I’ve had all sorts of problems with my boss and the Executive Council of the Association I work for. My job is pretty good - relatively easy and well paid, I just have to put up with the ‘old boys’ network and some old fashioned views on women in the workplace. Now I’m on three months maternity leave and really enjoying the break.
In my first week back home after having Bubbaleechie I had to go into the office twice to help out. It’s been a month now since I went on leave and I still get at least one phone call a day from the temp who is covering my maternity leave.
Earlier this week I got a call from my boss asking me to meet up with him for lunch. Curious I dropped into the office to see him and he said “Mate are going okay for money? Do you something to help out?”. I was floored! Such a sweet offer I almost started crying. He knows that money is tight for us right now and even though there is no such thing as paid maternity leave in Australia he was ready to help us out.
After picking my jaw up off the floor I politely declined the offer saying that we had budgeted for three months maternity leave.
Still can’t get over the generous offer, I’m pretty sure the money wouldn’t have come without strings but I didn’t expect anything at all. Some discrete prying indicates that he is having difficulties with the temp. It is so great to be missed 
I really hope that the three months I am away will contribute to a better working environment when I get back.
In the meantime I am going to bask in the warm glow of that sweet offer of assistance and the knowledge that I am appreciated.
