I handed in my notice today

[Cherryblossom200]

Hi all,

Im in my 6 month probationary period, I was made redundant in my last job where I worked for almost 3 years.

My new role has been a complete sh*tshow from the start, incredibly unprofessional, too much work, unrealistic deadlines, boss who can’t handle her stress levels and is flat out rude to everyone. The list goes on. Last week we were all told that my company is being bought out, so I anticipate that I will be one of the first to be made redundant as I don’t think they will probably need me.

I’ve been deeply unhappy for a long time and wanted to leave for a while. I have savings from my redundancy which I wanted to keep, but things have got so bad that I just decided today I couldn’t handle things anymore and spoke to HR and said I wanted to leave. She called in the head of my department and we talked it through, she said she didn’t want me to leave (mainly because they would be stuffed as I look after a big account), but I don’t see any changes will be made.

I’ve told them I’m not happy, and will see what they come back with based on my feedback.

Im a full time single parent, things aren’t easy and I’m aware I’m taking a risk. But I want to find a job I’m happy in. Am I mad for doing what I’ve done?!

I guess that depends on your financial situation and what the job market is like in your sector.

I think you're a bit mad, yes. It's easier to get a job, when you're in a job. & you can't have been paid that much redundancy pay when you were only at your previous job 3 years

its not a risk I would have taken as a single parent.

I would consider anything they come back with very seriously. But job hunt like mad!

getting out is definitely the right thing to do!

best of luck!!

My redundancy was really good I managed to negotiate a good settlement.

How long will your settlement keep you going for?

About another 6/7 months

i think my employer thinks they can get away with treating me like rubbish as they know my situation.

Do you think you will be able to find something else quite quickly? Will you be able to survive with benefits if you run out of money?

I found something after a month of looking, I accepted the first job offered to me.

I’ve got really good experience, but also understand the job market is really difficult. So I know it won’t be easy, however I want a job which I enjoy and work with nice people. I’d rather try and find something which is better.

Well it’s still a bit mad, finding a job you love makes total sense, but handing your notice in when you’ve not even been there 6 months is a bit reckless. However you seem confident you will find something else quickly so hopefully it works out for you! Think ahead about how you will explain why you may be unemployed, I think many employers would assume you failed probation so just be ready for those questions. I guess asides from financial risks the main risk is that the next thing doesn’t make you happy either. Fingers crossed the next job works out 🤞

Not necessarily, probation is a two way thing. It has to be right for the employee as much as the employer. I think leaving shows strength. Plus I have a good reason to leave as my company is being bought out so I can explain that to a future employer.

That’s good! I hope it all works out for you

Yes I think you’re correct.
It won’t get any better .
You will find something else and have time to be a parent !!
good luck and well done for standing up to a bad workplace situation .

Good luck - I would have done the same thing! You have your redundancy which will help and give you more time to find a more suitable position -

Thank you 😊 I hope so 🤞 I weirdly feel empowered but scared all at the same time!

I was made redundant, finally found another job after 16 months - left that after 5 months because of being micromanaged. I got a letter today to say I've passed my probation at the new new job I got to replace it. I did find the replacement job first though. It's not an easy market out there.

And I did take a little pleasure in just giving a week's notice to the previous one, because I was still on probation...

well done you!! So pleased for you!
My aim was to try and find a new job while in this one but I’m finding it impossible to do so as I’m flat out in this role, I have no time to job search. I find it easier when I’m not working. I also don’t want to wait to be made redundant from this new job (which will happen) I’d rather it be my choice if that makes sense.

It makes perfect sense. You sound strong and resilient OP, I no I said it’s a bit mad but from how you talk I think you will be just fine! It’s great that you can come out of redundancy and then a crap culture in work and still no your worth

This job sounds awful and was never going to get any better. At least now you can focus all your energy on finding something else.

I don’t think you’re mad and you were spot on in saying probation is a two way street. Unfortunately when you have under 2 years’ service you are a sitting target for an employer looking to reduce headcount. The working environment in your current workplace sounds soul destroying and draining. Due to the fact you’re still in probation going off sick wouldn’t really help (I’ve lost count of the number of cases of failed probations because the employee went off sick).

When you’re unemployed or off sick you have more time and energy on your hands to apply for jobs, prep for interviews, take part in interviews and crucially in some cases the ability to start a new job immediately. You can’t really spend the time you’re at work looking for new jobs/taking telephone or Teams calls etc about possible new jobs, so you miss out on a lot of opportunities while in work.
Then there’s the awkward getting time off for interviews. I even had a mare getting time off to go for interviews when I was nearing the end of a 6 month fixed term job before! The only time I’ve found it easy to take time off for interviews when I’ve already been working was when I was temping.

PS Good luck with your next role!

Thanks everyone, I’ve woken up feeling confident in my decision. There are people in my team who have been in the company for 25 years who know no better, they are desperately unhappy but worried about change and would rather be treated badly. I’ve worked for some really good companies in the past, so I know they exist.

I've jumped ship after a much shorter spell in a new job when it hasn't felt right. I've always taken the rest of the week off and then signed up with temping agencies just to keep the money coming in. (It does help that I look for customer service/call centre/admin/receptionist roles which are generally available).

I’m still there (at the moment) I had a chat with a few people who have asked me to stay and see if I feel after a few days. I had a three day weekend, I don’t feel any different. I had an awful week and was physically and mentally drained come Friday. Instead of realising that I’m about to leave and make positive changes to help with my role they put unrealistic deadlines/expectations on me which is just driving me to leave even more.

This evening I’m dreading going in tomorrow 😢

Life is very short. If you can support yourself whilst you look, then more power to you 🙂Worst comes to the worst, you can pick up temp jobs in many areas - I've always said I'd flip burgers or drive buses to pay the mortgage if I had to, so telling a crap employer to shove it is extremely satisfying and shows you're not desperate thanks, and that their work environment is utter shite. A lesson for THEM, methinks.

We had a lass in the civil service who did 2 days and walked out 😂😂😂
Bad employers don't learn.

Good for u OP! If you can feed yourselves without a wage for a few months - do it! You won't be lying on the your death bed regretting your decision I promise you!