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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think she’s jealous?

33 replies

Jobjealousy · 20/08/2019 20:18

NC for this.

My current job contract is ending next month. I went for a job interview with a large organisation, didn’t get the role but as I did well they offered me a 12 month maternity cover, doing the same role. They said that whilst they can’t guarantee anything, something else may come up in that time. I’ve accepted as it’s good experience, a great organisation to work for and even if something else doesn’t come up, it’s still a job for 12 months given that my current one is nearly over.

A friend knew I was going for an interview. She messaged me today asking if I’d heard how I got on. This friend has herself been out of work for nearly a year, and has applied for jobs and had a couple of interviews but hasn’t got anything. However she does admit that she hasn’t looked as hard as she could have done.

So, I told friend the outcome and there was no “well done”, “congrats” or similar. Just that she wouldn’t advise maternity cover as it’s someone else’s job and there’s no guarantee of further work.

I was a bit hurt by this. I’m well aware that there’s nothing guaranteed after the 12 months, but it’s still a foot in the door, good experience, and a year’s work. If I had turned this down I could’ve ended up with no job in two months’ time.

I’m 100% sure I’ve made the right decision and family and other friends have been so pleased for me and said what a great move it will be. I feel a bit sad by her reaction though, and the logical part of me is telling myself that she’s possibly jealous. Do you think I’m right?

OP posts:
sweeneytoddsrazor · 20/08/2019 20:23

She maybe jealous or her attitude towards it maybe the reason she hasn't found a job and you have.

Original poster
Jobjealousy · 20/08/2019 20:26

Didn’t think of that. Good point.

OP posts:
Florencenotflo · 20/08/2019 20:27

Not that you should read too much into it, but where I work we end up keeping on most of the temps we get in for maternity cover. After 12 months they are well trained and a valuable resource you don't want to lose. You sound like you are going into it with your eyes open, yes it's not permanent but you've got 12 months to prove yourself and make a good impression. Who knows what will happen in that time.

Some people still see temporary contracts as too much of a risk, but she does sound a bit jealous.

Florencenotflo · 20/08/2019 20:28

And at the end of the day, if your current contract is ending, having a job is better than no job!

OpenYourEyes · 20/08/2019 20:29

I started with the company I work for as Maternity Cover. Supposedly for 13 months, the woman in question decided to return after 9 instead but another role within the company came up for me. I have been there 15 years now.

dollydaydream114 · 20/08/2019 20:30

She might be jealous - but equally she might just be someone who is cautious and wouldn’t take a fixed term job herself. She should have congratulated you either way, though.

Bringonspring · 20/08/2019 20:31

We will always find s home for good people do you -00% did the right thing!

Bringonspring · 20/08/2019 20:31

Should say 100%!!

Singlenotsingle · 20/08/2019 20:32

Sounds like sour grapes to me

StepCatsmother · 20/08/2019 20:33

I think you sound like you've got a positive attitude & have made the right decision for you, which is the most important thing.

She could just be quite a narrow thinker and sees permanent contracts as always being superior to cover...like the people who insist renting is "dead money" and can't see why others might have good reasons for wanting the flexibility it can offer.

I wouldnt let her views bother you. Congratulations on being offered the job!

Cryalot2 · 20/08/2019 20:34

Congratulations, just ignore her.

LemonAddict · 20/08/2019 20:34

equally she might just be someone who is cautious and wouldn’t take a fixed term job herself

Yes, so cautious that she’s now been unemployed for a year Hmm

Your friend’s attitude is strange, but does go a long way to explain why she hasn’t worked for the past 12 months.

Good luck in the new role!

RavenLG · 20/08/2019 20:35

having a job is better than no job!
Exactly. I’d probably say that to her too but I’m a bit of a twat Grin
It’s great that you were offered a position though, maybe you should offer her interview tips?

Neverender · 20/08/2019 20:37

Lol I got a management role and my "friend" said I wouldn't be able to manage people. It's not 9yrs later and I've managed many teams....bye then!!!!

Neverender · 20/08/2019 20:38

Enjoy your brilliant news!

Lucked · 20/08/2019 20:45

Even if nothing opens up for you and you have a year of experience in a large organisation and no gaps in your CV.

I also agree with the above that you have a much better chance of a job with this organisation in the future if you have worked there and have a good relationship with them.

cacklingmags · 20/08/2019 20:46

Be happy for yourself. If your friend is jealous it will hurt her far more than it hurts you.

AloneLonelyLoner · 20/08/2019 20:54

Congratulations on your new job!!

She's been unemployed for a year. That's testament to her negative thinking as demonstrated by her response to your good news. Just ignore it.

Just to add, as a manager I would always seek to keep a good temporary employee on after a year. No need to lose an asset.

Good luck!

SconeofDestiny · 20/08/2019 20:57

Congratulations on your job. It’s a job, doesn’t matter that it’s a 12 month contract. It’s a damn site better than no job or a zero hours contract surely? I wouldn’t dwell on her comment at all. Just ignore and move on.

Planningoz · 20/08/2019 21:01

Congratulations. A friend of mine took a job as maternity cover and when the other woman returned to work my friend was offered a different role with the same organisation and within a few more months in the new role had accepted a more senior position there. Go for it! PS I'm out of FT work and doing jobs on a self employed basis but am always happy to support friends who manage to secure themselves positions they are interested in. Your friend sounds negative and resentful but could possibly be depressed?

Casmama · 20/08/2019 21:01

I think you could have a little compassion. Your contract has not even ended and you have something else to go to. Imagine what it is like to be looking for a job for a whole year!

Everyone is happy for you and you are happy for yourself, i think it is a bit much to feel sorry for yourself over this.

managedmis · 20/08/2019 21:06

You definitely did the right thing, op. Good move.

She's jealous.

She could at last pretend to be pleased for you! These people...

managedmis · 20/08/2019 21:07

Imagine what it is like to be looking for a job for a whole year!

^

Yeah... You'd try a bit harder to find one, wouldn't you?

EustaciaPieface · 20/08/2019 21:15

I have a good job in a great organisation and it started with maternity cover. That was back in 2012! Congratulations OP.

I guess your friend is just worried about her own situation.

messolini9 · 20/08/2019 21:27

So, I told friend the outcome and there was no “well done”, “congrats” or similar. Just that she wouldn’t advise maternity cover as it’s someone else’s job and there’s no guarantee of further work.

Sure. Best not accept then, as she's clearly so clued up about the job market. Far better to not work, so that in a year's time you too can become bitter enough not to wish a chum well when THEY bag a job ...

It's bloody horrible being out of work, but that's no reason not to be happy for a friend who's just found some.