Maternity leave for the self employed....

[forestmushroom]

Hi Mamas!

I work at home about 30 hours a week... I have 2 gigs one as a customer service agent for a children's clothing company... and one managing social media.

I am due with a new little one in the beginning of May!

The social media gig is pretty easy to manage, and I will be able to continue that without much trouble during the baby's birth and stuff...

But my regular hour job as a CS agent is what I am worried about... and I need help figuring out how much time to ask for-- do I take off two weeks or three weeks?  Is that too little time? 

I'm nervous about being replaced... I know that they love me, but its a new company and I've only worked there for a few months. They don't really know about baby and I could say the reason (which is what I will most likely do, since it seems reasonable!) and they are a family friendly company. 

I just know I have a good thing, and don't want to lose it!

So what did you do--how much time did you take off?  I might X post this in working mamas...

[dogmom327]

So I own a small business with CSR's who work from home. I'd really rather they be up front and ask for the time they actually need versus trying to come back too soon and it causing issues. At least that way I know what I'm working with (e.g. need to find coverage for x number of weeks) rather than having it end up being a longer term thing than I was planning for.

That being said, I'd say a month at least. A baby is a huge adjustment and likely to be attached to the breast non-stop for at least the first month (some babies aren't but best to assume).

[forestmushroom]

Originally Posted by dogmom327 

So I own a small business with CSR's who work from home. I'd really rather they be up front and ask for the time they actually need versus trying to come back too soon and it causing issues. At least that way I know what I'm working with (e.g. need to find coverage for x number of weeks) rather than having it end up being a longer term thing than I was planning for.

That being said, I'd say a month at least. A baby is a huge adjustment and likely to be attached to the breast non-stop for at least the first month (some babies aren't but best to assume).

Yes, totally!  I should add that this is my 5th baby, and I am proficient at nursing while typing from a wee baby to a bigger baby as well...

I took more time off with my last baby, and ended up returning early because working was easier then not working, if that makes sense.  But that was a slightly different position. I think I will ask for a month.

Thanks, Dogmom!  And one more question:

Would you prefer an email so you can process it, or a phone call  ? (I am in a totally different city/state, so it can't be in person--which would speak for itself ;) ).
 

[dogmom327]

Originally Posted by forestmushroom 

Yes, totally!  I should add that this is my 5th baby, and I am proficient at nursing while typing from a wee baby to a bigger baby as well...

I took more time off with my last baby, and ended up returning early because working was easier then not working, if that makes sense.  But that was a slightly different position. I think I will ask for a month.

Thanks, Dogmom!  And one more question:

Would you prefer an email so you can process it, or a phone call  ? (I am in a totally different city/state, so it can't be in person--which would speak for itself ;) ).
 

E-mail. It gives me a few minutes to think things through before I respond :)

ETA: I totally overlooked your siggy that you already had done this 4 times. You know better than I do what it will take LOL. Congrats on number 5!