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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to put my personal situation first? (Long, sorry)

12 replies

Flatt7 · 25/07/2017 22:52

In my profession, I currently work as a locum. This basically means that only one week's notice needs to be given by either party.

I have been working mainly in one location for about 3 months now. I regularly worked 4-6 days a week in this period, but also work at a second location to fill the gaps in work.

However, I am also desperately trying to arrange moving in with my dp, before the commencement of a huge life change (it would be very identifying to expand on this). Because of the shift timings at location one, it is very difficult to get to viewings, and so flats keep falling through. I made a decision to prioritise location two from August, as the shifts begin later and leave mornings free for viewings

When I told my immediate manager, she flipped out and told me by text that she was disappointed and they will find a new locum. Then I spoke on the phone to the manager above her, who checked my reasons for the decision and said they would work around me.

Aibu? At the point I told them, it was a week's notice for August 1st and 3 for the critical week they're very worried about covering.

The immediate manager comes in tomorrow, and she is gonna be annnnngry. :(

OP posts:
MsSusanStoHelit · 25/07/2017 22:57

If they wanted to be able to rely on you they should give you a permanent role. They can't string you along on a week's notice when they really need you to be there and then expect that you'll have no other life but with them.

I don't think you're BU at all. You have life needs that need to come first and you're not tied in by a contract. The senior manager understands this and that's why she's not being a sod about it.

mohuzivajehi · 25/07/2017 23:00

Whether yabu or not depends solely on the balance between supply and demand in your line of work, and how much you need to be working full time to pay the bills. If the employers can pick and choose between plenty of well qualified people available as locums and you need the work then yabu. If it's more tricky to fill the need for your work and you can be confident that location 2 can give you all the hours you need then yanbu.

Original poster
Flatt7 · 25/07/2017 23:28

Demand for locums in my field is much higher than supply, not that I would ever consider that a reason to mess someone about.

OP posts:
mohuzivajehi · 25/07/2017 23:57

"Messing someone about" would be not giving them the required 7 days notice. Yanbu. They don't own you and you don't owe them.

nocoolnamesleft · 26/07/2017 01:26

Depends on your job. If it's healthcare, then a week's notice for August changeover week may be contractual, but would be basically impossible to sort at that notice. If not healthcare, may well be fine.

Sprinklestar · 26/07/2017 02:32

Sounds like they need you more than you need them. I'd ask for an apology from the angry one for a start. You've done everything by the book. If they're too stupid to give you a proper contract then that's their affair. How dare she have a go at you?! I'd be tempted not to go back and tell them she was the reason why!

Sprinklestar · 26/07/2017 02:34

Ps - you could always negotiate extra pay for the week they're so short. If it's worth that much to them, they'll have to cough up, won't they?

classPath · 26/07/2017 03:28

I'd ask for an apology and a meeting to discuss salary or a permanent contract. Especially as it sounds like the person above your line manager is on your side.

hiddenmnetter · 26/07/2017 05:07

You're not permanent staff. If they want you for earlies and you can do lates then let them find someone else. You gave the required notice.

It really is that simple.

If your manager is getting pissy at you tell her that you would be delighted to consider any contract she can offer you for permanent work? I really don't get what's the problem here.

YANBU to consider yourself first. Because I guarantee you that your manager ultimately doesn't give a fuck about your personal situation. So- you can worry about someone being upset who genuinely doesn't care about you, or you can sort yourself out. I really know which I'd choose.

Original poster
Flatt7 · 26/07/2017 07:33

Thanks all, I really appreciate the input from people, and has made me feel a little better that I ANBU. :)

I am off to face my immediate manager, to see what she has to say this morning. :( Will update!

OP posts:
Original poster
Flatt7 · 26/07/2017 09:39

So, just spoken to immediate manager.

In person she was still annoyed, but a lot less vitriolic. In the end she seemed to accept and drop the issue.

Phew!...

OP posts:
hiddenmnetter · 26/07/2017 10:30

She's annoyed cause you made her coverage harder. That's it.

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