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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be so upset by this - work related

39 replies

rightmoo · 30/09/2020 17:45

I've been in a job for a year now, I feel like I'm good at it and get good feedback. This is the exception, as most jobs I've had before, I've felt out of my depth and found stressful and ultimately left prematurely. I've never been promoted in my life, and only had one job before this where I felt I was doing a good job and got pay rises etc.

So this job definitely felt different. I can do it well, make efficiency improvements etc that are well received, super reliable, hard working, friendly etc

When I interviewed, progression and pay rises were mentioned, and this week, I had a meeting with boss and was kind of hoping for some good feedback, offer of permanent role and possibly even pay rise.

But no, instead I've essentially got a demotion and I'll now only be doing the one bit of the job I don't like (because I'm apparantly really good at it), no mention of payrise, and contract extended for a few months rather than perm.

I'm completely gutted. I just feel like a massive failure and keep bursting into tears.

OP posts:
dontlikebeards · 30/09/2020 18:46

Have you explained how you feel to your boss? Does your boss know you don't enjoy one part of the job?

Groundhogdayzz · 30/09/2020 18:49

Could this be down to Covid? The company may not have the progression/money to offer you that they thought they would when you were interviewed. What ever the reason don’t assume it’s a reflection on you or the work you do.

happytoday73 · 30/09/2020 18:52

It's really important that you explain to your boss that you dislike the job part you've been given?
Have you told them you were hoping for permanent or at least much longer contract? You need to be really clear with them... They may be able to help/reassure you

iftherewereahorseyinthehouse · 30/09/2020 18:54

I know it's hard but I wouldn't worry, it sounds like a recognition of what you're doing well and sounds like they need you to do it rather than a demotion! I would suck it up, keep doing it well. Goodwill can go a long way to promotion.

iftherewereahorseyinthehouse · 30/09/2020 18:55

And maybe say you'd like to be made permanent and see what they say. I suspect it will be down to COVID rather than your ability from what you've said.

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 30/09/2020 19:01

It’s not unreasonable to have a cry about it. BUT...

If you are temporary then obviously you are valued as they would not have kept you on at all otherwise.

I suspect that the lack of pay rise/permanent contract are down to economic uncertainties, rather than you.

Who is doing the parts of the job you like and used to do? Or are those parts no longer required? I don’t agree with the advice to tell your boss you dislike the job you have left. But i do think you could say that you prefer a more rounded role. That does depend on the reasons for taking the other bits away though.

If your boss is approachable then ask to speak to them again. I’d focus on the desire to keep up all your skills through a more varied role. And mention your commitment and hope for a permanent position in the future. Now is probably not the time for a pay rise. And that is not likely a reflection on you.

Plussizejumpsuit · 30/09/2020 19:05

What was said by your manager? What did you say in the meeting? I'm not quite sure what's happened here.

Mmsnet101 · 30/09/2020 19:12

The fact that they are keeping you on is a sign that you are good at what you do and they value your input. Most temps are now out of work, often whether they are good or not, purely because businesses have to protect their permanent staff first.

I wouldn't take it personally and to be honest unless you are in a sector which is completely unaffected, I'd let them know your preferences but that you appreciate being kept on etc and then leave it for a bit.

stovetopespresso · 30/09/2020 19:15

yes agree its probably not personal or a reflection of your abilities, just bigwigs shuffling figures around and not seeing the individual in front of them. maybe go back to them and ask for another time in a couple of months when your career can be considered, as you feel you've been performing well andbwwre hoping for a long-term future there especially for the bits they've taken away from you. just an idea...

Original poster
rightmoo · 30/09/2020 19:23

I don't think it's Covid related. THey have had a bumper year so far, because of Covid, and are even recruiting new people. This is partly why I'm upset as the new jobs are permanent and have been advertised on more than I'm paid, doing the same thing I (used to) do.

I've prevously mentioned that this bit is my least favourite bit - I'm hapy to do it but liked the variety the role offered. This is what I said again in this weeks meeting. I said it was fine in the short-term and I can see the business need for it. However, I'm upset as will be training some of the new starters, who will be permanent, while my future at the company is uncertain.

Sadly my boss is not very approachable and I also struggle to express myself when I'm upset.

OP posts:
PegasusReturns · 30/09/2020 19:31

Please try and be brave, you have nothing to lose.

Make an appointment with your boss and say you’re disappointed with the change in your responsibilities. You really like the broad scope of the original role and would like to understand if there’s any opportunity to revert to old role.

Then be quiet. Let your boss talk and - they almost certainly will.

Based on the feedback ask for specific feedback: what should you do differently, can they support you in that,

Be bold Smile

StepAwayFromGoogle · 30/09/2020 19:31

You need to ask your boss whether he would be prepared to put you forward for one of the permanent positions. He'll either do so or will need to explain why he doesn't think you would be suitable. But please be prepared for the fact that you may not get the answer you want. Best of luck.

tanstaafl · 30/09/2020 19:33

Are you a contractor/freelance ?
I’m confused you mention a contract extension?

RedskyAtnight · 30/09/2020 19:34

If you're on a temporary contract and there are permanent roles being advertised, why are you not applying for them? That would be the expectation where I work - temporary staff have to apply for permanent roles if they want them- they don't just get offered them!

buckeejit · 30/09/2020 19:35

Yanbu but perhaps the boss doesn't see things the same way you do, (impossible to tell). Have you asked if you can apply for the permanent roles? If I had someone competent and reliable doing a job, I'd be chomping at the bit to get them to apply for a permanent position.

user1494055864 · 30/09/2020 19:35

Could you not apply for the permanent job yourself?

bethany39 · 30/09/2020 19:41

Did you not apply for one of the permanent jobs OP?

Rollmopsrule · 30/09/2020 19:43

A similar thing happened to me Op. I was in a job for 2 years on a non permanent basis. I only realised a permanent job was coming up when someone came in to shadow me to see if they wanted to apply! I was initially hurt however when I asked my boss about it he said they assumed I was happy in a more temporary role. It was pretty awkward and I'm not sure I believe them but i dug my heels in because the job suited me, applied for the role and got it. Go and speak to your boss and make it absolutely clear you want to apply for the permanent role.

Original poster
rightmoo · 30/09/2020 19:46

I didn't apply for the perm jobs as thought mine was being made perm too. My contract had expired, was verbally extended but was told it would be made perm if business continued to do well. I asked a few times what was happening with contract and they made out they just hadn't got round to it yet. This week's meeting was the first time it was discussd.

OP posts:
paddingtonbearsmarmalade · 30/09/2020 19:47

Definitely apply for the permanent role.

Twice in my organisation I’ve gone in on a temporary contract and then had to interview for the role (my role!) on a permanent basis. It’s a bit galling when you know you’re performing well but not uncommon.

HaggieMaggie · 30/09/2020 19:54

^ this!

You couldn’t assume as a temp you would pick up a permanent role without applying for one of the positions surely? I would have applied and updated my CV with all the relevant experience I had gained doing it temporarily.

It looks to me like they’ve filled the positions and are just using “their temp” to do whatever bits they have left that need mopping up.

RedskyAtnight · 30/09/2020 19:57

So what did your boss say when you asked why the contract wasn't being made permanent as you'd been previously told?

One thing it took me a while to learn is that no one else really cares about your career. If you want to progress, then you have to decide what you want and go out and get it. In your case "oh we haven't sorted it yet" shouldn't have been good enough. You needed to follow up with either applying for a permanent job, or getting something in writing. At the moment it sounds like you're being given the shit jobs because you're not making a fuss and aren't making it clear what you do want.

are there any permanent roles still open? Or likely to be soon?

I'd personally suggest contacting your boss to say that you didn't apply for the permanent jobs because you had been told your contract would be made permanent and why isn't this happening? And, presumably you have a job description? Point out that the job isn't what you signed up for (if it isn't) or that you're happy to do the stuff you don't want to do in the short term but it should be with a view to splitting it round the new people once they arrive. If you don't say anything everyone will assume you are happy! it's tough, but you need to make your own "luck".

Afibtomyboy · 30/09/2020 20:07

OP what you have outlined is that there is something amiss with you and work.

This has happened multiple times.

It is time to dig deep and look inwards

randomer · 30/09/2020 20:29

Sadly this is what people do,play one off against the other.

BeepBoopBop · 30/09/2020 20:38

You are DNBU. That is absolutely shit and I feel for you. Flowers

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