I have a very demanding job and are taking 8 weeks maternaty leave. . .?

Question

The thing is - while I'm on maternaty leave, I will still be working on a project I started a while back. The office phones me the whole day and my boss now asked me to do some marketing for him as well. Do you think they are reasonable?

Oh - four years back when I went on maternaty leave for my first child, I almost lost my job due to people backstabbing me and generally for not being there.

What should I do?

Answer 1

maternity leave is maternity leave your not supposed to have to do work at all

Answer 2

Maternity leave is LEAVE.  As in, you leave the job temporarily and stop working.

If you have a pre-schooler and a new baby, the office can't expect you to answer the phone all day and for your boss to ask you to do marketing is ridiculous.

Your workplace sounds rude, and doesn't sound very fair, friendly or professional at all.  Are you sure you really want to work there?

You have a legal right to maternity leave.  Take it.

And take the phone off the hook.

Answer 3

You do not have to work whilst you are on maternity leave, this is your time to bond with your baby without worrying about work.  i suggest that you speak to your local organisation that gives information on work related problems and see what they say.  remember to take a copy of the contract for your employment so that they can be accurate in their advice.

Answer 4

Maternity leave is when you don't have to work at all.

What you are describing is "Working from Home" and you should be getting paid and be able to take Maternity leave later.

Explain to your boss that you don't mind doing this, but when you need to take your 8 weeks Maternity Leave, you will be unplugging your phone and concentrating on being a new Mommy!

Answer 5

Like the ole folks say--- "Do what you can!"  That is all you can do at this time.  Your health comes first, and if the job does not want to recognize it, they are rude.  Hope you will not lose your job.  And about backstabbing--- that's everywhere.  So don't worry, just enjoy your stay-at-home time.  Be pleasant, but also help you boss understand that you need this time for your home and family.  Let your husband answer the phone as often as possible, or a man (brother, cousin, or any man) and that will gender more respect from a man.  

A man hearing a man's voice on the other end will cut short a lot of requests. (smile) --- Toni D.