Just started working as a health care professional...about 5 wks pregnant with second child (unplanned...husband is excited) Due in late May/early June. How will I survive if I am not eligible for maternity leave because I have no hours? What should I do? I know about FMLA but you need to be working somewhere for a year. I NEED HELP. Please give good suggestions. Thanx.
2007-09-18 17:35:11 · 4 answers · asked by ohbabybaby 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
save some money go on a budget work some extra hours while you still can pay down some bills and buckle through it. I will be a single mother and I have unpaid leave too. i will only have if I am lucky and not get sick again for the next 32 weeks 1 month of paid sick/vacation. So I am downsizing now. Turning in the home for cheaper rent. Getting the credit card bills paid down and just realizing that all the exrtas will have to go away for a while. If it is your second you shouldn't need much of the big stuff. Unless they are far apart and you gave that all away but don't stress it will all work out in the long run :)
2007-09-18 17:42:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should try and find an employment handbook for the place you work at to see what they offer for those not covered by the FMLA. They may offer the same terms to others as well. Or they may have some other rules in place that aren't as bad as what you think they might be.
At our work (we are a small non profit), our organization doesn't fall under the guidelines to have to follow the FMLA, but we still offer those same options to everyone. Although no paid leave is offered. The best option is to research what rules your workplace has, then come up with a maternity plan that you think they will approve. Then meet with your boss and show them that you want to be proactive in planning whatever leave (most likely unpaid) you need, and they will most likely respect your actions and hold your position for you.
There are LOTS of women who have no paid leave offered to them, so it can be done. People think I'm crazy for only taking three weeks off for maternity leave, but when you don't get any paid leave, sometimes that's all you can do. Good luck!
2007-09-19 00:49:07 · answer #2 · answered by average_american_superhero 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the answers previous to mine, but want to add...Communicate with your employer! This means your manager/supervisor and the HR Department. Are you working full-time now and earning PTO (vacation/sick time)? If so, you'll be able to use that after you deliver in order to keep getting a paycheck. Otherwise, your employer may let you take a general, unpaid leave with an agreed-upon return date.
You're not the first to be in this situation so you're not alone! Good luck to you and congratulations!
2007-09-19 00:48:27 · answer #3 · answered by SJTRN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is anything you can do as far as your job is concerned. Can your husband take on a second job or can you live on one income? You may have to downsize your life until you can get back to work. It can be done, though. Start preparing NOW, though. And Congrats!!!!
2007-09-19 00:43:37 · answer #4 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋