no longer want to work a 9-5 routine.<\/a><\/strong> Whatever the case, you now have to consider what will make you happy and what will make your life easier with a new baby.<\/p>\nJob Hunting While Pregnant<\/h3>\n
If you know early on in your pregnancy that you\u2019re going to want to switch careers, don\u2019t wait to get started on your search. The earlier, the better. Not only will you have more time and energy to focus on getting a new job, but if you get hired, you\u2019ll have some time to settle in before having the baby.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that even though it\u2019s illegal, some employers won\u2019t hire you if you\u2019re visibly pregnant. This is considered discrimination, but it doesn\u2019t mean it doesn\u2019t happen. While you can try to take action against that employer, it can take a lot of time, effort, and money to do so.<\/p>\n
It can also be hard to prove that your pregnancy was the reason for your rejection. By starting your search earlier in your pregnancy, you won\u2019t be \u2018showing\u2019 as much. This will give the employer a chance to focus more on what you can do, rather than your current situation.<\/p>\n
Can You Take\u00a0a Second Job While on Maternity Leave?<\/h3>\n
If you want to work for another employer during your maternity leave, it\u2019s best to talk to your current employer about it. Some women want a little extra money during their time off, so they might get a part-time job to make up the difference.<\/p>\n
Every company has their own policy when it comes to working elsewhere. It\u2019s usually stated in the company contract. Most companies don\u2019t often have a problem allowing their employees to take on a second job somewhere as long as it doesn\u2019t affect their full-time work. It would be considered discrimination if your employer made a new \u2018clause\u2019 just for those on maternity leave.<\/p>\n
Some employers don\u2019t care how much you work for a second job. Others have clearly-written rules about it in the company policy handbooks. It\u2019s understandable to want to make more money while you\u2019re on leave, but to keep your job secure (if you plan on going back), try to review the company policies. If you\u2019re still unsure, talk to your boss about your situation and why you\u2019re looking for extra work outside the company.<\/p>\n
Can I Work as Self-Employed While on Maternity Leave?<\/h3>\n
If you don\u2019t want to go back to a regular job or get a different job, you might look into self-employment while on maternity leave. This gives many mothers the option of working from home and setting their own schedule. Plus, thanks to all the advancements in technology, working from home is easier than ever.<\/p>\n
But, getting paid as a freelancer or self-employed person on maternity leave has its own set of rules. Unfortunately, many people either don\u2019t know about their options, or they fail to opt for them.<\/p>\n
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If you are already self-employed, look into Employment Insurance. This gives self-employed people the chance to tap into some of the same benefits others do when it comes to maternity leave. To be eligible for some of these benefits, you have to register ahead of time \u2013 up to 12 months. So, it\u2019s a good idea to get started while you\u2019re planning for your family, and not once you\u2019re already pregnant.<\/p>\n
Programs like this aren\u2019t for everyone. They do require you pay into them and they have premiums that must be met. But, they can be worth looking into for certain freelancers who want to receive an income once their baby is born.<\/p>\n
If you already have a job and want to take on some freelance work at home while on leave, that\u2019s a different story. In most cases, it\u2019s no different than taking on a second job. You should always talk to your company and your boss about taking on any extra work from home. Some companies allow it, while others do not. You may even be allowed to work a set number of extra hours each week, etc. But, you don\u2019t want to go behind your business\u2019 back if you ever plan on returning.<\/p>\n
Do You Have to Pay Maternity Back if You Leave Your Job?<\/h3>\n
Always read the fine print of your employee handbook or talk to your HR manager before going on maternity leave. If you decide to leave your job on leave, you may have to pay back some of your benefits. Your company may also have the right to ask for reimbursement on your health insurance payments if you don\u2019t come back.<\/p>\n
Even if you do go back, keep in mind that maternity leave pay isn\u2019t without its drawbacks. If you work for a company that privately-funds your maternity leave, it\u2019s just like getting a paycheck. The money you make during that time is taxable.<\/p>\n
Sadly, it isn\u2019t always a good situation for women who want to leave their job after maternity leave. This is because there can be drawbacks and penalties involved. Again, it\u2019s best to check with your job and figure out what their rules are about maternity leave and short-term disability leave.<\/p>\n
Doing your research will help to protect you and ensure you\u2019re doing everything the right way to get as many benefits as possible.<\/p>\n
Getting Fired While on Maternity Leave<\/h3>\n
Unfortunately, getting fired from your current place of employment can happen at almost any time. That includes during your pregnancy or even shortly after you\u2019ve had your baby. If you do get fired while you\u2019re on maternity leave, you may have some rights.<\/p>\n
The best thing you can do is to research those rights through the Pregnancy Discrimination Act<\/a><\/strong>. This act and other federal laws explain what your rights are while you\u2019re pregnant and on maternity leave. If your job can prove you were fired for other valid reasons, it can be hard to make a case against them.<\/p>\n![\"job](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/using-maternity-leave-to-change-career.jpeg\")
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But, if you think your place of employment violated a law in firing you, contact an attorney. You may be able to reach a\u00a0settlement agreement since it would be considered discrimination to fire a pregnant woman.<\/p>\n
Adjusting to Not Working While on Maternity Leave<\/h3>\n
Whether you choose to take your leave before your baby is born or after, your life is about to change. For your own well-being, it\u2019s a good idea to give yourself some transition time between working full-time and staying home. This is true whether you decide to eventually go back to work, get a new job, or stay home permanently.<\/p>\n
Here are a few tips to help make things easier for you when you\u2019re adjusting to life at home:<\/p>\n
\n- Stick to a schedule<\/strong>: Maintaining a routine can give you a sense of comfort and make you feel calmer. Not only is that important for you, but it\u2019s essential for your new child. Your routine doesn\u2019t have to be the same as it was when you worked every day. But, it should be consistent from now on. Having a routine (especially in the mornings) can start your day on the right foot and make it easier.<\/li>\n
- Stay active in your career<\/strong>: This doesn\u2019t mean you need to keep in touch with your place of employment. But, it can be beneficial to keep in touch with old co-workers, to see what\u2019s going on. If you ever do plan on returning to work or a new job, pay attention to that particular industry and any changes it may be going through.<\/li>\n
- Find support<\/strong>: Even with a solid schedule, your life will be different with a baby around. While on maternity leave, it\u2019s easy to feel alone and almost as though no one else is going through what you\u2019re going through. Finding a support group to help you through this new transition can make a big difference. Friends and family offer great support. But, if you can find a specific group of new moms going through the same thing after leaving their jobs, that\u2019s even better!<\/li>\n
- Find new interests<\/strong>: Having a baby can spark creativity and inspiration in you that you may have never found otherwise. It\u2019s a great time to explore new interests and opportunities in your life. During this time, you might be considering whether you\u2019ll go back to work. Exploring your interests and passions further might make you decide on a different career path.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Getting used to being on maternity leave can feel like a full-time job on its own for a while! But, by using some of these tips, you can make the transition easier. Once you do get into a rhythm and routine, you mind find that it\u2019s easier to decide whether you want to go back to work or find a new job.<\/p>\n
Finding a Job After Maternity Break<\/h3>\n
We hope this guide has given you some peace of mind about how your career can change when you\u2019re on maternity leave. The decision to go back to work, find a new job, or stay at home is completely up to you. But, there are some rules and ethical guidelines you should follow no matter what.<\/p>\n
If you do decide to go back to work or find a new job after your maternity break, following those rules will make it easier on you. Maintaining a professional attitude even while you\u2019re on leave will reflect positively on you, especially in a new position.<\/p>\n
You should also know your rights when it comes to a maternity break, and what you can expect from your employer. Do your research ahead of time about what your company offers to expectant mothers. You should know how much time you\u2019ll get off, how much you\u2019ll get paid, and any other benefits you may be entitled to.<\/p>\n
By doing your homework about maternity leave at your job, you can make a more informed decision about what the best option might be for you, and your new baby.<\/p>\n
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