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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell my boss I'm not enjoying my job while I'm on probation?

45 replies

questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 22:52

NC for obvious reasons.

I started a new job and I've been struggling with some parts of it, because I feel uncomfortable doing it and it makes me nervous.

As a result I've not been motivated and my boss is picking up on it. So much so he asked me about it and I told him I'm not sure long term if it's right for me and I have been a bit lax with it.

He also said I've been quiet and seem disconnected and I admitted I had.

I'm halfway through probation should I expect to probably be sacked?

He asked if I need support in anything I said apart from one area which we know is a development area - no. Because I don't know what I need support with as it's not that I'm struggling it's more just not sure it's right for me.

Should I just leave??

OP posts:
Original poster
questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 22:52

Leave Before pushed I mean

OP posts:
MrsJellycat · 21/07/2023 22:54

How long is the probation period?

Bluesheeps · 21/07/2023 22:56

Seems like your boss is being quite sensitive and picking up on this. Have an honest conversation with them? But probation works both ways, if it’s not for you then leave

Original poster
questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 22:58

It's six months and I'm halfway through. I'm worried I shouldn't have said what I said because my work hasn't been the best quality either I've been leaving a few loose ends and had a complaint yesterday.

Should I be worried I might get the sack as I'd rather leave if so at least it won't look as bad on my CV

OP posts:
Original poster
questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 22:59

@Bluesheeps I should mention I'd already told my boss I'm feeling uncomfortable with parts of the role earlier in the week they didn't just ask me out of nowhere

OP posts:
WhereTheSpiritMeetsTheBones · 21/07/2023 23:02

Personally I'd start looking for other jobs now, there may be something better for you out there if you are not sure about this one. Probation period goes both ways.

Bluesheeps · 21/07/2023 23:02

I don’t think it counts as getting sacked if you fail probation?
why would you need to put it on your cv anyway if only 3 months?

AliceOlive · 21/07/2023 23:04

I am uncomfortable when I don’t know what I’m doing. Is it possible you do just need more support and training?

Original poster
questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 23:05

But do you think I'll get the sack and is the manager right to do so? In other words have I overstepped the mark with the things I said because I'm worried now that I might be told to go

OP posts:
Original poster
questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 23:06

@AliceOlive I do need support we have acknowledged that but I've also made it clear I'm very unsure and I'm worried I should have probably kept this to myself?

OP posts:
ThreeTrebles · 21/07/2023 23:07

The parts of the job you're uncomfortable with - how fundamental are they to the role?

Either way, yes your job is at risk. Your work has been poor quality, you've had a complaint only three months in, and you've told your boss you don't like what you're doing. If I was you I'd be looking for a new job as a matter of urgency.

Original poster
questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 23:09

@ThreeTrebles it's half the role hence the issue

OP posts:
AliceOlive · 21/07/2023 23:10

questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 23:06

@AliceOlive I do need support we have acknowledged that but I've also made it clear I'm very unsure and I'm worried I should have probably kept this to myself?

I’d clarify with him that your second thoughts are likely related to having not yet gained full confidence in your role.

I personally wouldn’t sack someone for saying they were uncertain; I’d offer them additional support. But I’d want to see them taking an active role in trying to gain comfort in the role.

Bluesheeps · 21/07/2023 23:10

Can you share what the role is?
probabtion is for both parties to know if it’s a good match. So if you’re not comfortable and don’t see the support or changes available you can both agree to part ways

Original poster
questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 23:11

@Bluesheeps I'd rather not hence the name change. I really wanted opinions if you think I will/should get sacked as if so I'll walk

OP posts:
Original poster
questionspleaseno · 21/07/2023 23:12

@AliceOlive that's the issue I've not, I've been quite negative and unenthusiastic. Still polite but it's clear I'm not as motivated as I should be and they're picking up on it.

OP posts:
littlegrebe · 21/07/2023 23:14

If the bits you're uncomfortable with are due to a personality clash with the job rather than just not having the experience yet, I would strongly recommend you start job searching. I did sales for far too long because I felt I should stick it out, but I'm fundamentally not a salesy person and trying to make my square self fit into that round hole destroyed my self confidence. Don't be like me.

If it's not that and there are things that could change to help you feel more comfortable, work out what those things are and discuss with your boss.

Bluesheeps · 21/07/2023 23:14

Well no one wants an unenthusiastic and negative employee. Start applying for new jobs and make the choice to leave if you’re not enjoying it

Twatalert · 21/07/2023 23:23

OP you describe yourself how I would describe my newest direct report. He's not doing certain things and I can't figure out if he just forgets or thinks what I ask him to do dids not matter. He also seems very uninterested in anything.

I don't believe they would sack you because they know you are uncomfortable - it is normal. They might consider it if your output is worse than satisfactory and they don't see room for improvement. I think it's more likely they might extend your probation though. They could sack you for any reason until the 2 year mark.

MinnieTruck · 21/07/2023 23:41

When your probation is up for review, they could extend it by a couple (or few) months. When you have the next probation review then they can say, ‘this isn’t working out due to zyx reason.’ They can’t just let you go straight away. They have to actually have reasons for extending your probation and giving you things to work on.

If you’re already unsure about it then why not just leave. This avoids wasting yours and everyone else’s time

Daphnis156 · 21/07/2023 23:49

Are you a Snowflake?
If you don't like the job, and can't cope, you are being a drag on everyone, and it would be best if you found a job in line with your capabilities and expectations.

You can't have your hand held forever.

Catsmere · 21/07/2023 23:51

Time to look for a new job, OP. You don't have to stay the whole probation period when you already know you don't want to do this work.

Bluesheeps · 21/07/2023 23:51

Wow @Daphnis156 whos pissed you off today?

castlesandsand · 21/07/2023 23:57

Probation is there as a quick get out clause for both you & the company if the job/person turns out to not be a good fit, hence the shorter notice.

if you don’t like the job start looking for something else. Your boss can fail your probation which, I think, is not the quite the same as been sacked but close. But either way you are out of a job.

blueshoes · 22/07/2023 00:02

Why are you uncomfortable with those parts of the role? Is it because it is not a natural fit for your skillset or because you are not getting it after 3 months and you think you should? Or is it against your ethics or worldview?

I don't think your manager wants to sack you. The company spent time and effort to recruit you and 3 months is still new in the role so they are more likely to be concerned that you are unhappy and will leave than think of sacking you.

Mistakes are par for the course at 3 months in so don't worry about it. What would worry your manager more is if you got very upset or if you were disinterested in improving or it was the 10th time they had to remind you to do it.

I would say your attitude to work is important. Anybody who is keen to learn will improve over time. Anyone who is disinterested or a slow quitter is unlikely to improve much and will be a pain to manage. So your enthusiasm and positivity will go a long way if you plan to salvage the situation.