When to finish work

**Sazza05** · 21-09-2009 13:20

Just after suggestions on when to finish work. Im due on the 02/11/09 and im finishing work on 16/10/09. I am getting so tired and run down having to get up and work 5 days a week 7:30-5. My DP supports my choice to stop earlier if i want but im worried about our savings and whether it will cover us, that's the only reason why im trying to work for as long as i can.

**Campbellsmummy** · 21-09-2009 13:34

Due to a difficult pregnancy I stopped working full time at 12 weeks and finished completely by 30 weeks. It was the best decision for us, as it allowed me to focus on the baby and be prepared for the birth and afterwards. It was a struggle financially, but we were more concerned about the bub than finances. You have to weigh up what works for you. If its better for you and the baby, I'd finish up sooner. Its good practice for budgeting when your on maternity leave anyway.

**mummytobeinnovember** · 21-09-2009 20:27

I would recommend finishing work no later than 4 weeks before bubs is due if you can. You'll really need the rest ahead of the big arrival!

**trixiebelle17** · 21-09-2009 21:02

Everyone seems to feel very different in the later stages of pregnancy. I finished work on friday (so am having just over 4 weeks off) and i could have continued working at present, but apart from an itchy stomach and sore feet i have been blessed with a fairly easy run lately.

At this stage in pregnancy i think it's best to listen to your body. Its great that your partner is supportive of your choices. If your concerned about your finances, are you able to reduce your days or hours each day over the last couple of weeks or work from home?

**Amara** · 21-09-2009 21:32

I worked full time til 37 weeks but wished I'd finished up at 36. That last week was really uncomfortable & my feet were so big I couldn't even wear my one size bigger shoes that I'd been wearing for months. Problem is I got stubborn & didn't want to lose any money & my OB wouldn't put me on sick leave for a case of "pregnancy feet". I think you are better off to make a decision earlier than to think about changing it later as you might get stubborn like me.

**Sazza05** · 22-09-2009 11:01

Yeah im getting stubborn plus just spoke to my boss and I cant really finish early cause not enough staff. Everyone else has been told for the 6mths that i have off they cant have anymore then 1day off in a row. Which is now making me feel guilty. Im also looking at the money side of things, because my lil munchkin wasn't planned we didn't have savings. I have savings now to cover rent for the 6mths i have off plus the loan on my car, but then ill have to rely on the gov and my partner to support me. Which i fine very unfair and I dont want my partner to have to work long hours to support me.

**Clannad** · 22-09-2009 11:29

Originally Posted by Campbellsmummy

Due to a difficult pregnancy I stopped working full time at 12 weeks and finished completely by 30 weeks. It was the best decision for us, as it allowed me to focus on the baby and be prepared for the birth and afterwards. It was a struggle financially, but we were more concerned about the bub than finances. You have to weigh up what works for you. If its better for you and the baby, I'd finish up sooner. Its good practice for budgeting when your on maternity leave anyway.

In my case I chose to stop working early in my pregnancy for my own wellbeing and wellbeing of the baby

We struggle financially definately, but I'm not stressed anymore and feel very happy!

However I'm not trying to say those of y'all who work up to having birth aren't concerned about the wellbeing of yourself and bub. Just sometimes, it seems everyone seems to focus on excess money being the be all and end all. But really, it shouldn't.

**Lil M** · 22-09-2009 12:45

Originally Posted by Sazza05

Yeah im getting stubborn plus just spoke to my boss and I cant really finish early cause not enough staff. Everyone else has been told for the 6mths that i have off they cant have anymore then 1day off in a row. Which is now making me feel guilty. Im also looking at the money side of things, because my lil munchkin wasn't planned we didn't have savings. I have savings now to cover rent for the 6mths i have off plus the loan on my car, but then ill have to rely on the gov and my partner to support me. Which i fine very unfair and I dont want my partner to have to work long hours to support me.

Don't feel guilty - it's your boss that should feel guilty for being such a tyrant!! Bosses like that make me really angry!!

He/she has no right to pressure you into staying longer than you can & no right to not allow other staff to only have 1 day off at a time.

**garfield13** · 22-09-2009 12:59

Originally Posted by Lil M

Don't feel guilty - it's your boss that should feel guilty for being such a tyrant!! Bosses like that make me really angry!!

He/she has no right to pressure you into staying longer than you can & no right to not allow other staff to only have 1 day off at a time.

that is very wrong of your boss.

I finished at 30wks, my boss couldnt believe it when i said that as he wife worked until 38-39wks, but i wanted that time to prepare and rst up

**Zalia** · 22-09-2009 13:05

It depends how you are feeling physically I think.

I worked full time up to 38w last time. I was feeling fit and had a pretty easy pregnancy. The last week started getting pretty difficult physically (tired & sore). This time I'll work to 37w and I'm only working 3 days a week. I have a desk job so am not on my feet a lot.

Don't worry about the boss - make the decisions based on your own needs. I used to get the guilts about not being fair to my work but I since figured out that they don't get the same guilts about looking after me.

You could also use sick days to take it easy if you need in the weeks before.