h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

After taking a nice relaxing weekend off, I come back to my desk today to find a letter from HR addressed to me. 'Fine', I thought, 'this'll be a letter confirming my probationary period is over and I'm now a permanent member of staff'.

To backtrack a little, I had a meeting with my boss about three weeks ago to discuss my probationary period. He said I was doing a 'grand job' and he wanted me to stay on as a permanent member of staff. Apparently my probation was extended for another week as I had a 'wobbly week', but I didn't press it as I saw no need. I do have my suspicions what it was about though and if I'm right there'll be hell to pay, but that's neither here nor there. There were a couple of other issues we discussed (as there always are) and I thought we had sorted everything out.

So when I open my letter and it confirms that further to my recent meeting with my boss my probationary period has been extended for a further three months, you can imagine my reaction (edited below):

WHAT?!

Unfortunately my boss wasn't around long enough for me to grab him and ask him what the hell this is about so unfortunately that'll have to wait until tomorrow. So after talking through all the possibilities with EV (including the fact it could be a mistake) I decided to phone the company's employee assistance helpline (run by a separate company) for some advice.

Seems I'm on thin ice no matter what. Apparently you don't have many rights as an employee until you have completed 12 months' service, probationary or permanent. Great. I could use the company grievance procedure, but I must tread carefully because my boss could still turn around and tell me to hit the road.

So what to do? If it's a mistake I'll be writing a stern letter to HR. If it isn't a mistake, do I do the time and grin whilst working for someone I obviously cannot trust or do I look elsewhere? I like working there and don't want to leave but if I cannot trust my boss, that's a serious problem in my book.

One last thought: The letter was dated 8 September (I was off on the 9th and 12th) and my boss was copied in. It's possible he hasn't read it but how likely is it that you would ignore a letter marked Private? He would be the one to notify HR about me anyway, so I just don't know what to think.

Traveller in Time not aware of the rules and regulations
"How do you feel about the job? Do you like it enough to 'wait' for the contract, or would you as much like to w**k somewhere else ?

At least you may stay for another three months, either you show them you are worth to 'keep' you at the job, or you use the time to find somthing better.

Hey, you are on holiday in few days time, do not worry too much. Just slowly think about if you want to stay or want to find something better.

You could always run for president "

I do like my job but as I said I'd feel uncomfortable working for someone who doesn't think very highly of me to do something so sneaky. But you're right, I'm going on holiday soon - I should be winding down, not up!

I may be running for prez, but you're voting for 2legs anyway

Basturts

I would bet it has absolutely nothing to do with you. More likely they have extended it for company reasons.

Such as:

They have a maternity person coming back to work and are not sure
hwo they are going to structure the workload.

There may be restructuring within the company and they need the leeway of you not being an 'official employee'.

They do need someone for the next 3 months but after that they are not sure.

They have someone else in mind for your job (friend's cousin's mother's twice removed daughter etc)

They think they made need to alter your job description and are waiting until they know for sure.

Or a combination of the above.

First thing is to remain calm. Ask for an appointment with your line manager/boss to discuss your progress and in particular the recent assessment. An official meeting rather than just popping in to see him.
Ask for his comments to be sent to you in writing - perfectly reasonable request for any assessment. It is one thing saying something to you but another thing if they have to have it officially recorded.

But whatever you do, and as hard as it is, then you must remain calm as if they do have alterior motives then it just gives them an excuse to terminate your position.

Traveller in Time winding down
"You do like the work, but do have some second thoughts about the boss in charge.

Hmm, I have my second and third votes "

Well, I'm soon to be taking on a new team so that'll be six people in total I'd be looking after so that may have something to do with it. But why have I not been sent a letter saying that? My company doesn't mess around and my boss, for all his faults, is pretty straightforward and honest. We did discuss how my workload will change but we just agreed to play it by ear, not juggle my job description

It may well have been something he wasn't aware of.

Ask for a breakdown of the reasons that your probation has been extended. Sounds like they are doing some internal shuffling so it may just suit them better. Although it will feel like a kick in the face.

Whatever happens it would really help you if you can keep them onside for a good reference.
Still got a wa**er out to get me - 13 years later. Unfortunately he has influence - even though I can give 20 good references from his own company to contradict every word he says. Twat.

Just look forward to your holibags and get lots of EV hugs. They always make me feel better

TiT's idea's not a bad one though. If it's all hitting the fan I use the probationary period to keep smiling, find a new job and once they give me a good review I bring them down from the inside using the specially laid traps I set on my probation

That's my girl