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?
Three months ago I began working for a small organisation on a six-month probationary period. I have a solid work background, but a redundancy three years ago led me to accepting the first permanent job I was offered. I wasn’t particularly happy, but stayed for two years, trying to make it work, before finding and accepting my current role.
The main thrust of my current role is supporting a small team. I seem to have done this to their satisfaction – the regular meetings I’ve had with my line manager have always been positive, as has the feedback from the director I support. I get on well with the team and feel that generally I’ve done a pretty good job.
However, my role also sits within the organisation’s general support team. While I don’t have as much to do with them on a day-to-day basis it is one of their members who has the power to say whether I pass my probationary period or not. She seems to have decided that my face doesn’t fit – and now, after three months of positive feedback from the people I work with, she has made it clear that I am not necessarily on course to be offered a permanent role.
I feel like I am being bullied out of a job. Although my line manager is sympathetic her hands appear to be tied. My sense of helplessness is being exacerbated by the fact that it’s a small company, without the formal systems and processes in place to protect employees.
I’ve started looking for another role, but I’m not sure how to explain away such a short period of employment. I’m also appalled at the possibility of having to justify failing a probationary period. I’ve half a mind not to disclose the role on my CV, but that would mean sacrificing several positive elements.
In the space of a week I’ve gone from feeling reasonably optimistic to feeling insecure and stressed, and would welcome any advice.
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.
