Case study: Maria's story

One in ten women leave their roles due to menopausal symptoms…’Maria’ is one of them.

Watch Maria’s story

 

Read Maria’s story

“Up until recently I was working full time over five days. I was really struggling with menopausal symptoms including anxiety, insomnia and debilitating fatigue. I had a full hysterectomy during the pandemic (Nov 2020). I am 59 years old and this is my last year of working full time before I look to draw-down my pension to enable me to reduce my hours, if I’m allowed to do so, or finish working for the NHS and find a different role, to top up my income until I can claim my state pension. I have almost 43 years NHS service.

I asked to work compressed hours, full time over four days to enable me to take a day off, ideally in the middle of the week, but I could be flexible if required. After a real battle with my line managers, they did eventually say that I could trial this for three months, although it was obvious to me that this compromise was reached reluctantly. I was so concerned that they would look to find reasons why this hadn’t worked for the service, and in turn force me to return to working a five day week, I decided to apply for a secondment within a different team.

I’m delighted to say, I successful secured a secondment within a different team which was also a promotion. I am loving the new role and so pleased that something positive came from such a negative place.”