When would/did you take mat leave if you aren't returning to work?

[aliss]

I am not returning to my job after my mat leave because I am moving across the country. When is a good time to take mat leave? I don't want to work until the day of labour (although I do work across from the hospital,lol), but I do want to make the most out of my good wage that I have. I am part-time, so if I do not work, I do not get paid.

 

[LankyDoodle]

I started mine at 30 weeks, but even if I had intended to return to work, I would have done the same as my job can be quite dangerous. I took a week and a half's holiday directly before and I was signed off sick before that. I am due to return to work on 7th February 2011, but they can jog on if they think I'll be there.

Most people that don't intend to return to their jobs tend to go earlier rather than later, or that is how it seems. However, I'd guess that as you need to money, you should plan to work up until 37+ weeks. Some of the people at my antenatal class aren't going off work until 38 weeks or more!

 

[aliss]

Thanks!

I don't really need the money (OH has a good job) but I do work a somewhat stressful job (911 dispatcher) with long (12 hour) shifts, and since my LO is due in the summer, maybe I should take the time off to enjoy the sun

 

[Laura2919]

I took mine at 29 weeks! But then that was when I was admitted to hospital.

 

[Windmills]

I'm taking mine at 30 weeks- I don't have a job to come back to