How can I maximize my maternity leave?- USA

Question

How can I maximize my maternity leave? This is my first baby and I have saved over 200 hours of PTO, 200 hours of sick time, and have paid into short term disability. Ideally, I would want 6 months off but know that FMLA will only hold your job for 12 weeks. Any suggestions on how I can pull this off?

Answer

Only way is if your boss is willing to do that for you. They’re not obligated to hold your job any longer then the 12 weeks for fmla.

Answer

I was able to take intermittent leave so I took off for 6 weeks after her birth and then started working from home first one day a week, then 2, then 3. I ended up being able to stretch it to 5 months. Talk to your boss and see if you can work something out. The intermittent leave has to be approved by them and if it’s not, your job is still only guaranteed for the 12 weeks through FMLA like you said. But honestly, it was never actually part time I was always working once I went back and it really sucked. I ended up quitting when I had to return to full time and never went back. I just had so much resentment over the leave situation and how I was working so much when I was supposed to be on leave. I hope it works out better for you.

Answer

Update: talked to HR and they require me to use sick time for the first three days then after that required to use PTO time. Once PTO runs out then I will not be paid

Answer

Every employer is different. I’m not even allowed to use all my sick days during the 12 weeks

Answer

Yah honestly I’ve just had to communicate with my boss. Say this is how much pto I want to use and sick time. And it was approved

Answer

Apply for a leave of absence

Answer

Call your HR.

Answer

Does it still count though if you're using up banked sick time to help you get there?  I'd talk to HR.

How can I maximize my maternity leave?- USA

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