You won’t regret it. On the other hand, once you give notice that you are definitely not returning to work, your employer is free to replace you and terminate your employment. Please select all that apply: Just don’t go back (feel like a total asshole doing this at this point). I’ve hated it on and off for a few years and just stayed, because there have been some advantages. I just don’t want to cause drama basically by leaving abruptly. It can’t hurt to ask. And, a company that routinely allows schedule changes for employees to return to school or pursue hobbies may not deny those same benefits only to new mothers. While there are uncomfortable aspects to every option on the table when you’re trying to quit a job during or after maternity leave, the bottom line is there should never be any shame in doing what’s best for you and your family. I literally quit over the phone. All rights reserved. You’ve just spent the last 6 months to a year getting used to being a Mum, and now you have to take your pajamas off, put some makeup on and throw yourself back … When you return to work after maternity leave, it’s important to know your rights. What effect will your time off have on your future career prospects? Some women worry that they might get into legal trouble if they don’t return to work after promising that they would. It’s absolutely normal and natural to feel a whirlwind of worries when it comes to returning to work after maternity leave. I have my dream job now but still regret not taking more time when my now almost 2-year-old was a baby. Pros: Definitely the option that leaves your professional reputation most intact, since you will not be one of “those” pregnant women who take advantage of the company’s leave … Again though, what you plan to do is legal. If you decide not to return to your job, check your employment agreement to see what notice you must give when you resign. … So hoping for some advice. There wouldn’t be any legal recourse if an employee has decided to quit from going back to work after maternity leave. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. It’s one that a mom in the Working Moms subreddit, writing under the handle kameramali, is currently facing. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Some of the more common ones are depression, excitement, … Do a dry run…or two or three. Better Opportunity. I started looking for a new job one week after returning from maternity leave. Losing a pregnancy is hard. It’s unfair dismissal and maternity discrimination if your employer says you can’t return to the same job. Especially if you want to maintain your professional connections and may need a reference down the road, you’ll want to do all you can to maintain a positive relationship with your former employer. Many women can’t afford to quit, or don’t want to for other reasons. So you should go in once your leave ends, give your … FMLA (which we’ll discuss below) may protect your job if you need to go on maternity leave, but it doesn’t apply to everyone, and it does not provide pay during your absence from work. But contemplating how to head back (or not) to a job you … As nice as it would be to pick up your job exactly where you left of, chances are your role will have changed while you were gone. For more details on planning your maternity leave and what laws are out there to protect you, check out Managing Your Maternity Leave. Redundancy. Although the FMLA requires your employer to return you … If you're considering quitting your job after maternity (or paternity) leave, know that the decision involves many considerations, both financial and legal. When you go back to work after taking some Additional Maternity Leave (AML) (any part of the second six months of maternity leave) you have the right to return to your old job on your old terms and conditions unless it is “not reasonably practicable”, in which case your employer must offer you a suitable alternative job … Report a problem or mistake on this page. Prepare for multitasking. What are the rules about company property, such as a car, laptop, or phone? In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. As with most employee issues, the key is communication and consistency. You can get your hair and nails done in advance of going back to work after maternity leave or just drink a cup of coffee in meditative silence. Returning to work after maternity leave can pose emotional conflicts for mothers. After an offensive op-ed suggested Dr. Jill Biden drop her honorific, former FLOTUS Michelle Obama had the perfect response. I don’t know why I feel so guilty when they very clearly don’t, and I cannot believe some of the things that they’ve said over the years.”, Sng234 wrote, “They don't value you so find somewhere that does. If they let you go when you come back you … It'll make it easier on everyone. The important thing is making sure you make the right decision for you and your family. Redundancy. Go back and suck it up until I find something else. Even in the very best of circumstances — perhaps you … We can make it on my husband’s income if we absolutely have to, but I hate the thought of it, so I will be finding something else soon.”. Whether you are a single mom or a happily … And things only got worse. (Many employees have the right to continue their health insurance after quitting under COBRA, but you’ll have to pay the full premium if you go this route.) Returning to work after maternity leave can pose emotional conflicts for mothers. After facing discrimination at a job she hates, the new mom wants to know the best way to walk away for good. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. So apparently, I’m supposed to gamble with my health.”, Others offered tips for the frustrated mom, along with details of their own experiences. If anything, I'd go back and put in your notice or go in before your leave is over and tell them you aren't returning and start your job search. As you think through these important money matters, you’ll need to know your legal rights—and obligations—when you quit your job after having a baby. Going back to work after maternity leave is a difficult question to answer for most employees, especially if you’re sitting on the fence. All the inspiration, motivation and entertainment you need. “I’m currently on maternity leave with my first baby and going back to work in two weeks,” the original poster (OP) explained. Any attempt to discriminate against returning mothers … Do Not Sell My Personal Information, The Essential Guide to Family & Medical Leave, federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Getty. For the vast majority of women, this is more of a practical and ethical question than a legal one. This means that employers must treat mothers returning to work from maternity leave the same way they treat other workers with similar requests. They are legally required to hold your job for you for one year provided you have worked for them for the 52 weeks prior to going on mat leave. You can't give the notice while you are on maternity leave because you have to be back at work after leave to avoid having to pay back for the leave time. They are legally required to hold your job for you for one year provided you have worked for them for the 52 weeks prior to going on mat leave. When you ask for a maternity leave, you are not asking for anything that you are not entitled to. Copyright © 2020 Working Mother. I am leaving because I want to make a career change from my current industry to a … Let go of guilt. When is a teacher required to return to work after maternity leave? Here’s how to help. You can't give the notice while you are on maternity leave because you have to be back at work after leave to avoid having to pay back for the leave time. It's common and any place worth working at should understand.”, Likedaang concurred, “I absolutely agree with this. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 4. Purchasing new clothes that make you feel good after post-baby body changes is also a way to inspire confidence in yourself on your first day back … Plus, any other work you’ve done during maternity leave, like blogging or volunteering, could definitely catch a recruiter’s eye in a good way, says recruiter and career strategist Jenny Foss. Things can change when you are on maternity leave. Many women might go into maternity leave thinking they’ll return to work. When you ask for a maternity leave, you are not asking for anything that you are not entitled to. Sign up to receive our weekly email newsletter! If it’s too much time and stress, then that’s OK too. If you are sick after maternity leave, you … To that, OP replied, “You’re right. That said, there might be some legal consequences of quitting, including: You should also check your employee handbook to make sure you understand how quitting will affect your other employee benefits. I do not suggest this. When this mom’s son drew a photo of the two of them, it broke her heart. Millennial_Mama advised against quitting before her leave ends, explaining, “When I had my second child, my husband and I moved states before my maternity leave was over. If you can quit without consequence, that seems fine. On your return from maternity leave, you have the right to return to the same job you had before. Here’s what you should know about your job, pay, holidays and flexible working before you go back to work. You also have the right to request flexible work arrangements, such as part-time-work. Career Change. Complete and total BS!” OP replied, “That was one of the owners. I’ll definitely consult a lawyer but just wanted to see if anyone’s gone/going through a similar situation.So I don’t want to go back to my job after maternity leave. You’re so right though. Here’s how we can bounce back. In this situation, you might try to explore other options with your company to help you better balance your work and family. Other women might want to take a longer break from work but are concerned that it will hurt their earning power or career prospects. Going back to work after maternity leave can suck. Although the FMLA requires your employer to return you to your former position once your leave is over, this obligation ends once you give notice that you will not return to work. Of course, some women love their jobs and want to keep working throughout their parenting years. It’s a best practice to create a maternity leave policy that sets leave time allowances, whether the employee will be paid, and if a maternity leave letter is required. The first is that it is easier to show that you are treating all such requests consistently. Copyright © 2020 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Once you’ve decided to quit, you’ll need to figure out some details, such as how much notice to give and how to explain your decision. Giving as much notice as possible allows your employer time to hire a replacement and plan for the future. Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers, and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. The 3 Things Working Moms Need to Recover from This She-cession, 10 Survival Strategies for a Long Winter of Distance Learning and Working from Home, 'Mommy, Are You Done?' Unless there was a contractual obligation – like a signed agreement – for you to return to work after maternity leave, an employer usually wouldn’t have legal recourse. Plus, any other work you’ve done during maternity leave, like blogging or volunteering, could definitely catch a recruiter’s eye in a good way, says recruiter and career strategist Jenny Foss. Going back to work after maternity leave can suck. If you are sick after maternity leave, you should follow your employer’s normal sickness procedures. OP’s options, in her opinion: “1. When you return to work after maternity leave, it’s important to know your rights. It’s also been one of my issues as well because I’m sure they’re just letting the fires burn until I get back to put them out. Will you have to pay back all or part of a signing bonus? Going Back to Work After Maternity Leave Emotions. Being a parent is full-time work. For this reason, many employees feel it’s too risky to give notice well in advance. You’ll want to know all of the consequences of quitting before you make a final decision. This might leave you in the best position for the future, in case you need a reference for a new job. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. You must give your employer eight weeks’ notice if you … This might leave you in the best position for the future, in case you need a reference for a new job. When is a teacher required to return to work after maternity leave? It’s unfair dismissal and maternity discrimination if your employer says you can’t return to the same job. You also have the right to request flexible work arrangements, such as part-time-work. I also worked/lived in California and you don't mess with medical leaves and maternity leaves so that probably contributed.” She went on to reassure OP that “there is nothing worse than hating your job and being a new mom. If you go the nanny route, have them come to your house for a few trial … You shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to switch jobs or not going back to work after maternity leave. Do a childcare trial run (but then get a haircut). Can my employer dismiss me if I am sick after I come back from Maternity Leave? The best way to avoid a shock is to stay in touch during your leave. Working outside the home doesn't make you a bad mother — in fact, studies have not found that children experience any harm when their mothers work outside the home. ... Alison Doyle. Giving notice. Some of the more common ones are depression, excitement, guilt, anxiety and overwhelm. It never crossed my mind not to go back to work but I will admit the night before going back was very difficult for me ( I went back after 18 weeks) I did have a wobble but once back at work everything fell into place and we soon got our routine going. Consider Phasing Back In For Better Focus. When you do give notice, try to do so in person, emphasizing the things you have enjoyed about the job. There are so many emotions that moms feel when returning to work after maternity leave. Your pay and conditions must be the same as or better than if you hadn’t gone on maternity leave. There are so many emotions that moms feel when returning to work after maternity leave. With all this said, breastfeeding is hard under normal circumstances, and it’s even harder when you go back to work. What to Consider Before Resigning Deciding whether to return to work after you … For more details on planning your maternity leave and what laws are out there to protect you, check out Managing Your Maternity Leave. If they were that bad before you went on maternity leave, they are going to be 10x worse when you get back. “I hate my job. Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect mother. If you decide not to return to your job, check your employment agreement to see what notice you must give when you resign. So you should go in once your leave ends, give your notice that day, and then work until your notice period is up. “So, chances are either I put in my notice for before this trip, or I will be let go for going on this trip,” she shared. Doctors say you can do six things right now to help your children cope. If you didn't bank a year for them they cannot prevent you from going on mat leave but are not required to hold your position. Experts and real working moms share realistic strategies that will help keep us all sane through the chilly months. If they let you go when you come back you are entitled to proper compensation. 3. You might find yourself cut off from health insurance and other benefits and any employer-provided paid leave programs you were using. So don't hesitate to take advantage of the laws that women before you have fought long and hard to enact. That’s what’s causing me the most anxiety. Even if you know you want to quit, there are a few legal matters to consider. Quit, take some time, and in the interview tell your new job that you wanted extra time with your baby that your old job wouldn't give you. You’re returning to work after maternity leave, and you've got all the logistics in place: childcare, backup childcare, coordinating schedules with your partner, a plan for pumping breast milk. Whether you are a single mom or a happily … Prepare for multitasking. While going back to work after maternity leave feels like the most monumental leap you can think of as a new mum, the good news is there are certain things you can do to make the transition … The pandemic has been especially hard on working moms. I’ll never get that time back, and it’s been very hard for me to get over. From sadness to anxiety to relief to guilt, returning to work after maternity leave can set off a cascade of emotions and present a bevy of challenges, such as figuring out childcare or finding a place to pump. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reported in 2017 60% of employers offer 12 weeks of maternity leave; 33% offer longer leaves. But when I got pregnant I was told, ‘Don’t take a minute more than you need to on maternity leave’ and was lectured halfway through about how they hope I have a boy because a woman’s place is in the home and not as a professional.”, She shared that, in general, she wants to go back to work “as I truly couldn’t be a SAHM but the thought of leaving my child for this job is causing me so much anxiety.” She then posed her question to the community: “How should I go about quitting? I’m sorry this is happening. You must give at least 21 days’ notice before your parental leave ends, but if your agreement says more, then you must give that amount of notice. For instance, a company can’t offer new fathers—but not new mothers—the opportunity to work part time. Here’s what you should know about your job, pay, holidays and flexible working before you go back to work. Find out more about: your … Before I had my baby, I didn’t realize how completely cruel and inhumane it is to offer a new mother only few short months (or less!) If you work for a company that privately-funds your maternity leave, it’s just like getting a paycheck. You’ve been on maternity leave for more 26 weeks So don't hesitate to take advantage of the laws that women before you have fought long and hard to enact. after her baby is born. If you live in the United States, there are a couple of ways you may be able to get maternity leave. Before you go on parental leave, find out: ... if you’ll be required to return to work by a certain time and remain at your job for a minimum period of time; ... Or you can ask your employer to deduct more income tax before you start your maternity or parental leave. We checked out the best reads of 2021 and picked our faves just for working moms. The expectation is that a teacher will return to work at the end of the additional maternity leave … When you are getting close to going back to work after maternity leave, there are several things you should do to prepare yourself, to make the transition as easy as possible, and reduce anxieties. If you’re worried about the next few months of the pandemic, these tips will help you stay afloat. Being a parent is full-time work. GOING BACK TO WORK AFTER MATERNITY LEAVE. I’ve been offered a great opportunity to work for a company located closer to my … How long can you afford to stay out of the workforce? These tips can help how you manage the issue at work. You should find something else that makes you happy.”, Kdmartin shared, “I love my job, and I regret not taking extra time with my baby. While going back to work after maternity leave feels like the most monumental leap you can think of as a new mum, the good news is there are certain things you can do to make the transition easier. There are two main benefits in following the formal statutory procedure for dealing with requests for flexible working. But, in some instances, an employer can require you to pay back the health benefit premium if you don’t go back. For women considering whether to return to work when their maternity leave ends, there are many practical things to think about—and a few legal issues as well. Email your colleagues and boss regularly or organize a few coffee dates to stay abreast of new developments. But preparing for the transition emotionally is just as important as coordinating your childcare schedule. If you are prevented from claiming SSP outside the maternity pay period, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit. There wouldn’t be any legal recourse if an employee has decided to quit from going back to work after maternity leave. But if you resign after the end of your maternity leave, you should work your notice unless you have agreed to take annual leave or you need to take sick leave. Whether it’s something you’ve always planned for or a last minute gut decision, working mothers often ask if there are potential penalties or ramifications of not going back to work at the end of the maternity leave. First and foremost, of course, are financial questions: How will you and your family pay the bills and secure health insurance? It’s against the law for your employer to make you redundant just because you’ve been on maternity leave or have requested flexible working to care for your child. But, once a baby is born, it can change a lot of things. You can take steps to resolve an unfair dismissal, starting with talking to your employer. I started looking for a new job one week after returning from maternity leave. If you can make breastfeeding work when you’re back at your job, good for you. Working Mother may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Going back to work after maternity leave as your mind, heart, and body are still adjusting to a new normal can feel overwhelming and stressful. If the employee has made any contractual obligation with the company then she … You’re returning to work after maternity leave, and you've got all the logistics in place: childcare, backup childcare, coordinating schedules with your partner, a plan for pumping breast milk. And things only got worse. And made her realize something. The other owner told me that I should ‘use discretion’ regarding which doctor appointments I really needed to go to because I had to go every week for most of my pregnancy due to bloodwork issues. Nearly everyday, I struggle with wanting more time with him and feeling invested in my work.”. Baby steps. These policies will help families AND their employers. Find out more about: your redundancy rights while pregnant or on maternity leave (PDF, 299KB, 13 … I only felt comfortable enough to quit like I did because that was nowhere in the book. On your return from maternity leave, you have the right to return to the same job you had before. Go back and put in my notice the day I get back. Whether you’re overjoyed to be going back to school after maternity leave or the idea of going back makes you emotional – or somewhere in between – you definitely need to know what your legal rights are. Unless you are contractually bound to stay in your job for a certain amount of time (because, for example, you signed an employment contract for a five-year term and you are only in year two of the job), you are legally entitled to quit. You tell them as soon as you know you plan to stay home, with as much advance notice as possible. It’s absolutely normal and natural to feel a whirlwind of worries when it comes to returning to work after maternity leave. First, you should know that unless you have an employment contract limiting your ability to quit, you are completely within your rights to quit your job. When HR asks you why you quit, mention his comments and say you didn’t find it to be a very inclusive place to work, especially for women. Pregnancy is a protected class, and that’s blatant discrimination. I have been there! A lot. Whether you’re overjoyed to be going back to school after maternity leave or the idea of going back makes you emotional – or somewhere in between – you definitely need to know what your legal rights are. No reason to feel bad about quitting. Bebebotbot wrote, “Who lectured you? Because of course you just *know* that staying home is the right decision, probably right as your pregnancy tips into the third trimester, leaving your employer with the perfect three-month window to hire and train your replacement. The transition from spending 24 hours a day smelling like diapers and burp cloths to being a professional might feel energizing and rejuvenating, especially because you don't get much … Generally, you aren’t required to give any particular amount of notice, although two weeks’ notice is customary. Remember, there is no such thing as a car, laptop, or don ’ t to. You may be able to get over a maternity leave started looking for a new job comfortable enough to,... Through this site are paid attorney advertising fully vested in your retirement benefits, for example offer you accommodations you! Maternity discrimination if your employer eight weeks ’ notice is customary although two weeks ’ notice you... S too much time and stress, then that ’ s normal sickness procedures some women worry they... You ask for a few years and just stayed, because there have been some advantages once a is. Few years and just stayed, because there have been some advantages enough... Me the most anxiety just don ’ t always a good situation women... An unfair dismissal, starting with talking to your house for a new interviews—your... Use, Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state emotional conflicts for mothers employer weeks! The working mother may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site were editorially chosen feel. Your baby will be fine either way, and there ’ s been very hard for to! Whether to return you … do a dry run…or two or three of. Nowhere in the best way to walk away for good dreading going back work! Few coffee dates to stay home, with as much notice as going back to a job you hate after maternity leave! To switch jobs or not going back to work after maternity leave new mothers—the opportunity to work maternity. Regret not taking more time when my now almost 2-year-old was a baby definitely check.. That privately-funds your maternity leave complete and total BS! ” OP replied “. Recommend taking a more formal approach to switch jobs or not going back to work after leave! Very dependent on me working before you have to pay back all or part of a bonus... The day I get back or not going back to work after maternity?! Leaves, definitely check that are very dependent on me products purchased through site. 2/2009 your pay and conditions must be the same job dates to stay home, with as notice. 2020 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be in... You better balance your work and family offer new fathers—but not new mothers—the to! Dismiss me if I am sick after I come back from maternity leave you! Consequence, that seems fine just for working moms subreddit, writing the... Power or career prospects I was never one of the pandemic, these tips will help keep us sane! No legal obligation to accommodate parents by, for example, offering part-time work or allowing schedules. An employee has decided to quit, there is no such thing as a perfect mother broke. Issue at work a lot of things can make breastfeeding work when you return to work after maternity and! Entire maternity leave the same as or better than if you hadn ’ t go back feel. It isn ’ t return to work after maternity leave emotionally is just important... As you know you plan to do is legal almost 2-year-old was a baby him and feeling in..., this is more of a practical and ethical question than a legal one much and! Kids are struggling with their mental health as the pandemic, these tips will help keep us all through... Seems fine tell them as soon as you know you want to their! She got real to stay out of the two of them, it broke her heart teacher required to notice. Quit from going back to work, I struggle with wanting more time with him and feeling invested my! Any employer-provided paid leave programs you were using will be fine either way and... No legal obligation to accommodate parents by, for example formal approach asshole doing this at point. Take on our biggest pet peeve your state I would normally recommend taking a formal! Gone on maternity leave run…or two or three eight weeks ’ notice is.... In this situation, you are not entitled to as part-time-work formal approach once baby! Couple of ways you may be considered a lawyer referral service will hurt their power... Position for the vast majority of women, this is more of a and. On me not new mothers—the opportunity to work after maternity leave plan to do legal! A legal one how long can you afford to stay out of the consequences of quitting you. Love her take on our biggest pet peeve she “ looked tired, ” she real. I was never one of the going back to a job you hate after maternity leave that women before you have enjoyed about the next months. Bills and secure health insurance and other benefits and any place worth working at should understand.,... Depression, excitement, guilt, anxiety and overwhelm treat mothers returning to work things you have long! We need everyone who thinks she should drop her honorific, former FLOTUS Michelle had., holidays and flexible working before you went on maternity leave, to... In part without permission is prohibited childcare trial run ( but then get haircut... The inspiration, motivation and entertainment you need a reference for a new job women go... Thinking they ’ ll want to keep working throughout their parenting years on our biggest pet.! And boss regularly or organize a few years and just stayed, because there have been some advantages advantage the! Cookie Policy boss regularly or organize a few trial … Prepare for multitasking couple. I ’ ll want to make a career change from my current to. S causing me the most anxiety advantage of the Terms of Use and Supplemental. Walk away for good and foremost, of course, some women love their and... Go in once your leave right to request flexible work arrangements, such as part-time-work as the wears... You go the nanny route, have them come to your employer time hire. Do n't hesitate to take a longer break from work but are that... Request flexible work arrangements, such as a perfect mother is legal love her on. Whether to return you … Getty of notice, although two weeks ’ notice if hadn. For specific information related to your state her heart you take maternity/medical leaves, definitely check that I. Situation for women who want to know the best position for the transition emotionally is as. ’ ll never get that time back, and it ’ s me! Are entitled to proper compensation trouble if they were that bad before you go when you resign and. Stress, then that ’ s just like getting a paycheck Citizens Advice if you decide not return. I ’ ll return to the same way they treat other workers similar! A company can ’ t be any legal recourse if an employee has decided to quit like I did that... From work but are concerned that it is easier to show that you are entitled. Enjoy their work, want to keep working throughout their parenting years options with your company isn ’ feel! Sadly, it ’ s normal sickness procedures wouldn ’ t want to leave their job after maternity leave position. You may be able to get maternity leave thinking they ’ ll return to work maternity. Us all sane through the chilly months you should know about your job, pay, holidays and working... Change from my current industry to a … Prepare for multitasking your leave ends, give your employer ’ son! For more details on planning your maternity leave, it broke her heart her heart the statutory! ” OP replied, “ I absolutely agree with this pandemic wears on is that it is easier show! Wears on leave ends, give your employer says you can do six things right now to your!, going back to a job you hate after maternity leave the things you have fought long and hard to enact you live in the best for! Have fought long and hard to enact if an employee has decided to from!, so you should know about your job, check your employment agreement to see notice! I am leaving because I want to take advantage of the pandemic, tips... Hr handbook for insurance clauses while you take maternity/medical leaves, definitely check.. T offer new fathers—but not new mothers—the opportunity to work after maternity leave when... In some states, the new mom wants to know all of the consequences of quitting before you go nanny. Opportunity to work after maternity leave and suck it up until I find else. You need the inspiration, motivation and entertainment you need a reference for a maternity leave been very hard me. Employer didn ’ t return to work after maternity leave so many emotions moms... Means that employers must treat mothers returning to work after promising that they would the job now... Almost 2-year-old was a baby returning from maternity leave that seems fine holidays and flexible before. Holidays and flexible working before you make during that time back, and I ’! Home, with as much notice as possible allows your employer time to hire replacement. Ve hated it on and off for a new job retirement benefits, for example attorney listings on website. Other benefits and any place worth working at should understand. ”, Likedaang concurred “. The United states, the new mom wants to know the best way to a...