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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to not want to go back to my job? WWYD?

26 replies

CrazyToast · 27/10/2018 13:38

I've been temping in a role for several months. I thought I was doing a good job. I wasn't sure if I wanted to apply for the permanent role when it was advertised, but was encouraged to do so by office mates. They didn't even give me an interview.

The problem for isn't that I haven't got the job, as I didn't like it that much and suspect it would not have been the right move to take it.

My problem is that I feel like all my work for them so far has been devalued, that I didn't do a good job after all. Either that or they hated me secretly (a possibility because I didn't get along with the boss, no one does). My confidence has been knocked.

My temp role may be extended for a few weeks while they recruit the new person. I don't think I want to go back, because I feel so knocked by not even getting an interview. If I don't go back on Monday it will leave them in the shit because it is a very busy time.

But can I go back knowing they don't think much of me? When the new person comes I'd have to train them in the job I was turned down for. This feels like the final straw, given how awful the boss has been to me over my time there.

So, do I just not go back and leave them in the lurch? Or go back and work with a team who doesn't value me? If I go back, would I be a mug?

*I can leave without notice as am a temp so that isn't an issue in itself.

  • I'm not worried about getting another job as I'm with a good agency who gets me work quickly.

WWYD?

OP posts:
MrTrebus · 27/10/2018 13:40

Unless you're worried about a bad reference I would just leave them in the lurch and leave

SauvignonBlanche · 27/10/2018 13:41

Fuck ‘em.

GreenTulips · 27/10/2018 13:44

You're a temp you work for an agency - I don't see why you would train someone to do the job when you didn't even get an interview - that's just rude

I would walk as well

whatstheplanphil · 27/10/2018 13:46

I wouldn't go back either .

MacosieAsunter · 27/10/2018 13:49

Are you temping through an agency ? Because if you walk out, that agency will never touch you again. The agency has to replace you - not that you will be bothered - you will cause the recruiter loss of income too .

So call the agency, tell them the score, tell them you didn't get an interview, ask them to find out why and ask if you can be moved.

But you freely admit, you don't want the job, you don't think it's right for you, so really all you've got is hurt ride. You didn't want to be there any way.

HollowTalk · 27/10/2018 13:50

I wouldn't go back - fuck them! I'd never train someone new to do my job.

HollowTalk · 27/10/2018 13:51

If I'd been refused an interview, I mean.

redexpat · 27/10/2018 13:52

I wouldnt take it personally. I had the same thing recently. Youve admitted that it wasnt a dream job and you werent even sure you would apply. Theyve probably just gone for a different type of person. Either that or your application wasnt as good as the others.

Having said all that it does leave a bitter taste in your mouth and I dont blame you for feeling undervalued. I would tell your agency that you would like a new job. That way you can leave and have somewhere to go.

Ariela · 27/10/2018 13:57

You could ask for feedback as to why you didn't get an interview.
I suspect the main (real) reason they employed a different person is that the agency who you do the work for will charge a wacking great finders fee (££thousands) if they appoint you, which they won't have to pay out if they recruit through other means, and it is no reflection on the work you've been doing.
I'm sure if you've done the work well there's nothing to loose by asking for a reference.

Original poster
CrazyToast · 27/10/2018 14:14

@ariela I did wonder about the finders fee thing.

They gave me feedback and said my application was strong, but that it was more customer services based (that is my background) while the other applicants had more rounded experience. I don't accept that though because I could have developed the other skills, that is part of what going up a grade is for, to develop your staff.

If I do leave I will just tell them I found something else. They did say they knew that I would need to take another opportunity if it came up, so I don't think it would affect my reference.

OP posts:
JennyHolzersGhost · 27/10/2018 14:16

Your #1 priority is to keep your agency sweet. Tell them you’re looking to move ASAP but don’t just walk out, you’ll leave the agency in the shit which matters more than the company.

Kemer2018 · 27/10/2018 14:25

Have a chat with your agency (they are your employer, keep them sweet, I speak from experience).
After that, do what you like and have no loyalty to the assignment. Easy come, easy go.

sweatthesmallstuff · 27/10/2018 14:30

Just say you have a new job and not coming back . You probably didn't get the job because in hindsight you didn't really want the job and maybe it was obvious.
Look at this as a positive to find a job you enjoy good luck .

Bombardier25966 · 27/10/2018 14:31

that is part of what going up a grade is for, to develop your staff

You generally develop the skills and then go for promotion. For the future, be it this or another role, be proactive in looking for development opportunities.

OliviaStabler · 27/10/2018 17:44

I'd have to train them in the job I was turned down for.

Why? Is training in your original job description? If not I'd say you are not paid to train but happy to renegotiate your hourly fee if that skill is required.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 27/10/2018 17:48

It may well be they don't want to pay the agency fees for a permanent position - they can be massive and affect the annual budget if not anticipated. They have given you feedback that was fairly positive. I'd take it as they do value you, as otherwise you wouldn't want someone shit training someone new as they would train them wrong!

It's difficult but I'd go in with my head held high and be pleasant. I know it depends on industry but I've found there really is no point in burning bridges, word gets around, companies merge and unfortunately people remember employees who left them in the lurch. Stick it out and it might help you in the future

Fartymcnarty · 27/10/2018 17:51

I agreed that it will be more to do with the finders fee. It’s usually a percentage of the wage as effectively they are buying you from the agency.

GreenTulips · 27/10/2018 17:51

You generally develop the skills and then go for promotion

That's not how males do it. They generally have 50% of the skills and learn in the job

Original poster
CrazyToast · 29/10/2018 13:30

Update: now they want me to stay another 3 weeks. Really not sure what to do. The more 'grown up' thing to do would be to do the three weeks. But I really don't want to go back!

OP posts:
Elasticity · 29/10/2018 14:39

You're under no obligation to extend your contract.

Legally you will have satisfied the terms by working to your existing termination date.

If you don't want to return for an additional 3 weeks then decline. You will have done nothing wrong.

Don't worry about impact on references etc. All references I have bee subject to are simple letters provided by HR dept/Agency confirming my periods of employment (which future employers presumably agree to to my CV to make sure I'm not BSing)

All the best.

RedFallLeaf · 29/10/2018 17:54

Decline the extension!

Aprilsinparis · 29/10/2018 17:59

Bastards! Leave 'em in the shit!

OliviaStabler · 30/10/2018 06:56

Just say no. 'Sorry but the extension doe snot suit my plans' and leave it there. You are under no obligation. Believe me, if their workload for you dried up, they'd give you notice without a second thought.

Neshoma · 30/10/2018 08:10

We had a temp in on some Local Authority scheme. She refused to do certain tasks, talked all day and regularly implied this was beneath her.

Some permanent jobs came up and she ummed and arr'd whether to apply but did in the end. When she didn't get the job she was in floods of tears - but looking back she wasn't interested in the job, not a team player nor wanted it until it became permanent. Nothing to do with her skills.

Puddlejumps · 30/10/2018 08:14

If you don’t want to go back, it will just be 3 weeks of torture for you. I wouldn’t bother, but I would speak to the agency first. The company has puts its needs first, you should do the same.

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