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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Just been let go at work

25 replies

Quinniebellie · 17/12/2022 11:03

I work part time and last night got told I wouldn’t be kept on past Christmas. It was a Christmas temp job so I know I shouldn’t have assumed I’d be kept on but here’s my frustration..

In my interview I asked if there would be a chance of being kept on as I didn’t really want a temporary job, but went for it because it was the only thing I could find with hours that fit around my childcare. I was told yes there would be 6 positions available since some people had just left and that I should definitely get one unless I’m awful at the role.

After my first few shifts one of the assistant managers told me she was 100% certain I’d be kept on, the 3 assistant managers constantly raved to me about how good I was and how well I fit in. I got recognition and even a gift off one of them for stepping up when she needed help. Other senior staff members told me I should go for a promotion that was coming up. So I’m pretty confident I wasn’t awful at the job.

A new manager started not long after and I’ve only met her twice, worked with her once but she too complimented my work. She told me yesterday that no Christmas staff were to be kept on, which I was gutted about but accepted it since I thought maybe they didn’t need the extra staff after all.

I was then chatting to a few other colleagues and it turns out they are keeping 3 on, all who are related to other permanent staff members and that’s basically the reason they’ve been chosen. I think it’s really unfair that they’re choosing who to keep on based on who they’re related to rather than who’s actually good at the job. Plus I’m really annoyed that the manager lied to my face about this, like I wouldn’t find out?!

I know some will say that’s just the way of the world but I feel really disheartened about it, like my hard work was for nothing. I’m now questioning things about my personality and how I come across because the new manager seemed to take an instant dislike to me and I’m not sure why.

This job was my way of having some time for myself and achieving something on my own, something I haven’t had for 5 years since I became a SAHM. It was really good for my mental health and I’m honestly just gutted to now have to go back to SAHM life. Plus it was the obviously nice to be able to contribute to the family finances which I now won’t be able to do.

I’ve had a look if there’s any other jobs out there locally that have the same hours but I can’t see anything so I’m feeling really down about the whole situation.

AIBU to be annoyed by what’s happened and the way they handled it? Or should I just grow a pair and get over it?

OP posts:
RethinkingLife · 17/12/2022 11:06

It's wretched and unfair. You still have no choice but to move past this as ruminating won't help you.

One good thing to emerge from this is that you will have an excellent and very recent reference which can be invaluable for someone who's been SAHM for a while.

I hope that the job market is sticky enough for employers that you can find something that will suit the hours you're available.

Fizzadora · 17/12/2022 11:09

No you are not being unreasonable at all to be annoyed but at the same time there is nothing you can do about it now, and would you want to stay on anyway now you know what they are like.
As PP said, good experience, something for your CV and you are clearly in the fortunate position of being able to look for another job with hours that suit rather than having to take anything to pay the bills.

girlmom21 · 17/12/2022 11:15

Ask them to keep you in mind if any further positions become available. It's not great but they couldn't keep anyone.

Oakdog · 17/12/2022 11:20

I've just had something similar, plus my Christmas job was supposed to be till end of January but is now end of December. I'm looking at it from the point of view that, after years as a SAHM, I have something recent on my CV and they'll (hopefully!!) give me a good reference.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 17/12/2022 11:23

What line of business is it? Is it something likely to be recession hit?

it’s frustrating. But I’d keep on good terms in case they change their minds and decide they do need to keep someone else on after all.

Mainframetimechange · 17/12/2022 11:34

That's such a shame OP, it might feel little comfort at the moment but at least you know it's no reflection on your work. Look at it as a great opportunity to have boosted your confidence, finances and experience for your CV. I wouldn't rule yourself out of finding a new job just because the hours don't fit. You could always enquire about flexible working if you see a job that you like, a senior manager once told me that they'd prefer to have someone part time that was good worker than someone full time that wasn't as good. Chin up and hope you find something else soon.

Original poster
Quinniebellie · 17/12/2022 11:35

Thanks all. Yes you’re right at least I have something recent on my cv. Just frustrating that they’re showing blatant nepotism and there’s nothing I can do about it.

@ThroughThickAndThin01 its a garden centre type place, very big and a chain but not going to mention names! So they may have been hit, I get that they’re not keeping many people on but it’s so annoying to be told I’m 100% staying to then not because I’m not related!

@Fizzadora its not a case of being fortunate to be able to choose hours that suit, it’s the opposite - I only have a small window each morning where my DH doesn’t work and can look after the kids. And we really needed the money so I searched for something that fit into that window.

OP posts:
girlmom21 · 17/12/2022 11:36

They're probably keeping on people who can be more flexible

TheLittlestLightOnTheXmasTree · 17/12/2022 11:39

Garden centres are seasonal.... but spring isn't far off, and this will be busiest time for them

They will surely advertise for more staff then

ILoveeCakes · 17/12/2022 11:40

They probably told you a tale so you'd work hard.

Original poster
Quinniebellie · 17/12/2022 11:40

@girlmom21 maybe! Although the early morning shift is one they find hard to cover and one of the people who left worked that shift which is why the assistant managers thought I’d be kept on to replace them

OP posts:
Original poster
Quinniebellie · 17/12/2022 11:41

@ILoveeCakes this is what I’m thinking. It’s a shame that they’ve lead us on like this though, I’m not the only one who has been put in this position after being promised a permanent role. Like PP’s have said, nothing we can do I suppose, just so frustrating as I felt like I’d finally found something I’m good at other than being a mum.

OP posts:
Willmafrockfit · 17/12/2022 11:43

just continue to show them you are keen, paint a smile on and perhaps they will rebook you?

ILoveeCakes · 17/12/2022 11:45

Quinniebellie · 17/12/2022 11:41

@ILoveeCakes this is what I’m thinking. It’s a shame that they’ve lead us on like this though, I’m not the only one who has been put in this position after being promised a permanent role. Like PP’s have said, nothing we can do I suppose, just so frustrating as I felt like I’d finally found something I’m good at other than being a mum.

Yes, world is full of liars.

I've often worked harder than I could have got away with. At the time, I've often ended up feeling short changed but, in the longer term, it's paid off. eg I've been offered good jobs by people I used to work with. For now, maybe try to take some positives away like that.

WhatHappenedToYoyos · 17/12/2022 11:45

How frustrating for you OP! Not nice of them to lead you on like that but you've seen their true colours now.

What about a self employed career like pet feeding? Plenty of people need their animals fed and checked on in the morning and evening. It's something you could probably take your DCs with you in the evening to do and the mornings you said are free anyway. Something to consider if other avenues of employment aren't giving you the hours you need.

Pismascrescents · 17/12/2022 11:59

Sorry OP. You have some good recent experience. Take a day to feel bad then get back up and start applying. Try clicking n immediate start. You never know you might even get sthg permanent!

ILoveAllRainbowsx · 17/12/2022 12:07

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Thelnebriati · 17/12/2022 12:08

Its very difficult for people who claim tax credits to go self employed, we really need fixed hours and pay contracts.

Quinniebellie The job and hours might have suited, but in the end they were dishonest about your prospects, and they hire relatives instead of picking the most suitable candidate. You are the only one that's acted professionally. I hope you find somewhere thats a better fit.

NewToWoo · 17/12/2022 12:21

Quinniebellie · 17/12/2022 11:41

@ILoveeCakes this is what I’m thinking. It’s a shame that they’ve lead us on like this though, I’m not the only one who has been put in this position after being promised a permanent role. Like PP’s have said, nothing we can do I suppose, just so frustrating as I felt like I’d finally found something I’m good at other than being a mum.

You have though - you clearly are good at it, so that discovery, and that development of skill and talent won't be wasted. Make sure you update your CV to include any new things you have learned.

I would be really polite and upbeat about it. Tell them you loved working there and to keep you in mind if they get busy in spring or January sales etc. You never know when one of the related-to-management staff might move on, and you want to be first in line if they do, so be very clear that you enjoyed the work and would be happy to get a call from them.

Meanwhile, look out for other jobs that you can apply for to build on your recent seasonal sales/customer facing experience

healthadvice123 · 17/12/2022 12:25

Can you not look at other jobs and use childcare ?

MintJulia · 17/12/2022 12:29

girlmom21 · 17/12/2022 11:15

Ask them to keep you in mind if any further positions become available. It's not great but they couldn't keep anyone.

Good advice. 20% of recruitment fails because people change their minds, so stay polite, keep in touch and hopefully it will still work out. Good luck.

Sandra1984 · 17/12/2022 12:32

many things we have no control over and I believe this is one of them OP. You have no control over your new manager disliking you because maybe you look like her neighbour who plays loud music at night and you have no control over head office decisions and redundancies politics.

Time to start sending that CV and making those phone calls.

Don’t beat yourself. onwards and upwards OP.

MissyB1 · 17/12/2022 12:35

healthadvice123 · 17/12/2022 12:25

Can you not look at other jobs and use childcare ?

And not take anything much home after paying for the childcare? And that’s if you can find the kind of childcare that your circumstances need.

Willmafrockfit · 17/12/2022 13:30

it is bad of the business to employ relatives over outsiders
it it blatant favouritism.
clock it up as experience;
something else will turn up, particularly now you can say you have had this particular experience

Original poster
Quinniebellie · 17/12/2022 13:47

Thank you all for being so lovely and for the great advice!

@NewToWoo thats great advice thank you, I will make it clear that I’m still interested if and when they get another vacancy and will still work as hard for my notice period!

@healthadvice123 sadly no, hence why I haven’t gone back to work before this. We have 2 DC who are below the 30 hours childcare age and we just wouldn’t be able to afford childcare for both of them, I’ve worked out every possibility and it would always end up costing us or breaking even

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