Work Advice

I had to take some time off work at the end of my first trimester due to nausea/vomiting/fatigue. I’m a cosmetologist (hairdresser) so there wasn’t a lot of modifications to be made in order for me to continue working.

Both the salon owner and my managers assured me that I could come back when I was ready. My manager specifically said whether that’s before the baby or however long after the baby that I will always be welcome there. I even left all of my supplies there because my intention was to take a few weeks at most but it turned into 3 months.

The owner specifically said to “stay in touch” and when I was feeling better I could come back. But about two weeks later I was removed from the salon group message by the owner, my access to our scheduler was revoked, and I haven’t heard from ANYONE since the day I broke down in front of my manager about how uncomfortable I was and how I was feeling physically and mentally.

I’m starting to feel consistently better, some energy is coming back and I’m able to control the nausea for the most part. My biggest concern is that I don’t have childcare after the baby is born so I’ll likely have to stay home for the first year or two, until my husband is in a better position at work with a more predictable schedule.

I’ve just entered my third trimester. Is it worth going back to work just to turn around and likely have to quit for good? I don’t want to lose my skill set but I feel like I’d be more of a hassle than a help at the salon to come in and then go right back out.