Page 3 | Am I going to fail probation

Greenraintoday · 2026-02-21T07:16:33+00:00

I'm getting worried, half way through probation, have had 3 unavoidable bouts of sickness ( all different cases and not disability related) been late in to work 4 times and have been reminded to answer emails that I forgot several times In my defense I have had alot going.on in personal life and this has impacted me AIBU to think I should be given another chance ?

shhblackbag · 21/02/2026 16:05

Brightlittlecanary · 21/02/2026 15:49

Well yes exactly, but there is a nuance there, as I suspect we have all met that emokoyee, the one who is jist there for the pay check, can’t be arsed doing their job and makes it harder for everyone else.

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Yes, absolutely. And they shouldn't have passed probation. They often do, though, and more, because life isn't fair.

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 21/02/2026 15:52

Movingonup313 · 21/02/2026 14:12

Some really harsh views on this post. I am surprised. With a bit of flexibility this could be managed well. In the last 10 weeks ive had 2 migraines (including vomiting and nausea), the worst cold ive had in my life (the fluid was running from my nose - i could not have been in an office for any length of time) and 2 nasty bouts of tonsillitis. None of it my fault. By the comments on here I am unreliable and I ought to look elsewhere for a new job. As for childcare - no childcare is solid and sometimes the unexpected happens. I think people are really unfair on this post.

Per my previous post OP, you can remedy a lot of this, show willing and indicate happy to extend probation if it will help you to prove yourself. These 4 months dont have to unduly mark your cards.

Think about her bosses and colleagues. Also with OP being new think about how much has been spent and organised in her induction and training. Every job I’ve had for the probation period I’ve always ensured I was over 100% taking into account induction and training.

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 21/02/2026 15:50

Violinist64 · 21/02/2026 12:18

Sorry but childcare is your responsibility. Any employer will take a dim view of someone who is not organised enough to sort out reliable childcare. You will not be the only employee with children. As for colds - unless it is a really nasty virus, you should be able to go into work, even if you don't feel 100%. If you were worried about spreading germs, you could wear a mask as in Covid times. Was your "flu" really flu or a bad cold? I think you should start looking for somewhere else to work as you will certainly not pass your probation. If you are able to secure other employment, please take all the excellent advice from people on this thread and smarten up your attitude as it is coming across as very flaky at the moment. However, we can all learn from our mistakes and I hope you are able to.

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Agreed here. You sort out childcare like other mothers and fathers do. Not hard. Otherwise don’t work.

Brightlittlecanary · 21/02/2026 15:49

shhblackbag · 21/02/2026 15:26

Most of us work for the money. That's why we manage to be on time and deal with our tasks. Because that's what we get paid to do.

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Well yes exactly, but there is a nuance there, as I suspect we have all met that emokoyee, the one who is jist there for the pay check, can’t be arsed doing their job and makes it harder for everyone else.

saltandvinegarpringles · 21/02/2026 15:47

shhblackbag · 21/02/2026 15:26

Most of us work for the money. That's why we manage to be on time and deal with our tasks. Because that's what we get paid to do.

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lol, exactly.

PearTreess · 21/02/2026 15:32

Alpacajigsaw · 21/02/2026 15:20

It may not be their fault but it’s not the employers fault either and if they can’t provide reliable service then they can expect their poor attendance to have an impact on their employment. Not including matters such as pregnancy or disability absence of course.

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Fair point.

shhblackbag · 21/02/2026 15:26

Brightlittlecanary · 21/02/2026 15:17

No one blames an employee for getting sick, but being off sick with the cold three times in short succession, 4 lates and I assume it’s more than 10 mins, and having to be reminded multiple times to do emails, looks like an employee who cannot be arsed and just is there for the money.

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Most of us work for the money. That's why we manage to be on time and deal with our tasks. Because that's what we get paid to do.

Alpacajigsaw · 21/02/2026 15:20

PearTreess · 21/02/2026 15:12

I agree I can't blame an employee for being sick. It's not their fault

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It may not be their fault but it’s not the employers fault either and if they can’t provide reliable service then they can expect their poor attendance to have an impact on their employment. Not including matters such as pregnancy or disability absence of course.

Brightlittlecanary · 21/02/2026 15:17

PearTreess · 21/02/2026 15:12

I agree I can't blame an employee for being sick. It's not their fault

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No one blames an employee for getting sick, but being off sick with the cold three times in short succession, 4 lates and I assume it’s more than 10 mins, and having to be reminded multiple times to do emails, looks like an employee who cannot be arsed and just is there for the money.

shhblackbag · 21/02/2026 15:14

WellErrr · 21/02/2026 07:22

To be totally honest and because you asked….

4 lates
3 absences
Poor performance (not answering emails etc)

I would not keep you on.

Yeah, sorry, it's a lot. I guess you can hope they prolong probation, and you try to do better.

PearTreess · 21/02/2026 15:12

Merryoldgoat · 21/02/2026 11:19

No. Before she was ill she was clearly getting sick and was clearly not completely over it when she returned.

I don’t expect someone to see a doctor with a cold/flu virus.

I don’t view sickness as some moral failing.

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I agree I can't blame an employee for being sick. It's not their fault

saltandvinegarpringles · 21/02/2026 15:09

Tresesgreen · 21/02/2026 15:03

Ps the one thing I learnt when I was managing a team of 30 is that every single one of them had shit going on in their lives eg divorce, SEN child, parents with health problems etc every single one.

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Yep - everyone has shit going on in their lives.

Tresesgreen · 21/02/2026 15:03

Ps the one thing I learnt when I was managing a team of 30 is that every single one of them had shit going on in their lives eg divorce, SEN child, parents with health problems etc every single one.

Tresesgreen · 21/02/2026 15:01

WellErrr · 21/02/2026 07:22

To be totally honest and because you asked….

4 lates
3 absences
Poor performance (not answering emails etc)

I would not keep you on.

This

Alpacajigsaw · 21/02/2026 15:01

we all have lots going on in our personal lives and loads of us have kids. I’ve been in my job 11 months and never been late or off. Of course occasional things happen and most employers understand that and aren’t ogres but assuming 3 months into a 6 month probation you’re swinging the lead

Alpacajigsaw · 21/02/2026 14:58

Greenraintoday · 21/02/2026 10:17

I have childcare issues which is why I am late and sickness is due to colds and flu , have just not been well enough to go in

I am doing my best but don't see that these are deal breakers, don't I have more rights now under the new workers bill anyway?

No you don’t, and they’ll be well advised to get rid of you before you do.

Andouillette · 21/02/2026 14:57

saltandvinegarpringles · 21/02/2026 12:22

And what about all the other mums in the workplace who do show up on time, don't take three lots of sick leave in as many months, and actually do the job they're being paid to do?

OP is taking the absolute piss. "Be kind" is such a load of bollocks, honestly.

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Quite. I'd say they are being kind, as in they haven't booted her out on her arse by now.

Alpacajigsaw · 21/02/2026 14:55

You sound a pretty shit employee to be fair. If these are your standards during probation, when you’re supposed to be trying to make a good impression, what the hell will you be like afterwards?

sounds like you deserve to be dismissed

LilyBunch25 · 21/02/2026 14:33

Violinist64 · 21/02/2026 14:31

This is very different from having the colds @Greenraintoday describes and, of course employers will be sympathetic. With those complaints, you could not be expected to carry on but, unless it is genuine flu, covid or a truly stinking cold that nobody else wants to be near, you carry on as normally as possible.

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Also would I be right in thinking that those conditions- the migraine, tonsillitis, were potentially documented after self cert period by a GP? If so it is absolutely different.

Brightlittlecanary · 21/02/2026 14:31

LilyBunch25 · 21/02/2026 14:27

In absolutely no way is my employer less forgiving- they just aren't gullible! - this OP has had 3 sickness periods for "colds", been late 4 times and has to be told to check emails. Most people would at least manage the last one in their probationary period! That's basic under performing even if you forgive the persistent lateness. If this went unchecked everywhere how is that ever fair on those who have to cover constantly for someone like this?

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I’m afraid I agree and op I don’t think even I beleive you had to be off three times in such a short period due to having the cold. Being late isn’t ok, and 4 times issues with childcare says you’ve not got something reliable in place, or are not organised, but having to be reminded to do the basics of your job like respond to emails is unforgivable.

All together And i would let you go. I’d say you’re only there for the money, are not that interested, don’t really want to do the job, and do it half arsed. They’d be foolish to keep you on. And I think you know that.

Violinist64 · 21/02/2026 14:31

Movingonup313 · 21/02/2026 14:12

Some really harsh views on this post. I am surprised. With a bit of flexibility this could be managed well. In the last 10 weeks ive had 2 migraines (including vomiting and nausea), the worst cold ive had in my life (the fluid was running from my nose - i could not have been in an office for any length of time) and 2 nasty bouts of tonsillitis. None of it my fault. By the comments on here I am unreliable and I ought to look elsewhere for a new job. As for childcare - no childcare is solid and sometimes the unexpected happens. I think people are really unfair on this post.

Per my previous post OP, you can remedy a lot of this, show willing and indicate happy to extend probation if it will help you to prove yourself. These 4 months dont have to unduly mark your cards.

This is very different from having the colds @Greenraintoday describes and, of course employers will be sympathetic. With those complaints, you could not be expected to carry on but, unless it is genuine flu, covid or a truly stinking cold that nobody else wants to be near, you carry on as normally as possible.

LilyBunch25 · 21/02/2026 14:27

Geenie1207 · 21/02/2026 13:29

I’ve worked at a number of major banks and they have been very accommodating where people have had issues with child care and illness. A good employer doesn’t want you to come in when you can’t work, and a good manager understands that no one can foresee a child’s nose bleed, wetting themselves on route to nursery, or an epic meltdown just as you are heading to the car. Who knew charities were less forgiving than financial services…..well I guess I do now!

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In absolutely no way is my employer less forgiving- they just aren't gullible! - this OP has had 3 sickness periods for "colds", been late 4 times and has to be told to check emails. Most people would at least manage the last one in their probationary period! That's basic under performing even if you forgive the persistent lateness. If this went unchecked everywhere how is that ever fair on those who have to cover constantly for someone like this?

BunnyLake · 21/02/2026 14:26

How can you forget to respond to emails? I would strongly suggest in this job, or your next if you don’t pass probation, to get yourself a notebook and a write a bullet pointed To Do list for every day. Refer to this book several times a day, at some point the tasks will become second nature but keep it with you all the time. Add to it as you need.

saltandvinegarpringles · 21/02/2026 14:17

Movingonup313 · 21/02/2026 14:12

Some really harsh views on this post. I am surprised. With a bit of flexibility this could be managed well. In the last 10 weeks ive had 2 migraines (including vomiting and nausea), the worst cold ive had in my life (the fluid was running from my nose - i could not have been in an office for any length of time) and 2 nasty bouts of tonsillitis. None of it my fault. By the comments on here I am unreliable and I ought to look elsewhere for a new job. As for childcare - no childcare is solid and sometimes the unexpected happens. I think people are really unfair on this post.

Per my previous post OP, you can remedy a lot of this, show willing and indicate happy to extend probation if it will help you to prove yourself. These 4 months dont have to unduly mark your cards.

Leaving the sickness aside, what flexibility do you think should be offered to someone who is regularly late to work and who doesn't bother to do the most basic things (replying to e-mails), when they do get there?

It's not harsh to say that OP should expect to be dismissed - that's just reality. If you don't show up on time, don't do the work and regularly call in sick (whether genuine or not) you can't expect to pass your probation.

Movingonup313 · 21/02/2026 14:12

Some really harsh views on this post. I am surprised. With a bit of flexibility this could be managed well. In the last 10 weeks ive had 2 migraines (including vomiting and nausea), the worst cold ive had in my life (the fluid was running from my nose - i could not have been in an office for any length of time) and 2 nasty bouts of tonsillitis. None of it my fault. By the comments on here I am unreliable and I ought to look elsewhere for a new job. As for childcare - no childcare is solid and sometimes the unexpected happens. I think people are really unfair on this post.

Per my previous post OP, you can remedy a lot of this, show willing and indicate happy to extend probation if it will help you to prove yourself. These 4 months dont have to unduly mark your cards.