How was your return to work? (long rant)
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Topic: How was your return to work? (long rant)
Posted By: Blankney94
Subject: How was your return to work? (long rant)
Date Posted: 12 March 2010 at 11:42pm
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I used to work full-time before going on maternity leave. I work in a large organisation as a Secretary/Typist and there are three of us in the pool. I've returned at 15 hrs a week, and there is not enough work to keep us all busy. The boss is one of those 'smile through their teeth' kinds of women I don't trust. She seems to favour one of my co-workers with the more important and/or rewarding tasks, while I am often shuffled all over the place to do menial tasks. I get treated like a temp. Wonder if they think I popped out my brain at the same time I had my daughter! To make matters worse - this particular 'co-worker' who was once my equal now seems to feel superior enough to tell me what to do! It's only happened a few times - but she's not my boss and I really need to nip this in the bud without blurting out something rude. Really need suggestions???? I almost cry when I look through my CV. I used to be a Legal Secretary, very busy, professional and felt respected; managed the IT network at a few places, and have generally been a 'go-getter'. I get the feeling that my boss wouldn't be all that bothered if I left, as there isn't that much work. If I got another job it would be a huge hassle to rearrange my daughter's care (she has a brilliant carer who may not be available if I were to change my hours). I feel like I'm against a brick wall here. We don't depend on the money from this job. I do like to work outside the home, but I don't like being treated this way either. Maybe someone has a different angle on this? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Am unhappy since I've returned back to work.
My self-confidence is eroding away to nothing. We also seem to be heavily micro-managed, ie everything has to go through that boss. 
I find myself feeling anxious about going to work, and ruminating about it all the time.Replies:
Posted By: jano1
Date Posted: 13 March 2010 at 7:39am
 it can be so hard to adjust going back part time. I knnow how you feel, my first couple of months back I felt like I was treated as a second class citizen and my manager still doesn't seem to trust me completely although he is getting better.
I sat down and had a good talk to him as I was feeling pretty low- I think that if you are not there every day it is easy to get looked over for work and they rely on the full timers. I guess I'm rambling but I have found that since I stopped caring so much (and started looking at other options for work  ) I am not so stressed out by my work (or lack of it).
Why don't you talk to your carer and find out if she is flexible to changing her hours, then you can start looking for another job. If you are not in a hurry, something much better might come along. ------------- http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=UBB&utm_campaign=tickers"> |
Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 13 March 2010 at 1:13pm
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Hugs Sarah, I'd start looking for another job, I doubt that it will improve enough for you to be happy.
How about doing proper temping, with only being available for those days that you are at work now? You might enjoy the changes & if you don't get work one particular week as you say you aren't dependent on the money. ------------- Kel http://lilypie.com"> 
A = 01.02.04 & C = 16.01.09 & G = 30.03.12 |
Posted By: Blankney94
Date Posted: 14 March 2010 at 1:20am
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Thanks guys - yes I feel like some kind of casual worker who has to report for their duties every morning - like I suddenly am not capable of thinking for myself. Still need suggestions on dealing tactfully with my co-worker. Can't think of anything! Think I will just TTC No 2 as we were going to anyway, get the PPL and be done with work. Don't think I will work with two kids as the double childcare will use up too much of my wage. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: jaz
Date Posted: 14 March 2010 at 10:24am
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Both times I've felt very disillusioned and ended up leaving a couple of months after I've returned. On the positive side, both times I've ended up going into better roles paying more, with better hours and been able to take advantage of some great training on offer.
Perhaps you should update your CV? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Blankney94
Date Posted: 14 March 2010 at 12:30pm
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Actually it's got me thinking - I am a trained Legal Secretary and it is a hard job for a newcomer - firms like to hire people with experience - ie me! I'm going to ring around the legal firms on Monday and see if they would like someone - even if it's to do their typing, I don't mind. At least in all the legal jobs I've held, I've been treated as if I actually have half a brain. I've been unable to sleep last night for tossing and turning about the job thing. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: jaz
Date Posted: 15 March 2010 at 9:13am
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Sometimes this happens. They think you are less focused now that you have a new baby and will take lots of time off sick when the baby picks up things from daycare. I wouldn't stay where you are unhappy to dig your toes in. It sounds like your skills are being underutilized where you are and it would be a good time to make a move. Despite the recession there is still a shortage of trained and experienced people. Typing for a legal company might be a good foot in the door back into Legal Secretary work when your baby is a bit older. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: xLUCKYx
Date Posted: 15 March 2010 at 10:07am
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SarahMM this sounds like a horrible situation!
I had an unpleasant return to work after having Gabrielle. I went back on a job share basis with the temp who had filled my shoes while I was gone. I wanted 5 hours a day but they would only give me 4 so they could give her 4 as well - it was MY job though so I was peeved at that to say the least. I wanted mornings to get it over and done with but they worked around HER schedule.... I was the one with a baby!! I only stayed for about 1 month - I found another job (my job now) that in 5 hours a day paid the same salary I recieved when I worked fulltime at my other job. The job I am in now is not as challenging though and I do get bored but I am happy to be employed. I have started my bachelor of business now so that I can still get some 'stimulation' and that will open up future prospects. Anyway in my opinion I would TTC if you feel that now is the right time... but still look for somewhere else to work - it's not worth your grief to work somewhere where you are under appreciated. Hopefully something comes up when you ring around today 
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