Mummy JGMum reporting...

[jedamum]

JGMum:

Undecided...

I think it is pretty generous of your company to give you 1 yr no-pay leave. That probably means that they value your contributions to the company.
Knowing that i'll quit after the birth of my secondborn, I was also too paisay to utilise the maternity leave (after what they have done to arrange part-time work for me) and left a month before I was due. Although the part time prospects in the coy is still opened for me, I find it hard to juggle a 'career' and the kids. Call me a perfectionist, but I can't treat a 'career' like a 'job' without feeling that I am shortchanging my employer.
As your kids are within age-gap of 4 years old, you may want to consider getting a few years off. But then, you may risk getting too attached to the kids (like I do!) to want to be away from them for 8hrs a day, 5 days a week.
Part time work or work from home is another good option. But with 3 kids, you may need a helper.

[JGMum]

Jedamum, thanks so much for your sharing. I feel better knowing that I am not alone.

I had difficulty trying to balance work and kids after the 2nd one. I was feeling guilty about not performing at work, and not "performing" as a mum. I actually tendered my resignation after my second one, but my boss arranged for me to go on no-pay leave. For that, I am really grateful to him. That is also why, I feel that I should not go back and work a couple of months, then go on maternity leave again (even though many friends and family members think I am crazy to forgo the maternity leave $). Thankfully, DH understands and supports my decision. If extension is no longer possible, then I guess I will just have to leave the org, and look for a job again when the baby is older.
Indeed, part-time work would be a good compromise, but there are not many around. But I must say, I did not regret staying at home all this while. My older kid is now closer to me than before.

[jedamum]

JGMum:

Indeed, part-time work would be a good compromise, but there are not many around. But I must say, I did not regret staying at home all this while. My older kid is now closer to me than before.

Is your coy able to arrange for part-time/work from home/assignment basis work?
That can at least keep you connected to your industry should you decide to go back full time in the future.
I don't forsee me going back working anytime soon as my husband wants me to focus on the kids, especially since my elder is starting primary education next year.

[JGMum]

That will be most ideal! I will talk to my boss and HR to explore the possibilities nearer the date of my return. But it may be a bit difficult as my work is operational in nature. Unless they are willing to transfer me to another department that does not involve front line work.

[jedamum]

If your boss really value your contributions, they will choose to be flexible rather than turn down your proposal.

For me, i used to work part time on the following arrangement…
1) 9.30am-5.30pm 3x a week (any three days)
2) adhoc…rate per hour basis - mostly providing extra help to existing colleagues to meet tight deadlines.
Most important is your supervisor’s/immediate boss’ and colleagues support. And there are times where the workload does not reduce in proportion to the paypackage, but its still worthwhile for the flexible hours.
Good luck!