Has anyone taken a career break or sabbatical during their treatment? We have used all our embryos so are having to start again and was thinking how I can try and make this as less stressful as possible. Work have been great whilst I was on the sick after our miscarriage but I returned this week and they seemed less willing to support me going forward. I spoke to HR who advised a career break but I’m not sure about how long to do! Has anyone else done this and how long did you take?
Thanks! Xx
Hey there, I gave up work in May 2019 and haven’t been back! My work were not supportive and it was getting impossible to manage all my appointments and my job at the same time as, at some points of my cycles, I had to be in my clinic almost every day/ every 2 days! Obviously we are worse off financially but it was definitely the right move for us/ me. My stress levels were heading towards the roof so it just allowed me to focus on treatment.
Don’t let your job force you out though. Only do it if it’s right for you.
Xx
Hi Rubyvet, I took a career break in June 2019 that turned into a permanent break. My stress levels had been horrendous due to IVF, a bereavement and a really bad manager and job role and I initially took a career break when my partner got an opportunity to work away and I went with him. I later resigned from the job as they wanted me to go back for a role I really didn't want and I realised I didn't want to work for the company anymore anyway. They didn't know about IVF as I did not trust them one bit and I had tried to juggle things without them finding out but it was really tough and I took three months off with stress. Cycles three and four were so much easier without having to worry about rushing back to work and we moved clinics to one further away which would have been impossible if I was still working. Generally it was the best move for me but I appreciate it is a difficult decision and financially we are obviously worse off. I do hope you find a solution that works for you but don't let your work pressure you to do something that just simplifies things for them xx
That’s a shame that your work arn’t very supportive!
My immediate line manager wasn’t very supportive and paid mere lip service. My department boss however, baring in mind he is responsible for over 2000 people was absolutely fantastic.
He took a real interest in our third round after I told him about our second round.
I started tests in December 2020, which continued into January 21, he basically allowed me to work from home to make it easier for me especially with all the appointments. I changed line manager who is a friend of mine, as my relationship had broken down with my then line manager.
The department boss also contacts me regularly to make sure I’m alright.
There was never any mention of a career break - he didn’t hesitate to give me time and space, and has really gone above and beyond to help us! Which has paid off as I’m 12 weeks + 4
I would add I’m still working at home now and I will be until the end of July.
The only hesitation I would have with a career break is
1. You will not get paid in this time, so have you got enough financial backing to see you through for how long you have off, no point taking the time off if your then worrying about how the bills are getting paid or can you put food on the table.
2. If you have a work based pension - career breaks can effect them - this you would have to check.
Does your work have an IVF policy, if so have you read it and know what your entitled to. More often then not people do not have a clue about work based policies and either make it up or do what they think it means but are often wrong!!
Does your work allow you to work from home?! If you have been one of the millions of people who have been working for companies from home during the pandemic to keep the business afloat, why can’t they afford this to you now!
Our IVF policy allowed me to take special pain leave during my treatment, so that meant I would get full pay doing nothing at home! But as my boss said it makes more sense for me to be working from home and still contribute to the business
I don’t have any personal experience. I am lucky enough to have had supportive managers and a workplace who has introduced a fertility policy. It’s stressful enough even with support so I’m sorry if your work are starting to reduce their support.
Have you seen the fertility network uk webinar on fertility treatment and work?m.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtn1H...
I guess another thing to check is whether taking a career break would impact your maternity pay if you do get pregnant. xxx
I did a career break for 12 weeks as my job is high pressured and very strenuous so I wanted the best chance but if your job isn’t pressured or strenuous I would say between 8-10 weeks take off. Hope this helps x
My work were very supportive and I took 8 weeks off. 2 weeks before FET, when I totally focused on my health, walking, meditating, eating fresh food and doing the things that relaxed me. Then I spent the next 6 weeks after the FET doing the same. It was hard going back to work as I had a wonderful time! It really helped me to focus & it did help as I’m currently pregnant for the very first time (18wks). It was my only chance, so I did *everything* I could to make things work.
Wishing you lots of luck X
I'm taking a career break at age 40 after 20 years of amazing but stressful career journey i want to focus on doing a family (we're not perfect financially but...). I have had 2 failed IVF cycles and preparing for a 3rd one in July. I can't imagine myself balancing career and IVF, and i found out that my priority now is family. Do whatever feels comfortable for you, for your wellbeing and your future goals. best of luck!
Thank you everyone. I’ve had a lot of conversations with my husband and parents this weekend and decided to go for it and take a break until next year. I’ll never regret putting myself first but I will regret putting my career first. I really appreciate everyone’s help xxxx
I left my job in May 2019, had three rounds of ivf, then fell pregnant in september 2020. I did do some supply teaching in between but only if I was inbetween cycles- it helped to be at work when the cycles failed, took my mind off it, but I really appreciated being able to be flexible and stay at home if/when I was sore or swollen or just a bit down. Deffo the right decision to take time off if it's financially doable. Good luck x
HiI took a career break the first two times round and it was more relaxing.
This year I had FET while working and I found it more stressful.
I had better chances this time but in hindsight I feel I jeopardized my chances by working / not taking time off
Extra testing during NHS IVF treatment
Are people being referred on for fertility treatment during the pandemic? 
Ivf and changing careers
When do you just give up and sort your career out?
cystitis during treatment
