to be so upset by this - work related

[rightmoo]

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.

@Afibtomyboy

Bit unfair. Sounds more like a confidence issue on the op's part and I actually feel she's been treated v shoddily. If they intended to make her permanent, they would have had a conversation about how it all works and drawn up a new contract not just leave her to apply then wave a load of newcomers in her face.

I would speak to someone about this. Maybe hr if boss isn't approachable or agency if it's via one of those.

Ask if there's been a misunderstanding or a problem because feedback had been positive to date and was under impression that I would be first in line for perm job as discussed in beginning. This has come as a big surprise under the circumstances

@Afibtomyboy

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

I know. I have ADHD, started medication shortly after starting this job. However, I picked the job because I can and was do it unmedicated - it plays perfectly to my strengths and while the medication makes me calmer, the jobs I'm doing are not those I'd ever struggle with. As I say, all feedback has been positive. In the past, my ADHD has most definately played a huge part in my failure to progress so this is another kick in the teeth - I really felt I was in the best position to progress and take on more meaty projects now that I have the medication.

Honestly at this time if you do not have a permanent contract you are doing well to still have a job. I'm all for job satisfaction and being open and honest with employers about your desire to progress etc but now might not be the right time.

Are the perm jobs still open? Why don't you apply for them?

@Bunnybigears

Honestly at this time if you do not have a permanent contract you are doing well to still have a job. I'm all for job satisfaction and being open and honest with employers about your desire to progress etc but now might not be the right time.

Covid may be affecting other industries/organisations but OP has specifically said her company is doing well BECAUSE of Covid. Her ideal job (not just any job and be grateful) is being recruited for at her company RIGHT NOW and the OP doesn't understand why she hasn't been made permanent or offered one of the jobs whose functions she's already doing.

Not everyone needs to put their life/career on hold because of Covid. Some industries are booming and careers are taking off (epidemiologists for example).

Apply for a permanent role.

I manage both temporary staff and permanent staff. The permanent staff have career progression plans and I do my best to ensure that they are able to move on to work in different areas/get more experience etc.

I don't do any of this with the temporary staff - if I can accommodate their preferences, I do, but basically they get left to do with whatever if left. I assume that they do not want to stick about (which generally is the case) and it's not worth the company investing much time or energy in them.

Unless OP has made it extremely clear (and I'm not getting the impression she has - based on her not applying for permanent roles and not pushing the issue of being given a permanent contract) that she is interested in a permanent job, it's highly likely that her boss assumes she is happy to remain as temporary staff and is therefore treating her as such. OP needs to actively go and get what she wants. She can't sit back and assume she will be handed it on a plate. I suspect that this is what happened in previous organisations as well - if you don't actively push yourself forward and show that you are keen for promotion, then by and large, no one gives you one.

OP mentions good feedback from others but not from her boss. if she's getting good feedback from others, again she needs to make sure her boss is aware of it. It's not always easy to "sell yourself" but that's what you have to do if you want to progress.

It sounds like the company requires people to actively apply for permanent positions. Just to reassure you this isn’t unusual and it’s often considered good practice to advertise all positions externally to get the widest pool to recruit from.

The good news is that your temp contract has been extended so you are obviously valued.

You need to apply for the position you want so why not be open about it? You could ask for a heads up when the roles are advertised and ask for help with interview prep.

Good luck OP. Just don’t sit and wait for it to come to you,

Could you apply for one of the permanent positions?

If your role was advertised as temporary, then it stands to reason they would extend it as temporary. If you apply for the permanent role, then they will know that a) you want a permanent role and b) you know of the higher salary being offered to new starters. If for some reason you apply, interview and don't get the permanent role, then ask for detailed feedback as to why.

Sorry to hear this OP. I would start applying for other jobs, but also apply for a permanent job in current place.

They offered one of the perm jobs to a colleague so pretty sure they would have said something if they thought I could do it. I will apply for it though, just feel embarrassed but have nothing to lose.

I really feel like I'm not good enough. They'd rather take a risk with brand new person and all the unknowns that brings, than have me permanently. It's really hard for me to not take this personally.

But have you actually TOLD them you want a permanent job? If you haven't they won't offer you one. Your colleague has probably had the conversation you need to have to push yourself forward.

If they didn't like you, your contract would not have been extended. They are clearly recruiting so be loud and proud about wanting to be a permanent member of staff. No one gets promoted without having either a development plan in place or applying for an open role.

You are taking this all too personally - which I understand is easy to do - but if you don't talk to your boss or HR no one knows what you're looking for. Companies would much rather recruit someone they already know than go through the hassle of a recruitment process. Go and talk to your boss and let him know you are available for a permanent contract.

They offered one of the perm jobs to a colleague so pretty sure they would have said something if they thought I could do it.

And did the colleague apply for the job and/or indicate that they were seriously interested in it? IME employees do not spontaneously offer permanent jobs to temp staff unless the staff make it clear that they are interested! OP, I mean this constructively, but it seems like you lack self esteem in yourself. It sounds like you are good at your job and it's a good fit for your skills, however you need your boss to tell you this and proactively offer you new opportunities. Unfortunately this very rarely happens in the world of work. It's people who believe in themselves and push themselves forward that progress. Being good at a job does not mean you are the person that gets the promotion -selling yourself does!

Have you approached your boss yet & explained you would love to be made permanent doing the varied role you were doing?