Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
I have been working in a lovely place for the past 18 months on a locum contract, which was initially for six months but has been extended every few months. It was my first job after having completed my training.
I recently attended an interview at the firm for a substantive post. I did not do a brilliant interview, but was still shocked to find that the job was given to a more junior person with no previous consultant experience. The feedback I received was that I was very anxious and it showed. They also said I failed to engage the eight-person panel, whereas the other person did.
Two people in the panel knew me and said that I am very good at my job, but clearly it was not enough. I am devastated as I had the job on my plate and still managed to lose it. I am aware that I am not good at interviews, but I have had interview coaching and I don’t think I can do much more than that.
I am worried I am not very good at my job and that this was an opportunity for people to get rid of me. My contract finishes in a month and I really have no motivation to continue my work there. I cannot face everyone feeling sorry for me.
I want to ask my director to be allowed to cancel my appointments and work from home until the end of my contract. Do you think this is a reasonable request, or will I be in trouble if I don’t turn up to work?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
