To think my work colleague need to leave me alone

pinkeggcup · 2018-02-25 20:54:55

I started a new job as a social worker. I'm working in the community in a rural area. Knowing I don't have a full driving licence I did some research on the local area. I Found that while having a car will make my life easier and is something I continue to make a priority (revising my theory test every day and currently having lessons for over a year), I felt the job would be manageable to me as I am physically fit and could organise myself in such a way that I was able to complete visits and get my work on time. My previous job was similar and I did that for two years. It was a bit of a pain at times but I managed. In pouring rain I got a taxi but it was rare I needed to. I have tried using a moped but I felt terrified the whole time I was on one so there's no way that was a viable option for me and using a bike isn't either as they can't be taken on buses and there would be too much ground to cover as a sole means of transport. There was never a situation where I couldn't do my job because I didn't have a car. I applied for the job I currently have. Now some jobs do state you need a driving licence as an essential criteria and so I was happy when I found one that didn't. I arrived for my first day. I actually came in a car as my dad gives me driving lessons sometimes. I'm trying to practice where I can. Immediately the manager asked me if I'd managed to find a suitable parking place. I stated I had. The place where I expected to be working was changed on my first day and for 6 weeks I shall be working in a different team to the one I will eventually reside permanently on. On the first day the manager said she hoped I'd found a car park space. I was discussing something with another member of staff and explained that I was a nervous driver and I won't be driving my car for two weeks as it's got repairs needing doing. The manager overheard and said 'you will need to get over that as without a car you're not fit for purpose. You can't do this job without a car'. Every single day I am asked 'are you still having to get the bus in' or 'poor xxx is without her car and is having to get the bus in'. I'm being offered lifts left right and centre and constantly asked when my car is back in action! I felt such intense pressure that I was crying and sat in my car almost ready to drive without a full licence! I found myself googling what would happen if I was caught etc. Because I was so stressed about telling my manager I can't drive. It's got to the point now where I can't even bring myself to tell anyone I don't drive as I genuinely think they would try and get rid of me. I've not passed my probation yet. Don't get me wrong, I hate not being able to drive and while I could probably pass my driving test now, can't seem to pass my theory! I'm working on it though. Really trying. I'm dreading going in tomorrow and getting the usual 'your car working now. How did you get here this morning'. I've spoken to a legal advisor at the Citizen advice bureau who informed me that as having a car and a full driving licence was no mentioned in the job description as an essential criteria (in fact it wasn't mentioned anywhere). Then no one has any right to know how you are getting to work or how you are getting to your visits. As long as your work is done on time and you work efficiently. It's not their business how you travel. The absolute furthest I would need to travel is 28 miles one way. You wouldn't usually need to do more than one visit a day and visits can be planned (so I would go straight to my visit or arrange for it to be last thing in the day). I actually like the team and have really enjoyed the actual work, I'm very competent and experienced in this field and feel very confident in my ability to do the job to a high standard. AIBU to think how I transport myself is no one else's business as long as I manage to do the job well? Also, AIBU to keep my travelling plans to myself so that they don't find a way to end my employment before the probation period is over?

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AIBU?

This thread has been deleted

Thanks for the reports, everyone - we're not sure about the OP here, so we're taking the thread down while we have a closer look.