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’m on a fixed term university research contract which ends in three weeks’ time. I always knew this was going to happen. It is completely normal in academia, if brutal. Everyone knows that unfortunately this is how the system works and that not having another contract lined up or not being kept on after the contract ends is in no way a reflection of your abilities or performance. People commenting from outside the sector may not know how brutal it is.

This may be an HR box ticking exercise or it may open the door to other possibilities. Not going, or thinking of it as ‘sacking’, is petty and unprofessional. Your line manager is unlikely to be impressed. Unless you want to leave academia for good, go to the meeting and see what they say. It’s no reflection on you that you’re in this position.

Yup, as per everyone else, you aren't being sacked!

Go. They have to discuss alternative options for you. You should already be placed on a redeployment registry which will allow you to have first dibs on any suitable jobs coming up.

You're NOT being sacked! If you have ever actually been 'sacked' you'd know just how insensitive your post is! Being sacked (actually sacked!) is very traumatic.

In your case, your contract is up which you've had full knowledge of since you signed it!

It's sad, yes, but get a grip and stop using such inflammatory language.

'My contract is ending' - is what's happening to you and what you need to be saying.

You definitely need to go to the meeting. You might not be able to change the immediate outcome - this role is ending. But you can use the opportunity to showcase what you have achieved over the last two years and leave on the best terms possible with as many people as possible in the meeting and in the team.

Leave with a great impression and you will be the person that they think of when another opportunity comes up, or they hear of something perfect for you in the future.

Think of it like a 'reverse' interview. They say "we are sorry we are not able to find the funding to keep this position open "and you say:

"I'm very sorry to hear that too because I have enjoyed working here for the last two years. I'm particularly proud of projects x, y and z. I appreciate the connections I've made here and would like to note how well colleague x and I worked together and how welcome team y made me on project y.

I'm keen to keep in touch and would definitely be open to any similar opportunities in the future"

etc etc etc

If they don't offer you something else right there and then - different role or interview then make sure you get the names and contact details of everyone relevant and send a follow up email to the meeting where you go over -

how much you've enjoyed the role/team
a brief reminder of how you've been a team player / achievements
praise some key colleagues/teams
tell them again you're interested in hearing about any other opportunity

They may be inviting you to discuss different positions, I think you would be silly not to go.

This.
I had to pick up the prices when a friend was sacked out of the blue.

Your contracts ending. They could be asking about another position.

Go to the meeting. There might be something in the pipeline that isn't far enough along to be put in writing. There may be someone who is going to leave but hasn't made it official yet. Somebody going on maternity leave etc. Don't burn your bridges, networking is always useful.

Yes, definitely go to the meeting. It will reflect badly on you if you don't and you never know what fate has in store.

This is incredibly unprofessional, You're a contractor. Your contract is finished, its that simple, of course you should go.

Just go…..they might have insider info of other jobs to apply for

You're being incredibly insulting to people who get sacked. Your contract is ending. Be professional, go to the meeting, never leave on bad terms. Because funding can suddenly turn up or people can leave. And you don't want to be remembered as the sulky, rude, childish one.

It sounds like you were hoping an opportunity would arise despite knowing your contract was coming to an end, and it's a shame that hasn't happened.

As everyone says, you should go. Get what you can out of the meeting. It sounds like you've been a good employee so you should leave feeling better about the situation.

I've worked in academia on short term contracts and it's unsettling. I hope something more permanent comes along for you.

Not wanting to get your hopes up as I don’t know your institution but it’s not unusual for short term contracts to come to an end due to a lack of funding then a month or so later that person is re-employed. Either in same role or something similar.

My daughter is in a similar position but for RE. How soon does the review come back? Just because if you only put 1 paper in for review, do you not run the risk of missing the deadline on the second?

Other than avoidance of some mild temporary discomfort, I don't understand, what is the point of not going?

Does not going in any way change your employment contract?
What possible reason could you have for not going?

Wrong thread?

@Risingsun93 don't burn your bridges...

Not turning up will reflect badly on you. It's not your fault but not their fault either.

I know someone who attended a similar meeting and although there was no funding to renew the role, they were then offered a very different role because they liked them as a person.

Definitely go and then work on your ‘dealing with confrontation’ skills. Honestly not being facetious, it will help you in the long run. So many people struggle in awkward situations and lose so much because of it.

You are not being sacked. You would be a fool not to go.

Go, smile and tell them you are open to opportunities to stay if any arise. Who knows what will come up before November.

They are formally acknowledging the end of your contract.
Would you rather they just said bye and waved as you walked out on the last day?
You are not being sacked.
If you as petulant as your post sounds, I’d find you tricky to work with

You definitely need to go. Hear what they say. They could suggest another role…

Just go, be reasonably pleasant, then get on with life.

Are you in a union? If so, suggest you get advice.

This meeting may well be a legal requirement, though depends on your employment contract. I believe if it’s a redundancy, there has to be a formal consultation meeting. As others have said, there may be something to gain from attending, such as offers of alternative posts. There’s certainly nothing to lose if you attend.