My employer told me coming back after maternity leave will be made difficult, what's the best way to leave?
A few months ago my employer/owner of the company (who I report directly to) made a comment to me that while they can't fire someone for getting pregnant legally, they can basically torture them for taking maternity leave and force them out. I casually continued the convo because they didn't know my partner and I were planning on having kids soon. Owner informed me that what he's done in the past and planned to do is let the employee go on maternity leave, fill their position with a "temp" who will actually be their permanent replacement, bridge them to a lateral position when they come back, and make sure they're so uncomfortable in that position that they're forced to quit. I've seen the owner do similar things so I think he could actually pull it off. He also gave examples of two past employees he's done this to.
Now I'm pregnant, they don't know yet, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to leave the company. I actually love my job but I'm just so tired and don't want to work for someone like this. There are also some serious compliance issues that I'm not okay with, so it feels like a good time to get out.
My insurance is through my partner's job. I would love to take maternity leave, but don't need it. I have a backup plan for work if I leave pre-having the baby. I don't want to screw over the other employees, they're great, but I also don't want to give this guy the opportunity to make me suffer.
Some details: I'm in upper management and hold the keys to a LOT of components of the business. If I leave abruptly, it'll really mess things up for them. Part of me wants the owner to learn a lesson; part of me wants to take maternity leave and resign after. Asked for advice in the HR subreddit and there were a lot of opinions about how "women like me" are ruining work for others, but I think people like the owner of the company are at fault here.