Disappointed with return to work

[fee's]

I returned to work this week after a year off on Mat leave.

I work in a pretty senior position as a personal assistant and staff co-ordinator of a medium sized office.

Before I went off on Mat leave we ironed out me going back part time and agreed that although it wasn't ideal for them they were prepared to give it a go at 3 days a week and see how it went.

Well....... I returned to work on Monday to be told that my 'big' boss wasn't comfortable with me recommencing my previous duties and that another member of staff, who is equal to me on the ladder would be delegating me work but everything would be going through her.

Well the guy who I am PA to was less than impressed as he was anxious for me to be back from before I even went on leave so they have had a few blue's over this.

I guess I feel like a bit of a pawn in whatever issues they are having between themselves and I feel kind of humiliated at being pushed down a rung or two just for having a baby.

I have my name down for an extra day at child care to suit them better but now I am thinking perhaps I should just add that day on and work an extra day to accommodate them.

Can anyone else advise on how they have dealt with this kind of thing. Basically my mind is telling me to just go to work, do what is divvied up and take home my pay but my ego is a little bruised at having to take a backward step because I chose to be a mum and work too.

love to hear anyone's opinions.

[KathrynB]

Hi Fee's,

That makes a welcoming return to work????? The Government keeps pushing for employers to be more flexible with their workforce but unfortunately, many employers think it is too hard to get the right balance.

I feel for you as you shouldn't be penalised for having a baby. All that should be considered, is the skills you bring to your job.

Does you immediate boss think you can manage your job 3 days a week? If not, would it be possible to job share with someone else to fill in for the other 2 days?

Has your role been clearly defined?

If you are happy with where you are, I would just do what you have to do for now. Prove to them and remind them of how capable you are and they might relax a bit.

If your not happy with where you are, stay until you can find another job that suits you and your family.

Hope it works out for you.:fingerscrossed:

[EskimoMumma]

It is wrong for me to say this, but i am going to assume that you left work JUST before having a baby right?

If they are going to turn you into a monkey because you have had a baby, maybe remind them that If you can work through PREGNANCY brain ( i was horrible pregnant, i dont know how i passed school) you can surely work and get through all challenging tasks and the likes.

Nothing about YOU has changed(apart from your hips maybe)

I would take it up and voice your opinion, you have every right too, its your job. Maybe recommend having another person on parttime the days you are not working, or continue doing this and a kick **** job until you are back full time (if that is what you want)


Good luck :fingerscrossed:

[fee's]

Thanks heaps for you comments Mummy2AlexandMary and KathrynB.
After another nights sleep I think I have decided the way to go is to prove them wrong :devil6: and as I have always be the 'go to girl' there it won't take long for them to fall back into old habits and just go to the one they know will get the job done better and faster rather than jump through all those hoops. :thumbsup:
I have to keep remembering that it isn't personal it is just his old fashioned, misogynist views that don't let him look outside the box and even give this a go. :banghead: (even though he agreed to 12 mths ago)

Oh and yes I actually co-ordinated our whole office moving buildings when I was 6 - 9 mths preg so I am pretty sure I can do day to day work with one hand tied behind my back even with baby brain.

thanks again for the pick me up.

[xkwzit]

Good on you Fee's

I think that's you best course right now and I'm sure that soon everyone will be knocking on your door again. And it won't be your fault that they prefer to deal with you:thumbsup: .

Cheers

[pookiesossige]

Well....... I returned to work on Monday to be told that my 'big' boss wasn't comfortable with me recommencing my previous duties and that another member of staff, who is equal to me on the ladder would be delegating me work but everything would be going through her.
....love to hear anyone's opinions.

Hey there! This is actually ILLEGAL and your workplace is mandated by law to offer you the EXACT SAME position, responsibilities and pay as before you left for mat leave. If this prob is continuing, speak to your union rep. If your workplace is so backward (and many are!) that there's no union rep around, just give the union most appropriate to your kind of job a ring- Aust. Services Union if you are a health services worker, for example. Even if you're not a member, they are always happy to just give advice in situations like these. I have called for advice, recieved it and found it a really encouraging experience. :thumbsup:

[fee's]

Yeah pookiesossige I know about my return to work rights regarding same position etc, however i went off from a full time positon and have returned on part time arrangements and our agreement stipulates that they only have to provide that if it is 'operationally workable'. They aren't paying me a lower rate or anything and all my entitlements are just pro rata of what they were before I went part time so I don't really have too much to grumble about there. I was just more put out that they agreed to give the arrangements a go prior to me going on mat leave but now I am back he has changed his mind. Having said that I have been back a month now and things are slowly flowing my way, people are just used to coming to me to get stuff done so I am playing their game and running everything by my new 'supervisor' but she is hardly in a position to say 'please no don't do that work' so I just have to jump through the hoops for a while.
Thanks for everyones support.