monday.... DH works full time too and luckily he can be semi flex to go in early and leave early to make pick up at daycare.... I go in a bit later, and have the ability to occasionally work from home which is KEY! I usually do one day a week at home if I can. It works for us, it's hard to imagine doing anything differently than what you do currently, but you can make it work! I'm nervous about 2 and our work schedules but I know we will figure it out. If this is a career move in the right direction, it seems like it will be worthwhile for your future! Good luck!! And so sorry to hear about the MC.

It sounds like a great opportunity and you should definitely go for it! I WOH 40 hours a week with flex time (I work 8-4 basically) because I have a fairly substantial commute. DH and I kind of work staggered schedules - he does the morning drop-off and works 8:30-6 (we both usually work in the evenings after bed). I get to do an early pickup (usually around 4:30-5) so we both get solo time with DS every day, which is an amazing luxury for two WOH parents! We also both work with a lot of people who have young kids so our schedules are fairly typical and that helps a lot. I don't think the importance of flexibility can be overstated - I'd much rather have regular flex time (especially as my child gets older and is, frankly, more fun!) than 4 extra weeks of maternity leave.

Reading through everything I would definitely go for it! Flex time is soooo important with kids...I love being able to work basically whatever hours I want during the day and working from home is just awesome. Plus it sounds like the other benefits really outway any cons. I feel like your only hesitation is the maternity leave thing, which who knows, maybe they would give you 16 weeks but really 12 is not bad at all. And I know you will miss the day home with your LO, but if you can get out early a few days a week it will be nice too.

I just started back at full time work after working part time for a few years. My daughter (second baby) is 5 months old and I was extremely pregnant (like 36 or 38 weeks) when I interviewed. It is hard to not have that time I used to have but working is really nice too. I still get weekends with both kids so that helps. And in my situation there is a daycare on site my kids go to so I get to check in on them. It has worked perfectly. And I am working to move my classes online so I can be at work much less as my first heads off to kindergarten next year.

I was in full on mom mode last year and sometimes it is hard to remember that we are more than just that. As for maternity leave, see what the offer for pay if it isn't more why not negotiate you contract to have a longer leave or a graduated leave (12 weeks off 4-6 more weeks part time).

I would say go for sure, except for the 32 hour work week. That is what keeps me from pursuing other opportunities. I have 37 hour week now, and work from home 4 days, 1 in office. And basically and come and go as needed for appointments. If it really is an opportunity that won't come up again and you will have regrets, go for it. But I have definitely done soul searching that the schedule I have now is best for my family life.

This sounds like an amazing opportunity and I would jump on it! I have a 5 day work week (basically 9-5) with some flexibility and not nearly as many benefits as it sounds like you would get, but I love my job and wouldn't change it. We don't have help from family where we are (too long of a drive for our full time working parents), but we can manage because my commute is relatively short. I think having flexible hours and ability to work from home sometimes really helps. I can't really comment on the 4 day vs 5 day thing, but I am happy with 5 days. We just savor our weekends a little more.

Btw, you might be able to negotiate a longer maternity leave when you actually need it (I wouldn't negotiate it at this point). I was supposed to get 12 weeks and I politely asked for 14 and got it. The STD thing stinks but over the grand scheme of things, you will probably save more by getting a better health plan alone, not to mention if your salary increases. We are a family lucky to have an insanely good health plan and it saves us sooo much money. I have seen people switch jobs for that alone.