‘AITA for not answering any contact from work while on maternity leave?’

In a recent situation involving a family-owned business, an employee on maternity leave has faced criticism from her cousin and other family members over her decision to disconnect from work communications. The employee, who has been on maternity leave for seven months, chose to stop answering work-related calls two weeks ago to fully enjoy her time off and recharge before returning. This decision followed her prior engagement in handling work crises despite being on leave, as she aimed to balance personal time with professional responsibilities.

During her maternity leave, the employee had previously addressed work-related emergencies, including those that arose due to unexpected client issues. However, as she neared the end of her leave, she opted to disconnect from her phone to ensure a complete break from work, which was met with significant backlash from her cousin and other family members. The cousin, who owns the business, became frustrated when the employee’s lack of contact led to the loss of a key client whose contract renewal she was expected to oversee. This client issue was reportedly exacerbated by the employee’s absence, leading her cousin to demand that she remain available for the remainder of her leave.

The family’s response has been mixed, with some members accusing the employee of being selfish and not fulfilling her professional obligations, while others believe she should be available to prevent further issues. The employee has firmly maintained that she is entitled to her leave and that her cousin should manage the business effectively without relying on her presence. She has also pointed out that she had adequately prepared her team for her absence, transferring responsibilities and briefing her colleagues well in advance.

In the context of family-run businesses and personal time off, this situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining professional commitments and respecting personal boundaries. It raises questions about reasonable expectations during maternity leave and the dynamics of working within a family business.

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