To have this time off work

[anon3456]

I can’t seem to stop thinking about this. I was at work as normal when I was suddenly asked if I could go to see someone. I did so, not really thinking anything of it, when I got there it was like an ambush with several senior people there. I was told there had been ‘numerous complaints’ - when I asked for specifics this was whittled down to one. The whole meeting felt really hostile and aggressive and I obviously wasn’t prepared for it at all.

I’ve never had time off before but I just couldn’t face going in the next day. I’m 28 weeks pregnant and my GP signed me off for 2 weeks. But I don’t know what to do beyond that.

I don’t know if I’m looking for any advice or help ... I just feel a bit lost and panicky. I don’t like messing people around but at the same time I just feel I can’t do anything right.

It's really difficult to comment without knowing what the complaint(s) were. Sorry you're feeling so anxious though - it's a horrible feeling!

As you are pregnant, do you think it is their way of going through the stages of not taking you back after maternity leave. What was the outcome of the meeting. I would write a letter or email to your Manager or if you have an HR manager explaining how you felt the meeting should have gone, especially as you are pregnant. And no I don’t think you are unreasonable to feel like you do. You have to look after yourself, can you afford to go on maternity leave soon.

Do you feel competent doing your job? How was your last appraisal? If things don't look good on that side, there many be some underlying concerns.
Otherwise, take your 2 weeks off, have some rest, enjoy your pregnancy and don't worry about work!

I’m not going back after maternity leave. It’s just a temporary post. I do know they have form for this sort of thing, though.

I could say what the complaint was but it would be a bit meaningless because it specifically relates to the line of work I do (not meant rudely just explaining it wouldn’t actually help.) I haven’t had an appraisal.

Are you on a fixed term contract or a temp?

Fixed term.

Personally I've never understood why people get themselves signed off after something happens at work - you just move dealing with the issue to when your sick note ends? (but then there are those people who just keep getting there sick note extended and annoying their employer and colleagues even more without ever addressing the issue). Anyway my point being you need to address what happened - write/email a formal complaint about how it was handled and, if applicable refuting the complaint made against you. Take charge and don't let them walk all over you? Being home for 2 weeks isn't going to change anything?

It’s not that simple. The idea of ‘taking charge’ against senior staff in my line of work is impossible. Even if I had been working there more than two years and was on a permanent contract, it would be tricky. Much of my work is highly subjective: you don’t have to be bad at it, you just have to be told you are bad at it.

I have gone off on sick leave for no other reason than that I feel if I go back a case of incompetence will be made against me. I don’t really have another option, or at least no other palatable options.

That does sound like an ambush! Unfair I think to spring a meeting like that on you, as you had to chance to prepare in any way and must have felt "outnumbered" as well.
I would write up a factual summary of the main points discussed in the meeting, including that they mentioned "several complaints" but could only give one. Mention also that they gave you no clue before the meeting what it would be about. Email it to your supervisor asking them if they agree with this summary of the meeting (again, keep it very factual like meeting minutes).

They sound awful to work for tbh. At least you know you wont be going back after maternity leave, so try not to stress out about what they think. Go back to work, continue to do your job to the best of your ability within work hours, but dont go above and beyond in any way. Dont let work stress encroach on non-working hours in any way. Push it from your mind when you clock off. Easier said than done, but it can be very liberating to rise above a shitty work environment!

I agree with @SquishySquirmy. Don't worry about it, you aren't going to be there for much longer. Just do your job, be pleasant, and walk out at the end of the day and forget them. It would be different if you were going to be there on a permanent basis, but as you aren't I wouldn't let it worry me. Hold your head up and show them how little you actually care! They do sound awful - be thankful you can escape soon.

I think I read from the above that its teaching and probably in an academy.
Put yourself and your baby first. They don't care.
I wouldn't go back if I were you. Doctor can give you repeated sicknotes.
They cant start incompetency when you're on sick leave.
You'll get back into it later in life. Try for a better school, some are so bad that the only thing to do is leave.
I know personally some of the things people are sacked for, that are ridiculous, you're quite right it's very subjective. I was sacked by a millennial 20years my junior, despite getting 100% pass rate with large class, just because she didn't like the look of me. They lose thousands of teachers out of schools every year. It's a very hard job and made worse with management like this.

I was wondering if they were worried about their pay bill so were looking at targeting those on fixed term contracts to finish early to save cash. If you were a casual temp they can usually get rid of you quite easily.