lexy604

Im not going back to work as i lost my job in feb and than they closed down after about 30 years or more. I would like to find a job but in this economy it is impossible. Im going to be home at least a year with mat pay than after that look for a job hopefully find something even part time.

claire23

Not really relevant because I don't work, but I am a full-time medical student and can take only 3 weeks off ( Enjoy your time with the baby and don't listen to anybody, it's such precious time for you both. xxx

oct-bump

wow! How can that be? 3 weeks doesn't even give you enough time to heal. I'm surprised.

Where I work they give moms 6-8 weeks full pay leave depending on medical problems, then up to a year without pay. Husbands can take sick time & vacation time anytime within a year of birth.

sun

OOOOO! I didn't know that!!!! In Canada you get 55% always unless you work somewhere special that gives you more (like working for the government). Not that I'm complaining though - I know I am lucky that I can take a year off. But it will get tight for $ with me only getting 1/2 pay and thats great to know you can make some $ without losing benefits. Any idea what the maximum is? Prob not alot but anything helps!!! I will have to research this immediately !!

Rebaby

I work for the NHS and planning to take 9 months off. It definitely won't be longer than that as we won't be able to afford, but when i do go back it will be part time, so hopefully it's going to work out okay.

OH also works for the NHS but only started there in May so isn't entitled to paternity He will be taking 2-3 weeks holiday after LO arrives though so we can have some time together as a little family before he heads back to work (full time)

Ignore those who say 6 months isn't long enough, and just do what feels right for you in your situation

meljul

I think the cut off depends on the amount of the benefit that you get. When I was on employment insurance a few years ago, I could make 175$ a week without losing on my benefits. I haven't actually researched it, but I hope that it is the same for maternity benefits. I can't see why not.

Maid Marion

I live in the middle east and i only get 8 weeks off

Baby isnt due until Dec so not making any decisions until he/she arrives! The world is such a topsy turvy place just now that we are just playing things by ear. All going to plan i will work right up until i drop I work 8-2 which is full time and work 5 mins from home so telling myself that if i need to come back to work for the extra money that it wont be so bad..... but when i day dream hubby gets a new job earning loads of money and I get to stay at home and never go back to work

sweetie_c

I plan on taking at least 9 months off plus my annual leave which makes it 10 months. But I will also be on the look out for a new part-time job.

claire23

Yes, that's right if you work! And studying isn't work, it's either taking a full year out and resitting a year or taking 3 weeks off and returning straightaway. Noone is going to stop the course for me, aren't they?

elainegee

i am taking my full 6 months give or take a few weeks with holidays or stat pay.

My work does 6 weeks full pay, 6 weeks at 95% and a further 3 months at 85%. so i don't notice the difference in my wages all that much.

At the moment my OH is out of work (hes a bricklayer) and unless he is willing to travel to England or we move there no sign of much work up here at the moment. So i really need to consider going back to work where as if he was doing as good as he was 3 years ago i wouldn't have to work and i wouldn't have all the nursery costs i have just now. But needs must, so i am only taking 6 months (maybe more with holidays) xx