AIBU to not show up to a meeting if I know I'm being sacked.

[Risingsun93]

I guess im looking for insights on this topic generally because I have never been dismissed before. Ok so for context I'm on a fixed-term 0 hour contract. It comes to an end on 30th November which is exactly 2 years.
Its been a good ride, great money with flexibility and I'm really upset (although not surprised) I just hoped there might be a further opportunity for me. I've engaged as much as possible and even done valuable training in the field to up my chances and shared this with them. Today I got an invite to a meeting that says "This meeting’s purpose is to consult with you because the contract on which you are working will come to an end on 30th November 2024 and no alternative funding or project has been identified and the University cannot provide internal funding." Therefore I know thw outcome is that I'm being dismissed. I know burning bridges is not good and I should swallow my pride but it's a real kick in teeth going to a meeting to be formally told I'm sacked when I know I am.

I think you should go. You’re not being sacked, your contract just isn’t being renewed, if you go and leave on good terms and money becomes available they may ask you to come back.

If you have enjoyed working there don’t burn any bridges. New funding and a role for you could come any time so don’t piss them off.

I'd say go. It's a small world and good contacts could be useful in the future.

Ive been made redundant 4 times, all due to ending of funding. I think you are burning bridges to behave like this to be honest.

Go, be positive and tell them you'd love to be considered if anything else comes up.

I would go. You’re not being sacked because they’re not satisfied with your work. You can walk away on a positive note and it sounds like they’ll tell you that the value you, but there’s currently no work available.

As much as this is awful you really need to go to this meeting, it could effectively land you another contract if you deal with it professionally and don't get over emotional (hard I know).

This will be an ideal opportunity to ask for references and 1st refusal on any other positions that may become available with funding etc.

You should go. They have been clear that they have no funding but it’s not a disciplinary and they don’t sound like they are trying to be underhand. Maybe they want to suggest other roles you might be able to do/apply for, or agree terms for your reference, or commiserate and give you chocolate.

Universities are funny places with things like this. If you were saying you really hated working there, couldn't wait for it to end and saw no point turning up because it made difference to you then fine. But you enjoyed it, you wanted it to continue. Even though there is no currently identified project or funding, names of good employees, even FTC or Temp, get passed around and people get earmarked or contacted. You'd be silly to wreck that for the sake of not wanting to attend one meeting.

But you are not being sacked the funding has run out. For all you know they think you are great..more funding could come in and you will get back in again. It would be really foolish not to attend the meeting. Also won't you need a reference?

I understand how you feel, but as others have said, it's best not to burn the bridge if you'd like to work there again in the future. Steel yourself as much as you can before the meeting. Hopefully earlier in the day so you can get it over with, rather than have the dread build up all day.

That isn't being sacked, OP. Your contract is ending, that's all. Go to th meeting and keep faith in yourself.

Sorry to hear you are going through that.

I work in the university system. One purpose of these meetings is for you to give any rationale for continuing your current role - unlikely from what you say - but also for you to help us to identify any opportunities for you to continue in a different role, e.g. to inquire about other research assistantships etc., which would be offered first to anyone on notice of redundancy.

I know it might sound like nitpicking, but you are not being sacked. Your role is being made redundant and the university has an obligation to consider whether any other roles would be a match. How long you've worked there may make a difference to procedures, but at the very least they should inform you of opportunities.

I would go and treat it as a business discussion with that in mind. Hope things go well for you.

I would go, they might be telling you about opportunities for redeployment. I know when my fixed term contract for a University was coming to an end it meant I got advance sight of any openings via the job portal which was very useful.

Go to the meeting. Even if you just need them for a reference, you will be able to make a good final impression.
You haven't done anything wrong and if funding comes through, you'll be top of their list in the future.

I think you should go to the meeting - you are not being sacked but coming to the end of a fixed-term contract. I have received similar letters while working for a university on short-term contracts. The meeting is an opportunity to let them know you're still keen to work for the university and see what they can do to support you. At my university they support staff in your position to guarantee interviews for similar positions. Most universities are keen to retain good staff but it's hard when so much work is short-term fixed contracts. Be really positive and who know what might happen!

This. I had a fixed term contract at a university, landed a permanent job, and then was given a nice fellowship at the original university because they liked my work. Don’t give up on a possible opportunity…attend the meeting, express interest in anything that might turn up, and leave on a good note. Also, ask your line manager for a positive letter of recommendation.

Another saying you aren’t being sacked, your contract is ending and they can’t afford to offer you another one. This is not the same thing,

go, it’ll probably be quite nice.

This is standard with a fixed term contract. I'd go and then see if there's a redundancy pool or something if you like it there.

Are you on a research or temporary teaching position, OP? If so, this is the norm, particularly if your position has been tied to a grant that is ending.

The meeting is likely to be a pro forma but the academic world is small. Word gets around. You need to behave with professionalism if you want to stay a part of it, or even if you just want people to think of you for other opportunities.

Academic life is awful right now. Best wishes

I would go - they may offer you another contract for another post. There is no harm in networking and keeping friendly with former colleagues or employers.

Did you post this a few weeks ago OP?? I would go if I was you - can be a small world out there

Definitely go, my DH has been in this position in a similar context working for a uni so I know how it works with funding etc. they might find you something else. He got a mat leave cover for a year

Go to the meeting. You are not being sacked or even made redundant. You are on a FTC and there isn’t the funding to co time the project. This isn’t personal and it must have been something you were aware might happen on a FTC.

This is spot on.

Just go.
You will regret not going.
Nothing worst than not having your contract renewed will happen. You are ready for the worst. Just go and leave in good terms.
They could have just sent you a letter saying your contract will not be renewed. But they are going through the bother of talking to you. Just, do the same.
Best luck with your future employment! Whenever a door closes another one opens.