Lost please help!!

[becki161]

My job is currently really getting me down, I'm treated like a complete mug and walked all over. I can't cope much longer and really want to quit! Problem is I've just found out I'm pregnant and I don't know what to do! I don't think I can stay till Maternity leave as its pretty much 9months away! But I can't quit and start a new job pregnant no one will want me! I need some advice please what shall I do?!

[milly143]

I think you should stick it out until you leave to have your baby. The thought of that should keep you going. I think it would be unfair to go to a new employer, only for them to have to very quickly find someone else to replace you while you're off.

[becki161]

No I wouldn't do that that's why I need some advice on other options?

[milly143]

If you really hate it so much you couldn't stick it out until the end of the year you could try going to a recruitment agency and seeing if there are any short term jobs (maternitry cover maybe), although I don't thikn you would then get any SMP.

[Davethedog]

You do realise what you would lose by giving up your job now don't you?

[LoftyLottie]

Well, I know I shouldn't say this, but if your job is really stressing you out to the point where you can't cope can you get signed off with stress. Stress and pregnancy might not mix!!

[redcrx]

stay where you are, you can go off on maternity before baby arrives from 29 weeks i think it is and then get your maternity entitlement.
If you know that you may not go back it may give you some courage to stand up against those that "walk all over" you and may find it easier to cope with.

[rowanwitch]

Have you tried assertiveness training....some adult education centres do courses usually when you stand up for yourself you get treated better rather than worse.... My mother in law said they cant walk over you if you refuse to lie down and she was right.... stand up...stick it out then wave them goodbye knowing they will pay for your maternity leave and you will write to them at the end saying sorry not coming back...

[becki161]

Yes 'davethedog' I do realise that's why I'm asking for help!

Thanks everyone, I'm the youngest of a small business of people old enough to be my parents and they give me all the important jobs, all the ones no one else wants etc but still treat me like a child, I've had a full time job for 10years I'm no scrounger I just need some alternatives!

[Davethedog]

Can you explain why you are treated like a complete mug? If you left would you be in a postion to claim constructive dismissal?

If you are being bullied or put upon you have alternative, is your job in line with your contract or are you being asked to do things beyond your contract.

How long have you worked there.

[becki161]

4 years I've been there, its a small firm in a small town, I do way more than first asked with only one small pay rise so far. Its hard because we all know each other outside of work also. If it was a big company in a big city I'd be ok but its not like that, I'd feel bad screwing everyone over leaving because they need me but its just some people!

[milly143]

Over worked and under paid. This could turn into a lively game of snap.
I don't want to sound rude but lots of people are working for years, with no payrise even though it might be deserved.
I would say if you have been there 4 years and coped then another 8 or 9 months isn't going to hurt. You will pick up your SSP and then if you really don't want to go back, then just don't. I don't know too much about SSP but I don't think you would be entitled to it if you joined a new company now. And I don't think anybody here is calling you a scrounger.

[tigwig]

You would be very foolish to leave now and I appreciate you are asking for other options but I dont think there is any! How far pregnant are you? You can go on mat leave at 29 weeks as someone has already said so even if you are only 6 weeks now thats only 23 weeks to go. May sound like forever but its not really, just count down the weeks. The only other option is to go ahead and leave and get nothing unless you were entitled to mat allowance but I'm really not sure about that.

[lisajade8]

have you tried talking to them and asking why you are getting all the jobs no one wants if you ask for more responsibility it might help and stand up for your self if you do it once they may back off

[welshlibranr]

I think you know that you need to stick it out until you can go on Maternity Leave, if it all gets too much in the meantime, you can see your GP, and break up the time with some sick leave, this may help to reduce the pressure!........lots of mums to be go down this route!............better than just leaving and giving up every entitlement!.....

[Shazza36]

If you did leave your job, you will still be able to get Statutory Matenity Pay (claimed via Jobcentreplus/DWP) as long as you have worked for 26 weeks out of the 66 weeks before your baby is due.