Should I have given colleague my job?

[cortinah]

I started my job almost 6 months ago. Last month I was made aware a colleague's contract was coming to an end, I had not known she was even a contractor . Last week was her final week.

This is my first job post grad scheme and while I like the role I know I won't be here for much longer. The broader field is pretty high in demand and with my qualifications/skills (plus the fact I'm decent at interviewing) it's unlikely I'll struggle to find something. I want to experience as many industries as possible so I've always planned to move around.

It literally just hit me that I should have offered my role to my colleague but I didn't due to pure absent mindedness. I know the colleague is going through a difficult divorce which she has negatively impacted her confidence. I feel guilty as I have next to 0 responsibilities as I live at home - hope to buy a flat in London next year (market depending). Meanwhile, my colleague is a newly single mother with school fees to pay. I've always felt a bit sorry for her as it sounds like from our weekly Team calls she doesn't do much for herself (don't think it's entirely money related) whilst I live a pretty self-indulgent/carefree lifestyle.

Is it too late to resign? I wouldn't actually mind taking some time off and maybe travelling for a few months. I'm almost certain it's too late.

Even if you do resign she may not even go for your job or indeed get it if she did.

You sound very kind btw

You would be ridiculous to do that.

First, you may not get a job as easily as you think. Once you’re out of the game it’s trickier to get back in.

Second and more fundamentally - it’s not up to you to give them a job! You have no idea why they’re only on a contract and it’s not being renewed. It might be because she’s an underperformer who they are happy to see go - often if someone is great companies will jump through hoops to keep people on even if there isn’t initially an obvious job for them.

That isn't how it works OP. Her contract comes to an end, she leaves. You resign, for whatever reason, and your post is either advertised, filled internally by HR, or becomes redundant.

I am aware why the contract is not being renewed - not performance related. Line manager said he would like to keep her on but can't justify it to seniors.

Also, I've had several recent job offers (applied for practice/feedback plus I'd like to know if the companies are actually willing to fund an MBA)

Her contract comes to an end, she leaves. You resign, for whatever reason, and your post is either advertised, filled internally by HR, or becomes redundant.

Bummer, kind of assumed this anyway.

Her 'need' to pay school fees should in no way affect YOUR career plan op!!

You leave only when you've found your next job, not to suit someone else's lifestyle choices!

Give your head a wobble op!

You sound like you might be new to the workplace? This really isn’t a thing, you can’t just give away your job to a contractor!

Reading it back it does sound insane.

I knew hiring procedures would have to be followed but surely she would be a shoo in if she applied.

What makes you think that this would have been your decision to make?

While you're very thoughtful, you're also very naive. That's not the way it works, just because you resign won't mean she'll get your job.

I don't think it's my decision just that I wish it had occurred to me as I know my colleague is going through a difficult time. The job is pretty decent re work/life balance, pay, wfh etc.

I may be projecting but the pressure of paying school fees almost defined my childhood (feel lucky to have gone but in many ways it wasn't worth growing up in a pressure cooker with parents that never stopped arguing over money).

And you certainly can't give it to her.