[sparkle1908]

Has anyone had a job or been in a position that you were not able to take time off when you brought you child home? What did you do?

I may have to change jobs soon (possible layoff) and if I start a new job I won't have any accrued time to take off...I think you have to be with any company at least a year before you can take FMLA right?

I just wondered if anyone else had to "go to work" right after you got your child without taking at least a week off to be with them...(I am doing an older child adoption so they would be in school anyway depending on the time of year)..I'd hate for my child to think "she didn't even spend any time with me"...

I'm still new to the process and have a long way to go but I try to think ahead about possible scenarios...

[2Bulgarianbeauties]

I have not been in the "no time off allowed" bucket, but I have been in the "worry about every possible issue and resolve it before it comes" bucket.

I worried about everything before DD #1 came home. I would try to solve any issue before it arose - I planned out several years in advance. Once DD came home, most of the plans were out the window. The issues I worried about did not occur, but others did. I resolved them as they came.

The best advice I can give is to relax. Things work out. Your new employer may be sympathetic and give you FMLA. Your child may come home 1 year after you start your job. You do not know. You can burn a lot of mental engery trying to solve a problem that does not yet exist. I understnad why you are doing it. I did it too. But looking back, I wish I would have relaxed and took the issues as they came.

Good luck with the adoption!

Kay

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

Find out if there is a separate state FMLA where you live. My state (WI) has a state FMLA law that grants less time than the federal law, but it also less-stringent requirements than the federal law with regard to length of service, so some people who don't qualify under the federal rules do qualify under the state rules.

[vernellinnj]

Diff situation but...my current foster child has been with me for over 2 yrs and I hope to adopt. I stayed home from work 1 day when I got him...that's it. We are beautifully bonded.

P.S. Not advising this but it was what was necessary at the time. Can't wait to adopt so I can take my 6 MONTHS off!