Work stuff
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
Forum Description: For mums, dads, parents-to-be, grandparents, friends -- you name it! And you name the topic you want to chat about!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2503
Printed Date: 03 October 2025 at 1:37pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Work stuff
Posted By: jax
Subject: Work stuff
Date Posted: 16 May 2006 at 8:45pm
|
Have started having a hard time with my energy levels lately, and working fulltime still, don't think it's a lag from moving house either.
A few days ago I discovered I have a bit of 'time in lieu' owing and a little bit of paid annual leave as well. It occurred to me that it would be much nicer to use that to take a little extra time off, but as I realise it's a busy time of year and I am finishing in little more than five weeks anyway, that it could be a tight squeeze. So I did what I'd done before, and just asked whether it was feasible or not, via the guy on our management team that build our rosters (among many other things). That was five days ago ! I expected it to take a couple days tops, but he has been run off his feet - and so I was told it had been passed on to my team leader to look at. So at the end of the day I asked her what was happening, and she hadn't looked at it, and then said something to the effect of "And in future if you want to make this kind of request please check with me first"........ !!!!!! I don't think she was deliberately trying to be mean or anything like that, but I still feel like that kind of comment was unwarranted. She told me after that she'd get back to me "tomorrow". Tomorrow came, and still nothing. So I figure, for something that was never meant to be a formal request, why is it taking so long to get an answer? I hate having to nag, as I have done a bit of it already in regards to other things (maternity leave paperwork, part time work after that etc), and would have thought they'd realise that me feeling tired and running myself out of energy would be bad for the company as well. I know I pointed this out to a degree when I first asked our rosters guy about it, but maybe I wasn't clear enough. In a nutshell, all I wanted was an indication of whether or not I could take ALL of the leave I'm owed, some of it, or none of it. Anyway, wanted to have a chat with my manager about it as he has been SO much better about these things than my TL (again, in subtle ways)... but he's away til Monday !! Brought it up today at midwifes visit though, and she's going to write me a letter basically telling them that I'm to finish on the 9th of June, rather than asking. Like I said though, I guess I worry coz I hate nagging, and didn't want it to come to something "official" as I thought they'd be understanding. Maybe my expectations were too high, I don't know. I'm trying not to stress about it though, am using rescue remedy to help myself out a bit, but feel like even though I am doing things as well as possible (eating much better, sleeping as much as I can manage, taking vitamins etc), I am putting out more energy than I am able to recover. Anyway, what a ramble !  Need to actually go look at writing a draft email to my manager, because despite him being away til Monday I want to give him the heads up.
Thanks for listening ladies *sigh* ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater 
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Replies:
Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 16 May 2006 at 9:26pm
Ok so, here is the edited version of the letter I will be sending my manager by email tomorrow - I only say edited because I let it out in one big long ramble and then had to knock it into shape 
******************************** Hi <..have inserted managers name here, of course, but edited out for privacy reasons..>, It is with some hesitation that I bring this directly to your attention, as I do not want to make a fuss, but have some concerns I wish to address. A few days ago the idea of “extending” my maternity leave occurred to me. I have approximately 8 days of time in lieu owing to me, and what equates to roughly 9 days of paid annual leave – which I have confirmed with <..name of guy who does our rosters and stuff..>. I realise requesting to use the entire amount of leave owing to me could be awkward, as it is a busy time of year for us. With this in mind, I asked <..name of rosters guy, again!..> to simply take a look at the feasibility of this idea. I feel I made it clear that this was flexible, and would be happy accepting whatever amount of leave that could be made available to me - this included the possibility of not being able to take any extra leave at all. Then based on his response, would have made the request formally via WebLeave and my team leader. My main concern is at the length of time it has taken to receive a response – five days and counting. I also understand that you are away on other business at present, and as I mentioned earlier I simply want to bring this issue to light rather than cause any difficulties to anyone. I am aware that this was passed on to my team leader, when I asked if there had been any progress, she indicated that there hadn’t and also made a comment to the effect of “In future if you’re going to make a request like this, you need to check with me first.” I feel this was unwarranted, because as mentioned it was not a formal request for leave. I did mention to <..name of rosters guy, yes, again LOL..> in brief my reasons for wanting to put forward this request, being that I am becoming increasingly tired in the later stage of my pregnancy – and feeling as though I am putting out more energy than I am able to recover. As you can understand I wish to continue being effective in my job, but do not want to run the risk of “burning out” before my baby is due. I have spoken with my lead maternity carer (midwife) in regards to this as well. It is her opinion and she will also be formally requesting that I am to finish work on Friday the 9th of June, 2006. I will be able to provide a letter from her stating this by the end of the week. I would also like to ask that I have your view on this before I advise my team leader than I will be finishing early, as it will need to be discussed whether the additional time off will be paid or unpaid, and also to ensure that if it is unpaid – that I am ‘paid out’ the entirety of leave owing to me at the commencement of my maternity leave (currently 24th June 2006). Your consideration is greatly appreciated as always, and I look forward to your response. ************************************* ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 16 May 2006 at 9:46pm
|
Now honey, what have you been saying to me the last few days about putting my foot down and saying something? (ok so maybe agreeing on a price for a second hand cot is different from this but you get the idea of what I'm going to say). I don't think you're being unreasonable. You've already had to take time off for preggy related issues, I know you have been sodding tired and I know that a call centre is no where near as easy as some might think.
It sounds like you have done everything you can to be reasonable and compromise but hun, i think it's time to look after you! It's great that you are being considerate of the company but you have to consider what state you will be in when bubs gets here. Now is the time to get the rest and not over tire yourself. Besides you will be no good to work if you are exhausted. Using your leave owing all sounds reasonable to me as does your email to the manager. Hopefully the midwife's letter will do the trick. (and for the record my Call Centre Team Leader Hubby agrees!!) Now - go nag!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 16 May 2006 at 10:08pm
|
I'm with Paws... you need to do what's best for you and Baby, and if that is finishing work earlier than you had initially planned, then roll on that last day!
Your initial request and follow up email both are very reasonable, and neither played the blame-game that your TL seems to be doing. 5 days is too long to take to reply to a request, whether it was an informal question seeking a little information or not. ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: AlyAyde
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 7:44am
|
I agree with the others 5 days is much too long. Another thing i was wondering is do you have an employment contract? When i worked (feels like many years ago now) My contract stated that once i had given notice of maternity leave i couldnt take annual leave within a 4 week period of that starting. Soooo if i had had to leave work earlier than i did (i didnt) i would have taken paid sickleave, Just a thought if you didnt want to loose your annual leave .
ps is their any chance you will be going back to work at all? Just that if you take or get paid out all your annual leave now and you do go back to work you wont have any in stock just to do stuff. ------------- Jayde 25/12/04 Alyssa 08/04/03 http://Alyayde.bebo.com |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 8:26am
|
I was busy thinking of my response as I was reading your post Jax, but I do believe Paws has said it all, so all I will say is ditto! ------------- "> 
|
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 12:22pm
ditto from me too. Jax and I have traded a million emails on this topic and I personally think that the Team Leader deserves a good kick up the bootay for stressing out a heavily pregnant woman 
I'm also looking at taking some of my annual leave before I start my official maternity leave then get paid out the rest. I've been very lucky with my boss - he's been really great! so fingers crossed the HR big wigs will agree too ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
 
|
Posted By: my2angels
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 12:40pm
| I agree with what everyone is saying. Lots of people I know take annual leave before going on maternity leave and at the end of the day would they rather you giving them notice and being able to plan your absence or you burning out and just ringing one day saying you couldnt come back! Why are employers so horrible about this sort of thing. mine have been horrible about everything and making me feel super guilty that I just want to leave |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 1:52pm
I think my boss is so good as his wife is an Obstetrics Nurse, so he's well trained! 
Either that or my hormonal scary moments are getting more frequent and obvious ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 2:44pm
|
yep i agree with the others. I took all my leave owing before I started maternity leave, which meant I had 13 months off (actually, I didn't, I went back in december..) My LMC wanted me to finish up about 4 weeks before I did as I had skyrocketing BP, but stupid, stubborn loyal old me wouldn't as we were short staffed. Hindsight, I would have been so out of there.
Good luck, chick. ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: emeldee
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 3:49pm
|
Hi Jax, you fellow North Shorer, you.
Good letter. Don't feel guilty. You have been perfectly reasonable and done all of the right things. Your employer has a responsibility to act in good faith and not place you under any undue workplace stress. You have notified them of your desire to take TOIL and Annual Leave and your reason for it - they need to get back to you with a response. I remember working with pregnant employees and then when I was pregnant and working myself - as it comes closer to the leave time, you have a mad panic where you try and fit in 12 months worth of work into five weeks and then you work out that you are actually heavily pregnant, tired and need rest. Take care of yourself - you need to, or the next couple of months are going to be nasty. And work is just work - there's lots of it around and family is more important. ------------- |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 3:59pm
|
yep tottaly agree with everyone here look after yorself and bubs jax ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: emeldee
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 4:53pm
|
And you need that extra week to soak in all of the great advice that Dr Phil and Oprah have to share with the world.....or sleep - watching those two and sleeping take about the same amount of brain activity if you do it properly ------------- |
Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 5:49pm
|
Ok ok so I'm going to do it LOL Armed with my midwife letter, I am will be finishing on 9th of June come hell or high water ! It actually came up today during one of our wonderful performance review type things, and I did mention it as subtly as possible to my TL and her reaction was good ! (I won't ever avoid conflict but hate creating it, you know?)
The only niggles were that it turns out I haven't got as much time in lieu owing as I thought, only 2 days worth instead of 8 - this shouldn't be *too* financially awkward though because as mentioned, I have a nice chunk of annual leave available. I think I will be happier using that up now, because my TL said that I won't get it paid out at the start of my maternity leave ! *sigh* I hate HR and all this corporate to and fro-ing, but what can ya do :P One of the other things I had to nag them about you see was me being able to return part time, and they finally came to the party with an offer of three five hour shifts a week (still on a 7 day roster though) - whereas when I first started making enquiries about my maternity leave entitlement in the first place, they told me I would have to return to full time work (40 hours a week !!) as soon as my maternity leave expired, or lose my job. I guess my ideal was / is to protect myself from possibly having to look for a brand new job, although that would not be TOO terrible. The reason I say this though is because I have done a fair bit of job hopping in the past, and wanted to settle for a bit (hence gaining some more of that 'experience' stuff) before I am able to start training for a proper "career" (which is in a completely different sphere to what I do now). Anyhow, everything will be 100% sorted come Monday, or there will be one major tanty happening at my end ! ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: AlyAyde
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 6:35pm
|
Good on you Jax, You go girl! ------------- Jayde 25/12/04 Alyssa 08/04/03 http://Alyayde.bebo.com |
Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 17 May 2006 at 6:37pm
 Go for it Jax! Good on you!------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 18 May 2006 at 9:46pm
|
yay go jax ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 8:39am
|
Why did your TL say that you won’t get your annual leave paid out? It’s actually the law and they MUST pay out any annual leave owing to you *hits head on desk* Not that it really matters as you intend to take the leave anyways but that is very naughty of your employer! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 8:47am
|
Well, I think I brought it up in reference to the (now redundant) possibility that I might not be able to take any extra time. However, as I mentioned I'm really over this whole working gig and am desperate to relax a bit more before baby comes, so will be finishing early and they will have to like it or lump it ! Mind you, if you could find some info to back that up for me Toni it would be great... not a big deal though. ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: jack_&_charli
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 9:12am
|
i was also under that impression toni....they MUST pay you any annual leave that you hadn't used...but i maybe wrong too ------------- http://www.alternatickers.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 1:26pm
|
Will do a bit of research and get back to you with an "official" answer
I used to work at Employment Relations Info Centre and still have someone there I can get current info from. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 2:34pm
Yay ! Thanks heaps !  ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: emeldee
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 3:25pm
|
http://www.ers.govt.nz/help/index.html
They also have a really good helpline - Employment Relations Infoline freephone on 0800 20 90 20 during business hours ------------- |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 4:50pm
|
Right - I spoke to my friend and it turns out that you should not be paid out any annual leave entitlement when you go on parental leave as you're not "allowed" to be on 2 types of leave. The only time you can be paid for your annual leave is when you go on holiday or when you resign.
Turns out I've got very generous employers who put it in their parental leave policy that I get my annual leave balance paid out once I go on parental leave AND still accrue it whilst I'm on leave. Sorry about that ladies ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: my2angels
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 4:52pm
| yeah that sounds right but you can take your annual leave before offically going on parental leave aye. |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 4:54pm
|
yep. If you go to the ERS website and go to their "ask a question" bit you can either search their system to see if anyone has asked your "issue" before or you can email them at the info centre ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 5:10pm
Meh  ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 5:40pm
|
***sorry about before Jax - my MSN crashed***
Lucky for you you want to use the leave rather than the cash! I asked my friend and he said that it was never the case that you got paid out (I've been told otherwise though). I don't know why my employers are doing it this way for me but I'm keeping very quiet about it as I need the money lol and besides they told me all that and put it in writing so they can't go back on it now. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 6:57pm
|
It is a good idea to check your contract on things like that. I read mine and thought I did a good job at it, but just found out I get a going back to work bonus! ------------- ">
|
Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 19 May 2006 at 8:07pm
I guess the only thing was that initially I was *almost* prepared to accept not taking any extra leave if they'd told me it would be too hard to arrange, figuring what was owing would get paid out - but then as you know things changed a bit - and I'm finishing earlier whether they like it or not LOL So no matter  ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 22 May 2006 at 8:30pm
|
all i did was finished "earlier" by having my 2 weeks holiday before PPL started. You are aloud to request your leave is paid out to you, though. ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 22 May 2006 at 8:49pm
|
With the leave payout, you can ask, but they don't have to if it's not in your contract - double MEH !
However, I have been meaning to do another update on this because I finally got to speak to my manager today (*nothing* from my TL yet she wasn't even onsite, said I would have a response by flamin' Sunday !!)... and everything is sorted !
He asked me when my mat. leave is due to start, when I want to finish (the 'new' date), whether I wanted to move my mat. leave dates (no!), and then worked out that we could just leave in my STAT days and RDO's (rostered days off) and fill the rest of it up with Annual Leave, and IF there is any gap, it will be unpaid... but I don't anticipate there being a big one, two or three days at most and we can handle that. So, my TL can be as annoyed as she likes, I finish in 17 days !! What an absolute load off my mind... I feel SO much better now.
------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 22 May 2006 at 9:22pm
Well, I'm a little annoyed because I wanted two tickers LOL but couldn't fit them both in my signature the way I wanted, so I'll just throw this one in here since it's not going to be around for long !
------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 22 May 2006 at 9:32pm
|
yay sounds great betca u r glad its all sorted ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 23 May 2006 at 8:34am
*goes green with envy* 5 weeks and 4 days to go until I start my maternity leave  ------------- http://lilypie.com">
|