So it turns out I'm crap at my job, now what happens?

[WateryFowls]

I'm four months into a six month probation period. Have had a couple of scheduled meetings, all seemed good. There was one small issue that I admitted I needed a bit more explanation with as it's very complicated, they all agreed it was and we moved on.

Today I get a letter saying they've called a meeting to discuss some issues and laid out three things, two of which are a bolt out of the blue, the other one was the one I had mentioned. Meeting in a couple of days and told I can bring a colleague or union rep.

Bottom of the letter says they stress that they are aiming to help me resolve these issues but is this usually the case? I feel totally gutted and thrown. I thought I'd settled in well and was getting into the job. Now I feel like a complete failure and don't know where to go from here. Does anyone know what is likely to happen?

That’s good news!!

I’m sure all the posters who were saying you were getting sacked will be happy

This will be a defining moment, but you might become a star yet

Pleased to read your update OP. Sorry you had to go,through so much angst though!
Not just civil servants who are told to bring a union rep for a pee then! 😂

Dolly I'm in education, not directly with children so no harm to anyone. Issues were vaguely filing related and prioritising. I was being flippant when I said they were very small concerns, clearly they aren't to be pulled up on them. But they weren't as huge as I was expecting if that makes sense. Yes I will ask for a review in a couple of weeks to check I'm on track. I really love the job and don't want to lose it. Hopefully I'll become a star yet

Great news. Now you have to sneak all your stuff back into the office

When I think of the ingenuity it took to get my pot plant past the boss's window yesterday evening...

Lol. I’m glad it went better than expected op. Did they give you clear guidance or targets so you understand completely what is being asked and can show progress? They may have been off with you all week because they were dreading the meeting. Only the most sadistic managers look forward to those!

Will they give you a written a note of the meeting and what was agreed ? If not email it to your union rep and get them to email you back with any clarifications. It’s unusual for you have to bring a rep into a prob

They haven't given me it in writing, I might ask for that on Monday. I do understand exactly what is being asked and am making sure that happens. I had a chat with my immediate superior who will be monitoring me and asked for weekly catch ups to check that I'm on track rather than waiting till the end of the period. She was more than happy with that and said she'd do anything to support me. It's been much better there the last two days.

Ugh. I wouldn’t stay there. I know you like the team and the work but the way your mangers/company has taken this forward suggests this is going to be a head fuck of a place to work. It’s poor form, a good manager would be meeting with you weekly to feedback and discuss training where needed, not blindside you and leave you anxious. I had a nervous breakdown from this kind of situation long term - remember they are on probation too, and you get decide whether it’s where you want to spend the vast amount of your day. Are they encouraging, supportive, trustworthy, communicative, reliable & approachable? Do you trust them to not be wrapped in endless nonsensical box ticking exercises? Because it sounds from your post that they are not worth it. Consider their actions, not their words, and Definitely not if the words aren’t in writing.

IME (HR) quite a few organisations allow union reps in first informal performance meetings, particularly if they are highly unionised.

Glad it went well OP, but I would agree - ask for what was agreed in writing, especially what your objectives and timescales are.

They may just be trying really hard to manage performance from the very beginning and stick to procedure. What do terms and conditions say about performance management in probation period?

What support are they offering? If they are raising issues as part of a probationary period, they should be offering you support to improve. And you should have a written copy of the meeting discussions and actions.

Just an update for anyone who cares, although I'm sure no one does! Had review meeting today and passed probation with flying colours. They're super pleased with my progress and were full of praise. So, phew! But all slightly odd really.

Well done Fowls! :)

Delurking to say well done and thank you for the update.

As you say, all a bit weird, but hopefully that's the end of it!

Thrilled for you

Well done

Well done that woman! Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and all that...

Congrats and well done! Remember how that felt when you're the boss someday

I doubt I'll be a boss but yes, I would hate to put someone else through that.

Thanks everyone. It really helped having somewhere to vent and get support. The best part of MN.

CHUFFED for you!

That’s really good news 💐

I don't know

I had this in a new job. Given things I needed to improve on and I cried when I got home, licked my wounds and went in the next day determined to fix it.

I'd had my probation extended.

I'm still there nearly 2 years later