There are a number of high-IQ people that I've known who could maybe benefit from reading this: Clever fools: Why a high IQ doesn't mean you're smart

Intelligence is not the same as wisdom.

Jessica, I'm completely aghast. And I cannot, cannot see how it's remotely legal. Even if they're technically an overseas company and not New York, they're operating in New York and employing residents of New York, some of whom (such as, for instance, YOU) have lengthy employment histories with the company with which they've just strategically partnered, or whatever bullshit they're claiming.

I just seriously cannot believe that's legal. ehab's link looks like a good place to start. Or check with lawyers who specialize in disability issues (you can also check the law schools in NYC, as they'll often have higher level students or professors willing and able to at least do pro bono research on your behalf). And I'd seriously consider contacting your state rep or senators. That's fucking unconscionable.

The Europeans in our office are always shocked that the "normal" maternity leave in the US is unpaid. People are always stockpiling vacation and sick days.

Jessica, I think that for a regular delivery you should be able to get 6 weeks of coverage from the NYS short term disability fund. Rather than asking your HR department, you might ask your OB (who has probably filled out the forms a bazillion times).

It's not a lot of money, but it's something.

Jesus, Jess-- everyone's said everything I'm thinking and then some. I simply can't see how this is legal. Obviously, morally, it bites the proverbial big one.

Asswipes.

From the Intelligence link:

Test your thinking

When researchers put the following three problems to 3400 students in the US, only 17 per cent got all three right. Can you do any better?

1) A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?

2) If it takes five machines 5 minutes to make five widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets?

3) In a lake, there is a patch of lily pads. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long would it take for the patch to cover half of it?

Answers:

I got all three right. I iz smarts!

The Europeans in our office are always shocked that the "normal" maternity leave in the US is unpaid.

We really don't know how lucky we are. Or, perhaps more accurately, we don't realise how much hard work has gone into campaigning for maternity leave here.

I got all three right.

I'm actually surprised I got them right. I think getting back into the workforce has been good for my brain.

Just had the PTO conversation with an American and a French guy last week. The American guy is banking his, and the French guy considers time off time off, and never checks his email on a day off. Work is work, and then it's over.

Rather than asking your HR department, you might ask your OB (who has probably filled out the forms a bazillion times).

That is a truly excellent idea. Thank you!

I'm also considering calling everyone I know in the UK office and begging for a job over there.

Even if they're technically an overseas company and not New York

Heh - New Company is based in Denver. My wonderful socialist Auntie Beeb gives US employees 8 weeks paid (+ up to 12 w/ PTO or FMLA).

{{{Jessica}}} I can imagine how stressful this must be. I agree that it just can't be legal. I mean, I'm having a c-section and my hospital stay alone is 3-4 days. Nobody could return to work after 2 days. I am furious on your behalf.