Megan has been in discussion with Revenue Canada to figure out what her status will be once we move back home in August. The system in Canada allows for mothers to take a full year of maternity leave at 55% of their pay, compliments of the government. Well, we all pay into the fund that allows this, so its not really the government’s money, but you get the idea. A lot of employers will actually top up that amount to 80 – 100%, but non-profits do not fit in that category. In any case, we have appreciated the paid time off, but were unclear how things would change once we move. If this were the US, you can be sure we would be S.O.L. as soon as we crossed the border, but not the semi-socialist state to the north! No, we will be paid by the government for the full 50 weeks of maternity, even if we are living in RI.
So, we face two options. 1) We give up the free money and then pay another grand a month to put Riley in daycare while Megan feverishly looks for a job as soon as we move, or 2) we collect the loonies being sent by the Canadian government and Megan can stay home with Riley for her first year while she takes her time looking for a job and we find a house to buy. Hmmmmm, tough choice. Let’s just say that this was an easy decision and Megan is excited to be around for the little milestones of the first year while getting paid to do it.
2 comments:
Second options sounds good to me. Finding childcare and a job in addition to moving down here sounds overwhelming. I've been contemplating a similar decision myself and I keep coming back and saying to myself, "I'll never get that time back to experience those precious developmental stages if I send my son to day care too soon." It's a tough call because financially it will be a sacrifice, but I'm sure it will be well worth it. Good luck in your decision!
amazing! I've been trying to work on the maternity policy at my not-for-profit company what with the whole 2nd child thing not SO far down the road - they only offer 6wks! I might quit ;-)
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