Wednesday 3 June 2015

Whatevers.

I wrote to my employer to clarify a date they quoted in the letter they sent, regarding when I need to make a decision about whether or not to return to work. I quoted my union agreement that clearly states that 30 days notice is all that's required. (This is important because at the moment I don't know what job I am potentially returning to in the fall; I have to wait and find out.)

The reply today: Yes, you need to give 30 days notice.  Which means mid-July.  And: "The reason for the date [we gave you, June 30th] is only for processing purposes. We would like to process all request in a timely manner."

In other words, we make !@#$ up because it is convenient to us. HOPE THAT DIDN'T CAUSE YOU TOO MUCH STRESS.

Moving on.

8 comments:

  1. Because it is convenient to us...or because we're incompetent and can't process crap in the normal allotted time. Either way, infuriating. Glad you know your rights and were able to get it straightened out.

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    1. Yeah, something like that! In my employer's defense I should add that they usually are quite helpful with responses and requests. This has been an exception, at least in my dealings. It's also been a lesson to me in how to cope with stuff. I tend to take everything on myself, assuming it's my burden to figure out. Which is good, but sometimes I have to look critically at what's being meted out to me too, and ask if the problem is more of others' making.

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  2. Ugh that's frustrating. I wish you peace of mind as you make this decision.
    I personally see a HUGE difference in 16 months vs. 24. I mean obviously there is a lot of development happening in that year, but I went back to work for a few months to qualify for mat leave. When I went back in September, Sawyer was 16 months old. It was incredibly difficult not just to be away from him but to deal with his reaction. He didn't understand why I was leaving him, he was VERY upset with me every day when I picked him up. He was with his grandparents so he did love it there but he acted out towards me a tonne and it was heartbreaking to miss him all day and then literally be pushed away and have him run crying to his grandfather. He just turned 2 last week and he understands SO much. I personally am not going to go back to work for at least several years because there is no point with 3 kids in daycare and I don't want to miss these years either, but if I were to go back, I would definitely wait until 2.
    I'm sure either way AJ would be fine, we never really made it out of the transition period because I only worked for 4 months. But that was my experience. Would you be able to work part time? I just recently met a teacher (also in Calgary) who works just one day a week. Definitely made me think I chose the wrong field! ;)

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    1. hi Romy, thanks for your perspective. I can believe there are a ton of developmental changes in the first year or two! It seemed to me that at an older age a child would be more likely to benefit from daycare: the variety, socialization, number of resources. It's hard to believe that it's really the best thing for a baby a year or younger, although it might be just fine. I could work part time potentially and I thought about it. But then I had a thought that there might be less selection of jobs at the part time level, and if I am going to work I'd rather it be a job I really cared about! The other thing I've heard is that teachers who work part time basically end up working full time but getting half the pay. So I'm not sure if it would be worth it. There are also such things as job shares too which are often a choice of parents with young children (but I don't know realistically if I could set one up for next year.) It's a hard decision to make when there are so many unknowns. But at least I don't have to feel really rushed to make it; I can wait to find out a bit more. The other thing is that like you, I'm pretty sure I WILL want to stay home if we end up with more children. So I kind of feel like I should take this opportunity to work if I can. On the other hand we may not be able to have any more children. Argh! trying to envision all the possibilities makes me my head feel like it's going to explode sometimes. But I keep reminding myself I'm really lucky to even have these dilemmas.

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  3. Ugh, how annoying! So you have a little time to ponder if you are going to return or stay home? Have thought about just part time? That might be a nice way to keep your foot in the door and have a professional life but still be able to spend plenty of time with AJ!

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    1. Yes, a little time helps! can have more information at least. Part time is a possibility, but also have doubts about that (see comment reply above). I have been going back and forth on all the possibilities; mostly I just end up confusing myself!

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