"Quitting my job is not an option, both because we'd have to sell our home and because I have a very niche job where positions don't come up often. Because of the nature of my job, I can't transition to part-time or work remotely. Here's the issue: My husband is entitled to take eight weeks of paid leave in our state, but he doesn't want to take it."
"He gives different reasons why not, like that it would be expensive (it wouldn't-the leave is paid), or that it would be inconvenient for his employer (he's entitled to take the time whether it's convenient or not!), but when I push him on it, it seems like he would just prefer to work. I can't understand his choice-I would trade anything (except our family's long-term financial solvency) for our baby to be at home for an extra eight weeks."
A mother returned to work after 12 weeks of maternity leave and feels distressed about leaving her baby in day care. Quitting the job is not feasible because of the mortgage and the scarcity of similar positions, and part-time or remote work is impossible. The husband is entitled to eight weeks of paid leave but declines, citing cost and employer inconvenience despite the leave being paid and protected. The mother cannot force him to stay home and struggles to accept his choice, feeling upset daily and comparing this to 12-plus months of leave in her former country.
Read at Slate Magazine
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