Dear beloved members,
I'm currently employed in an IB school in China and after 2 years will be moving forward elsewhere. My question is to those out there who have started a family whilst living abroad? I'm tempted to take a career break for a year to start the family, as I assumed schools would rather you did this than take maternity leave/leave of absence for a certain amount of time.
Those with experience, share your stories!
Starting a family...
Response
Sure they would rather you not take a leave of absence or maternity leave, its a management pain. It is however not in your best interests.
1) What will you do while essentially unemployed? Thats essentially what you will be, even on maternity leave you will get your various allowances (including housing) and insurance for you AND your infant. If you get paid maternity leave its essentially free money. Especially if your in a WE country.
2) Maternity leave saves the appointment of your position. Leaving means you have to apply like anyone else, and your job may not be available in a year, etc. You need that protection, you dont know how leadership will change in a year.
3) You will start the clock on dating your resume and skills. Maternity leave gets sandwiched between periods of employment in a two year contract (when the first year is used for maternity leave).
1) What will you do while essentially unemployed? Thats essentially what you will be, even on maternity leave you will get your various allowances (including housing) and insurance for you AND your infant. If you get paid maternity leave its essentially free money. Especially if your in a WE country.
2) Maternity leave saves the appointment of your position. Leaving means you have to apply like anyone else, and your job may not be available in a year, etc. You need that protection, you dont know how leadership will change in a year.
3) You will start the clock on dating your resume and skills. Maternity leave gets sandwiched between periods of employment in a two year contract (when the first year is used for maternity leave).
Re: Starting a family...
I suggest you try to keep working. Of course this depends on your school's maternity leave policy. Since you are in China, you should be able to hire an Ayi who will make things much easier for you as a new mother. There really isn't an easier place to raise young kids than places like Asia, where you can hire affordable help. I know TONS of teachers who have had children in China.