That is, unfortunately, correct. I was lucky that my bosses in were willing to negotiate 6 weeks maternity (whatever I had saved up - about 2 or 2.5 weeks - and the rest unpaid) plus 2 weeks part-time to transition back into the office.
In my profession (architect), it's also rather difficult for many of us to work from home. Our drawings require a lot of in-person coordination, and it is very expensive to purchase the software (or even the licenses for same) which we use for our drawings. This is why I often work on specifications for several of the other architects. They are portable, I already have the software, and I can do the necessary research at home on my own laptop whenever I have to stay home sick or with the baby.
Oh, and owners of small firms often must pony up their own money to help their company in tough times. I don't think my brother has drawn a salary from his business in months, and has been using his savings to keep it going. The principals of my firm probably work harder and longer hours than just about anyone here - AND they have the added worry of billing, payables, receiveables, and rain-making (getting the clients). They have my deepest respect for all that they do - and they are good to their employees :-)
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In my profession (architect), it's also rather difficult for many of us to work from home. Our drawings require a lot of in-person coordination, and it is very expensive to purchase the software (or even the licenses for same) which we use for our drawings. This is why I often work on specifications for several of the other architects. They are portable, I already have the software, and I can do the necessary research at home on my own laptop whenever I have to stay home sick or with the baby.
Oh, and owners of small firms often must pony up their own money to help their company in tough times. I don't think my brother has drawn a salary from his business in months, and has been using his savings to keep it going. The principals of my firm probably work harder and longer hours than just about anyone here - AND they have the added worry of billing, payables, receiveables, and rain-making (getting the clients). They have my deepest respect for all that they do - and they are good to their employees :-)